Mustangs V Beckenham 2nd XV – 23/09/06

Result: Lost 42-12

The Mustangs travelled to Beckenham full of expectation in this top of the table clash but unfortunately ended up being comprehensively beaten by a side whose clear intention was to get under the skin of the Maidstone forwards. As a result, this inflammatory tactic led to some ill-tempered exchanges in first 10 minutes of the match and culminated in the stamping of hooker Nick East by a Beckenham player. The resultant incident left him with in a 2 inch vertical cut on his cheek, which had it been an inch higher would have caused severe damage to his eye. Unfortunately this was unseen by the referee but was independently witnessed and condemned by supporters from both sides. Distracted by this incident, the ball was moved out to the Beckenham backs and they ran in unopposed under the posts.

After receiving treatment, Nick East returned to the fray and to his and the forwards credit and despite the unsavoury atmosphere, the forwards kept their discipline and focus and began to dominate Beckenham up front. This was particularly evident in the driving mauls and the scrums where they were repeatedly pushed them off their own ball. However, in the loose, the superior speed and fitness of the Beckenham pack allowed their forwards to provide enough quick ball to feed their formidable back-line. As a result of this and a number of penetrating runs which drew in the Maidstone defence, they scored their second try by creating the overlap for their winger to score in the corner mid-way through the first half.

This score appeared to rally the Mustangs and after sustained forward pressure on the Beckenham 10 meter line, James Ferris exploited the space on the blind side to score a well taken try just before half - time. The half closed with the score at 17-5 with the Mustangs in confident and defiant mood that if they continued to press home their forward advantage and by starving the Beckenham backline of any decent possession that the deficit could be cut.

The second half started well for the Mustangs and it appeared that the platform had been set for a revival but an interception on the half way line five minutes after the re-start allowed Beckenham to run in unopposed. This seemed to take the wind out of the Maidstone sails and within minutes a clever kick over the Maidstone defensive line led to another score. By this time most sides would have capitulated but with some rearrangement of the Maidstone back line, they quickly responded with an incisive break by full back Ian Howson coming into the line which allowed winger Chris Leggat to sprint around his opposite number and score. This was then successfully converted by Mike Laurenson from near the right hand touch line to bring Maidstone up to 12 points and their last score of the game.

From this point forward, the game then began to open up further and by getting players to the break down first allowed Beckenham to continue to play a fast expansive game which Maidstone could not respond to. Despite some good passages of play towards the end of the game which linked both forwards and backs, Maidstone were always playing catch-up and the game went completely away from them as Beckenham continued to add their try tally in the last 10 minutes of the game

The raking incident obviously marred the game and relations between the 2 sides were strained, a situation which was not helped by a minority of spectators who were intent on fueling the highly charged atmosphere with a number of disparaging and unnecessary comments. This aside, the Mustangs were beaten by a side who played to their strengths by getting quick ball out to a back line which was too strong for Maidstone.

Individually, a special mention goes to James Ferris as this weeks man of the match, who scored a good try, led from the front and never gave up.

Despite the defeat, spirits are still high and taking the positives and lessons learnt from the game, the Mustangs now look forward to a re-match at home later in the season. Next week, there is no game scheduled for the Mustangs, which will give them the time needed to re-group, rest those players who are carrying injuries and prepare for their next league game away to Tunbridge Wells on October 7th.

Maidstone Scorers:

Tries: Ferris, Leggat
Conversions: Laurenson (1)

Squad: Laurenson, Leggat, Howson, Dyke, Mann, Ferris (capt.), Malejac, Thurgood, East, Plowman, (Pritchard) Bacon, Farbrace, Lee, Smith, Court,

Andy Golding
Maidstone 2nd Team Coach