Thanet II 36,Maidstone III 7
Maidstone 3rd XV 7
Thanet 2nd XV 36
Five enforced changes in the pack did not help Maidstone and despite the return of the legendary Dougie Craig it was always going to be difficult against a young and eager Thanet II. Despite this all the replacements gave 100% for the cause –notably the 2 wingers who flanked, Jez and Stu bates, and the two second rows Richard and Phil, who, after being pushed all over the park in the first half, dug in and shored up the scrum after the break. Credit too to prop Andy West, who probably should have gone off, but stuck with it and manfully saw out the game against a beast of a front row.
Early exchanges went with the home team and they scored twice from moves which appeared to involve knock ons, but Maidstone need to ensure they play to the whistle. A penalty for a silly infringement gave them a 17-0 half time lead, but Maidstone had made a mark, notably from a couple of big hits from the newcomer Craig – you never lose it.
The second half saw a dogged response from Maidstone, but some useful backplay from Thanet saw them extend their lead with 2 well worked tries. Maidstone persevered and twice drove close to the line. A third 5 metre line out saw them catch and drive, with the old stalwart prop Mac coming up with the try. Credit to the pack who had been on the back foot for most of the game. Young scrum half Euan Caborn converted.
A tough encounter all round but Maidstone showed a grit and determination that should bode well for the coming games. Thanks go to all players particularly Alex Baxter who turned out at very short notice and to Luke Day who didn’t quite make it to the pitch but made a huge effort to get there.
Man of match – Mac, awesome!!
