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Maidstone 3rd XV 13
Aylesford 3rd XV 10
First v second in the table and a local derby to boot, there was a lot at
stake in this match. Aylesford had been 1 point clear in the league and
Maidstone have yet to lose to them in any Mid Kent A league fixtures. This
trend was to continue but Maidstone left it very late, but perhaps that
made it all the more satisfying.
Early skirmishes were fairly equal and it was Aylesford who took the lead
from a penalty in front of the post after a Maidstone infringement at a
ruck. However, Maidstone then began to dominate territory and possession,
forcing Aylesford to defend and live off scraps. A neat blindside break by
Baxter saw him feed Pete Mattinson, who in turn gave a well time pass to
James Sullivan on the left wing. With 15 metres to go and three defenders
covering it seemed as if James would run out of space, but his pace and
determination took him down the touchline and he just managed to squeeze
into the corner for a great finish. This score gave Maidstone the
confidence to push on, but in doing so a pass from Dom Baxter to his old
team mate Api saw the big Fijian gratefully accept the interception pass and
run 40 yards to score under the posts. A bitter blow to Maidstone just
before half time.
Maidstone came out for the second half determined to get back on top and
early pressure on the Aylesford line gave them a penalty from close range
which John Hogarth slotted to make it 10-8.
Maidstone then battered the Aylesford line with driving mauls from line
outs and five metre scrums, but the Aylsford defence was committed and
strong, repelling every attack and twice holding players up over the line.
It seemed that they were destined to hold on, however the age less Hogarth
had other ideas. Quick ball from the lineout in the Aylesford 22 saw him
dummy scissors with Baxter and scythe through the defence. He then sent
out a miss pass wide to winger Sullivan, who caught the ball behind him
and outsprinted the defence to score in the corner for his second try. A
moment of magic and certainly one to savour, with only 2 minutes lft to
play. From thre restart, Maidstone drove and earned a penalty, which they
put to touch for the last play of the game. However, Aylesford nicked the
ball and tried to run it, only to knock on and give the game and top spot
in the league to Maidstone. A deserved if nervy win, but we will gladly
take it.
A number of players gave there all for victory: Mark Fish should have been
in bed with a hot water bottle and a bottle of night nurse; Paul Glover,
his second row partner, threw up half way through the first half; and man
of the match, hooker, Mike Hill, had his ribs crushed again, but carried
on to the end- his line out throwing, scrummaging, tackling and
contribution in the loose were invaluable. Thanks are also due to manager
and physio Roger Bentley, who managed to administer treatment to Mike's
ribs by pouring water on them. Well done Roger, stick to the old
traditional methods!
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Copyright(c) Maidstone Rugby Club |
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