Sheppey 2nd XV 22  Maidstone 4th XV 39

Little tip to any supporter.  Watch out Richard Ewence is looking for a match reporter.  Having agreed to do this one I hope that the 4th’s continue their strong start!

Skipper Ewence felt that he had a very strong side selected for the game against Sheppey.  It became apparent very early on that this was the understatement of the season.  The packs dominance both in the set plays and the loose was so immense that a slight wobble in the scrum in the second half was a bit of a surprise.  The wins against the head  in the scrum was akin to a cricket score and the when Sheppey stopped challenging in the lineout, you could see no way back for the host club.

Playing against the slope in the first half was the only real challenge and two well worked tries by Darren Banfield and Jack Shiraby gave Maidstone a deserved lead at half time.  Sheppey responded with three penalty conversions from the “second row” kicking sensation ( I think that is what the fan club said!), to keep in touch with the rampant Maidstone side.

The second half carried on with Maidstone strong up front and providing the perfect platform for fly half Craig Bowden to work the ball along the backs.  At open side Andy Vickers put in the tackles to stop Sheppey in their tracks.  Richard Ewence, Charlie Flynn, Matt Vickers and Shaun Maye continually created problems with some good runs at the Sheppey line as well strong work at the breakdowns.  Francis Hatega direct line of running and tackling created problems all match long.  With so much dominance Maidstone were soon back on the score sheet.

Tries by Darren Banfield, Craig Bowden and Shaun Maye extend Maidstone’s lead to 32-12 with 15 minutes to go.

Well into the last quarter of the game Sheppey mounted a small revival from a well worked try which was matched by a score for winger Connor Brooker who benefited from the overlap to score.  Sheppey scored in the last seconds of the match to give some creditability to the score.

Maidstone created a number of good chances to have added to their score in the second half and on another day could have added a further twenty points to reflect the difference between the sides. 

Man of the match selection was a difficult choice this week.  Richard Ewence captaincy and work in the loose, Charlie Flynn’s gallops, Darren Banfields finishing and points tally, Matt Vickers forward display, Shaun Maye’s debut, Andy Vickers endless tackle count and support play?  In the end it was Francis Hatega’s mix of rugby and American Football “running back” display punching holes in the Sheppey defence who took the winning vote.

Steve Vickers.

Tries: Darren Banfield (2), Shaun Maye, Craig Bowden, Connor Brooker, Jack Shiraby.

Convs: Darren Banfield (3)

Pens: Darren Banfield

Team:  Ollie Coomber,Matt Vickers,Shaun Maye,Richard Ewence,Tom Clarke,Andy Vickers,Chris Finch,Charlie Flynn,Ben Jones,Craig Bowden,Connor Brooker,Francis Hatega,Darren Banfield,Jack Shiraby,George Coomber,Andy Bell.