|
|
|
|
Maidstone 17 Jersey 38 |
|
Maidstone’s six match unbeaten league run came to an abrupt end on Saturday going down 38 to 17 to channel islanders Jersey.
Jersey have put together a quite formidable team from more than just the Bergerec island! Maidstone had the first say however with 3 well struck Dave Charlton penalties.
The home side competed well and stopped the ominous jersey pack until just on half time when the visitors crossed for a try.
At 9-5 at half time Maidstone could have reasonably expected to build on the lead they had but having gone into the side weakened with 3 key players missing they were further hampered with loss of backs Mark Ryan (collar bone) and Martin Arnold (hamstring).
The reorganisation meant the centre pairings were now 2 back row players, Ed Davis and Nick Sargent. Against this side it was asking a lot. The key period was 15 minutes either side of half time when jersey amassed 17 points with 2 more tries in quick succession. Dave Charlton reduced the arrears with a further penalty. Jersey used their pack strength to cross for a further try and when lightening back Ryan Morgan crossed for a smart solo try at the posts you would have expected Maidstone’s heads to drop. Not a bit of it!! A line out on the 22 saw the catch and drive movement force it’s way to the jersey line and Hooker Tom Rogers got the touch down.
The visitors then turned the ball over and it was their skipper O’Brien beat the defence to score just on full time.
Maidstone will have naturally been disappointed in the result but as skipper Jon Sargent said afterwards.’This was as good a side as we have played all season.
They now have 4 more league games to get some more points to ensure they will be safe,such is the tight nature of the table with a mere 3 point dividing 3rd and 9th places!
Team Moore, Malejec, Porter, Arnold (Anning), Ryan (N Sargent), Charlton, Ferris, Mcilroy, Rogers, Hollister (Jeffrey), Matthews, Johnson (Cummings), Jon Sargent(C) Davis, Court |