SENIOR NEWS ROUND-UP 5th DECEMBER 2005
Not such a successful week for the club as last week – but still some good results to report.
Sadly, the 1st Team lost to a pretty good Portsmouth side after managing to lead for much of the match and then losing it to 2 hotly disputed Portsmouth tries. Steve Matthews was absolutely outstanding once again, not only in the line-out where he is simply awesome but also in open play whether attacking or defending. The Maidstone try that came after about 10 minutes, was so well executed (from a quick catch and off-load at the back of a line out) that the defenders were left rooted to the spot as the try was scored under the posts. It was text-book stuff.
However, this result means that Maidstone have slipped one place in the table and really need to gain wins against fellow strugglers Lewes at home next week and away against out-of -form Thanet Wanderers the following week.
It was hugely frustrating for The Mustangs to gain a walk-over against Gravesend II in the Invicta League following Gravesend’s Friday night cry-off as they were all revved up and ready to play but there was absolutely nothing available on the Fixture Exchange. Still, not quite as frustrating as for The 4th Team, many of whom had actually set off for Sheppey before Sheppey called to say that they couldn’t field a side. Had we known a couple of hours earlier, the Mustangs and 4s could have mixed and matched 2 teams and played a match at home. Apologies to all the players who didn’t get a game. Obviously we do everything possible to avoid this kind of occurrence but it still happens. Glad to say that next week’s fixtures look a little more secure.
The 3rds had a long trek down to Hastings to face a very good Hastings & Bexhill II.
Hastings were winning with 5 minutes to go but the Dream Team managed to pull off another League Victory in winning 20-15.
The B, playing in Mote Park were less fortunate against Hastings & Bexhill III, going
down 14-7 in a well contested League match.
The Veterans meanwhile, took to the field against Gravesend’s excellent Moles team, with 24 players – not all of whom were allowed on the field at once. The game was wrapped up in Maidstone’s favour by half time, allowing the 2nd half crew to play as though they didn’t need to cross the try line at all, which was just as well really because they hardly did. However, it was another victory to chalk up in what has been the Veteran’s most successful season for years (so far).
It seems to be getting very dark by the time the final whistle comes these days but fortunately there are only 2 more weeks before the solstice and the days start getting longer again. Hurrah !!
A message from Trevor Marvin: There are bins in all of the changing rooms so can we please make use of them –especially for bloody plasters and dressings etc. as unfortunately the changing rooms don’t clean themselves.
Don’t forget Christmas Carols and jazz band after the games on the 17th to get us into the mood for Christmas. New Years Eve party follows the games on the 31st.
Many subs are still outstanding. Make sure you have paid yours.
RE