(Tries: Monteiro 2, Burrill
Cons: Ellesmere 2)

Two almost identical interception tries from Dominic Monteiro from inside his own half eventually put paid to a stubborn Sevenoaks team in this Mid Kent “D” fixture.  ‘Monty’ even had a chance of a third interception before deciding to give his legs a break and seek solace and support from the right wing!  His tries sandwiched a 40th birthday celebratory try from No. 8 Mark Burrill as the Stones gradually turned the screw in the second half.

In a very even first half both defences were on top, with the Stones open side flanker, Jake Palmer, particularly enjoying the physicality.  The Barbarians possibly shaded it out wide, albeit with too many dropped passes, although Sevenoaks mauling game gave the hosts’ forwards plenty to think about.  This was exacerbated by second row Steve Pooley being sin-binned for the first time in his 48 year career shortly before the break for persistent offside. He later made amends by buying a jug of beer!

Despite being down to 14 men, the Stones not only held on until half time but stole the lead early in the second with Monteiro’s first try, with the extras being added by fly-half Matt Ellesmere.  Mark Burrill, whose barrelling runs a couple of days after his big 4-0h were a feature of the game, added a second after Maidstone turned over Sevenoaks scrum close to their try-line.  

In an attempt to rescue the game Sevenoaks pressed forward only to see ‘not him again’ Monteiro burgle another Oaks pass for a second converted try.  By this time the Barbarians pack, marshalled superbly by stand-in skipper Paul Arthurs, had gained complete control over the tiring Sevenoaks’ forwards to shut out the visitors and complete a well deserved victory.