SENIOR NEWS ROUND-UP 21st NOVEMBER 2005
Faced with a choice between enjoying the warmth and atmosphere in front of the TV in the club-house on Saturday and venturing out to watch the 1st Team playing Thanet Wanderers in the League, many made the wrong choice and endured the agony of England’s defeat when they could have enjoyed the ecstacy of Maidstone’s thrilling 32 – 23 victory instead.
This was a vital game for Maidstone, as defeat would have dropped Maidstone well into the relegation zone, whereas victory has moved us to 4 places off the bottom of the table. It also showed that Maidstone have all the attributes needed to hold their own at this level.
Maidstone’s win owed more than a little to the return of Fly-half David Charlton (44) who seems to have aged considerably according to the Match Day programme. It must have been dis-heartening for Thanet’s numerous supporters to see a veteran playing so well against them but it could be good news for Maidstone’s Vets: Glyn would do well to get him signed up before anyone notices the error.
Not that the Vets need much strengthening at the moment. Regrettably, they were unable to test themselves against Sevenoaks Acorns, who are usually one of the best sides on the circuit, as Sevenoaks cried off early in the week. This left plenty of time to arrange a fixture away to Ashford 3s where a further win was notched up to the tune of 24 – 10.
Maidstone B were also away at Ashford, where they drew 10-10 in a friendly against Ashford IV. No further information has emanated from B head-quarters.
Maidstone A kicked off at 12:30 against Sevenoaks 3rds in a Mid Kent A League Match and won 24 – 0 with three converted tries and a penalty. Maidstone are now comfortably top of this Division and it is hard to imagine the Mid Kent A League title going anywhere but back to Maidstone this year if Michael can keep his (ageing) troops mustered.
England’s game against NZ may well have had an unfortunate impact on the remaining scheduled fixtures. The Mustangs agreed to an early Kick-off at the request of Charlton Park, only to have them cry off late on wednesday night (just after our selectors had wasted 2 hours assembling 6 sides). Since that gave Maidstone the League points, it was decided to rest the Mustangs this week and concentrate resources on the remaining 5 sides. It was therefore hugely frustrating to get a call from Gravesend at 12:30 on Saturday to say that they weren’t coming to play our 4th Team . Had the call come even 2 hours earlier, we could have probably arranged a fixture with another club but at such short notice there wasn’t even time to call the players and tell them not to come. This caused much wailing and gnashing of teeth in one household in particular as father and son combination Keith & George Coomber were scheduled to play their first game together in front of a vast rent-a-crowd of family supporters. They had to content themselves with a nice family outing to Brixton to see Motorhead instead. All that head-banging and not a scrum-cap between them!! Apologies to all those players who didn’t get a game and special thanks to Monty for getting the team together as stand-in skipper for the week. Better luck next week.
If you didn’t get a game at the week-end, please let your skipper and/or Jerry Sargent know your availability for next week. Its [email protected]
It was really cold at training on Thursday night – I was reliably informed, so it was a nice surprise to find that a cauldron of steaming hot food had been prepared by Trevor and Noel for all the hardy souls who had been freezing their nuts off out on The Somme. Not sure if this is to be a regular feature but it might entice the discerning gourmets amongst us to turn up more often. Nice idea.
Also in the club-house on Thursday night was Bob-Beney, selling off 125 merchandise at cost price to clear it out before the end of this anniversary year. The bargains were astounding. A 125 fleece and hat for £20 !!!! I got mine and very warm they are too – not to mention stylish. Arouse envy in all your friends and buy these iconic items whilst they are still available. It’s a long time to wait for the 150 year edition.
There are 5 matches to look forward to on Saturday (26th)– with the Mustangs headlining at home against Dartfordians in the Invicta League. Then there is the chance to watch Maidstone First Team in Kent Cup Action against Folkestone at 2:00 on Sunday 27th. Miss it and miss out !!
RE
Stop Press.
1) The posters are now up in the club-house for the Carols at Christmas (or 17th December to be more precise). Carols at 5:30 will be followed by the Christmas Draw and then musical entertainment will be provided by George Chilcott and his Drippin’ Taps. What better way to get into the Christmas mood. Make sure you invite the whole family.
2) I’ve heard that its “pie and beans” after training on Thursday this week. A perfect way to replenish some of those lost calories before you have even noticed that they’re missing !!