Maidstone 3rd XV 22
Folkestone 2nd 26
In this cup outing Maidstone travelled to the coast knowing that there was
only one way to beat these youngsters and that was to keep it tight and
batter them up front. For the most part they managed this but the
enthusiasm, spirit and plenty of talent in the Folkstone Academy team saw
them scrap over the winning line.
Early exchanges were promising for maidstone with the pack dominating set
pieces and a rejuvenated Dougie craig smashing big holes up the centre. A
catch and drive at a line out saw Maidstone bull doze their way to the try
line and Matt Ploughman came up with the score - just reward for his
excellent tight work this season and last.
Folkstone were not deterred and continued to run the ball at every
opportunity, with Maidstone scrambling in defence and managing to clear
the danger on a number of occasions. Finally a Folkstone break out proved
to swift and they were back in the game with a score under the posts.
Constant infringements at the breakdown saw Folkstone reduced to 14 to
match Maidstone following a dubious yellow card to Sean Charlton. The big
boot of Darren Banfield saw Maidstone restore their lead, but a second
half into the wind was going to be a challenge.
The power of the pack told when a five metre scrum saw maidstone drive
over the line and scrum half sean charlton poach the touchdown.
Maidstone relaxed and then let in a soft Folkstone try, and a couple of
penalties caused by frustration and tiredness and an inability to recycle
ruck ball. Folkestone also ran in a try from their own 22 showing there is
no substitute for youth and pace.
However, a dogged Maidstone came back from another 5m scrum and a pick up
and pop saw flanker Jacques Vrey barge over to give them a slight chance
and Banfield slotted from wide out. However, time was almost up and
Folkstone held on to win a well fought and tough encountrer.
good luck to them in the next round.
mention should go to the yougsters in the Maidstone team; Mike Hill
despite half a dozen injuries played with his usual robustness; jack
Shiraby debuted on the wing and showed plenty of promise; and Ben
Rookledge, at openside showed that you do not need to be big to be
effective-a great performance, all over the field and just the sort of
player we have missed at the break down ie he gets there!! Definitely my
man of the match
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