Maidstone 13                        Lewes 19

Maidstone arrived at the half way stage of the season  and will be disappointed to lose against fellow strugglers Lewes. This was undoubtedly a match they could and should have won especially with the amount of possession they created but were unable to convert it  into points. Former Maidstone youth player Scrum half James Ferris made his 1st team debut and was unfazed as he linked well with his backs and sniped around the scrum in the muddy conditions.

The visitors were first on the scoreboard having won a penalty deep inside the Maidstone half but the home side having lined up expecting a touch clearance kick were totally fooled by the Lewes number 8 who took a quick tap kick and sprinted the length of the pitch through numerous tackles to score at the posts! Although Maidstone took 2 strikes against the head far too many knock ons' and forward passes finally gifted another try to the visitors. A Dave Charlton Penalty reduced the arrears.

Maidstone frustratingly continued to create good possession but for it to be squandered. However a fine, controlled  forward charge to the Lewes line was halted illegally by second row Raikes, who collected a yellow card. This resulted in a penalty try. The reduced numbers  should have opened the flood gates and looked possible more than once but Maidstone’s backs  were still unable to launch meaningful attacks. A further Charlton penalty eased them in front for the first time but in spite of territorial advantage could not get the extra points needed. In the end it was Lewes who scored under the posts at the death to seal the victory.

Maidstone now find themselves at the bottom of the league on equal points with 2 other sides. They can look back on at least 4 matches they were in a position to win but failed to capitalise. They have shown they have the ability to win and they will have to translate all of this in the coming months when the play the same opposition second time round.

This begins on Saturday 18^th December KO 2.15 away to Thanet Wanderers

Try:              Penalty try

Conversion   Dave Charlton.

 Penalties      Dave Charlton 2

Team

Maidstone Glen Aukett, Eugine Moore, Martin Arnold, Steve Barnard, Mark Ryan, Dave Charlton, James Ferris

Scott McIlroy, Tom Rogers, Ed Pritchard, Sam Johnson, John O’Brien (Cummings), Steve Matthews, Ben Court, Jon Sargent (C) (McIvor)

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