|
|
|
|
Maidstone 17 Beckenham 13 |
|
Having posted three wins on the trot, the confidence in the Maidstone team was high coming into this game. The ability to compete with teams higher in the league was demonstrated in the previous week’s resounding win over local rivals, Sevenoaks. But Beckenham have always presented a more physical challenge, and after the earlier disappointing away loss, it was not clear at the outset that Maidstone could continue their winning run.
The conditions did not look to present Maidstone with any advantages either. While the sun was shining, the pitch was heavy, the temperature was low and a strong wind got up shortly before kick off to ensure the elements would have a big say in the type of game that could be played.
Maidstone fielded an unchanged side from last week, Martin Arnold having recovered from the hamstring strain that forced him to leave the field last week. His good form, paired with the physically combative Graves in the centre, continued and his strong tackling in the second period was a key feature. Indeed, the back line as a whole has begun to regain some semblance of penetration, noticeably absent when the team was playing poorly.
The confidence flowing through the side was in evidence within two minutes of the start as fullback Wilford collected a ball on the blindside from the first ruck of the game and, after selling the perfect dummy to his opposite number, gained the line near the corner flag. Craig Whitehead added the points to put the Stones seven points up.
Maidstone continued to pile on the early pressure resulting in a penalty in the Beckenham 22 after a good catch and drive had set up the position. Unfortunately, in the swirling wind, Whitehead missed this chance and from then on Beckenham began to use the conditions well, forcing Maidstone back into their half with raking kicks to the corner.
The grit and determination shown by Beckenham at this stage underscored the whole tenor of the game and it was only by matching them in this department that eventually ensured Maidstone posted their fourth consecutive win. For long periods, the home team was under pressure and, although the game was played largely in the Maidstone half, the opportunities to score were few and far between.
After twenty minutes, from a lineout on the Maidstone 22, the ball was moved right by Beckenham for the centre, Moore, to break two tackles before scoring under the posts. The conversion was a formality, and for the remainder of the half, Beckenham continued to pressure the Maidstone line. Two penalties, the second on the stroke of half time, saw the visitors into a solid 13-7 lead at the break.
The second half started in much the same vein except that the wind was now at Maidstone’s back and they used this to gain position to play in their opposition’s half. But Beckenham’s defence was as resolute as Maidstone’s had been in the first half and it took a key refereeing decision to give the home team a definitive edge on the half hour. Prop Roberts was yellow carded for persistent off-side and this enabled Maidstone to push home a weight advantage in the pack resulting in two tries in quick succession in the top left corner, the first finished off by hooker Rogers and the second by Arnold to give Maidstone a 17-13 lead.
No game with Maidstone allows an easy finish for its spectators and with it seemingly won, the home team managed to put themselves under pressure by some sloppy handling. After this sharp reminder, control was restored and the last few minutes were played without further incident.
Earlier in the season, the Stones were losing this type of game but the increasing spirit and confidence in the team ensured this was not the case this time. If they continue to play in this fashion, Maidstone can look forward to holding their place in this league with, perhaps, a top-half finish as a bonus.
Team:
John Wilford: Tim Porter; Neil Graves; Martin Arnold; Mark Ryan: Glen Aukett; Craig Whitehead: Rob Jeffrey; Tom Rogers (Cameron Annings - 75 mins); Simon Hollister: Sam Johnston (Dan Cummings - 65min); Steve Matthews: Jon Sargent (capt); Ed Davis; Ben Court |