This week Maidstone V’s prepared for the game of the season, putting out an immensely powerful team in preparation of welcoming the undefeated league toppers, Tonbridge Juddian V's.

Playing at Mote Park, our home away from home, Maidstone started the game looking strong. With the skillful footwork of Simon Wright hooking in the scrum, Maidstone managed to push the Judds back into their own 22 early into the match.

The Tonbridge response however was proving that to be top dog, you have to be prepared for anything thrown your way. They did this by holding off the Maidstone attack whilst utilising their fastest man to take advantage of all and any gaps. As the pacey winger sped across the pitch, Full back Paul Hodges stood in wait, the pair crashing off the pitch.

With the towering powerhouse Martin Carr jumping at the 1st pod it seemed almost unfair as Maidstone dominated the line-outs securing possession and managing to yet again push the visitors back into their 22.

Disaster struck in the form of injuries to Prop Lloyd Chitty and 2nd Row Dave Eiffert. As the pair left the pitch, Maidstone’s pressure began to ease.

With the Maidstone attack easing off, the Judds began change the pace. Their highly experienced forwards controlling the pace of the game, winning mauls and rucks they gained ground , reeling the Maidstone defense in, the Judds offloaded with a superb piece of play for the first try.

Further injuries followed, those leaving the pitch included former captain Martin Carr, and with this loss and uphill push, the Maidstone scrum finally fell apart. Being pushed off the ball and out muscled, the home side were getting desperate as more well played Tonbridge drills were scoring trys.

Opting to defend differently, the home side looked to the line-outs yet again to secure ground. With one of the regular jumpers now on the pitch, Maidstone once again dominated the line outs managing to pull back some ground.

With one final push forward from our own slippery winger Gary Hickey sidestepping the entire back line of the visitors, the home side looked certain to score. Yet again however, the experienced pack the visitors brought with them formed a wall of players, with the ball taken into contact for the last time, the game was finally over.

Against the undefeated Tonbridge Juddians, this was perhaps our toughest game of the season.

Maidstone can hold their heads high to have held their guests to 10 – 0 at half time.

The final score, Tonbridge Juddians 34, Maidstone 0.