Mustangs Vs Aylesford II’s – 29/10/07

Aylesford made the short journey to The Mote last Saturday, to take part in a greatly anticipated local rivalry. Owing to unavailability in the first team, the Mustangs were without several key members of the squad and a pack featuring 7 changes from the previous week took to the field under the guidance of guest coach, Shaun Neaves.

Maidstone got off to an encouraging start, once again the scrum beginning in dominant fashion and the rucking showing continued improvement. It was in fact a series of good drives from the forwards that led to the first try. Quick ruck ball was offered by the forwards, causing disorganisation in the Aylesford defensive line which allowed James Ferris to weave around the side of a ruck, finding a gap and sprinting over from 10 metres out to score under the posts and provide an easy conversion chance for Mike Laurenson – Maidstone 7 -0 up after 10 minutes.

The backs looked as if they would have a good day, as they were provided good ball by the forwards, however many opportunities were missed due to a misplaced pass. However, on the 25 minute mark, Maidstone’s forwards once again provided a good platform for the backs to attack, quick ruck ball was provided once again which gave Houllihan the space to beat the defence and run in from the 22 to score to the right of the posts, with Laurenson once again converting – 14 – 0 to Maidstone.

The Mustangs then proceeded to put themselves under pressure at every opportunity, failing to clear their lines properly when given the chance. The constant pressure applied by Aylesford eventually brought about a kickable penalty opportunity, which was duly taken. Maidstone (well, Martin Farbrace) gave away a penalty from the restart for some ill-advised comments towards the official after the penalty was converted. This once again meant that Maidstone were back inside their own 22, and after defending well another penalty was conceded which allowed Aylesford another kick at goal, which once again sailed between the uprights.

The half time whistle sounded soon after with the score 14-6 to the Mustangs.

Not long into the 2nd half and Aylesford were reduced to 14 following some ill-advised use of the boot on Jack Lamb’s head. This allowed Maidstone to take the initiative once more. Sustained pressure inside the Aylesford 22 gave the opportunity for James Ferris to sneak through a gap near the ruck area and scuttle under the posts from 5 metres out, again giving Laurenson an easy conversion attempt. This made the score 21-6 to Maidstone and leave them in what should have been a commanding position. This was not to be the case however, as a very committed Aylesford side began to put several passages of play together and get the ball to their powerful Fijian contingent. Aylesford struck twice in a short space of time – firstly by getting their big number 8 to run through the heart of the Maidstone defence virtually unopposed and their second try was brought about through good, decisive passing to put the winger over in the left corner.

The score was now 21-18 to Maidstone and a contest was very much on.

Maidstone’s 4th try came from a line out 10 metres from the Aylesford line following on from a penalty awarded shortly before in which the Mustangs elected to go for 5 points instead of 3 ( a decision that would prove crucial later on ). With the half time changes to the Maidstone pack leaving them with only one jumper in the line, Lamb set about confusing the opposition ( and some of the Maidstone players ) with a no doubt soon to be patented “ triple dummy “ at the front of the line out allowing him to get up and win the ball cleanly and un opposed. Skipper, Nick East collected the ball at the back of the maul and drove the pack on. Upon reaching the line East did what he does best and fell over it, adding 5 points to the tally. Laurenson narrowly failed to convert, but the score was now 26 -18 to Maidstone.

However Aylesford, though down, were certainly not out and once more drove back into Maidstone territory. Quick ball was provided off the top of their own lineout, and Aylesford sent their number 8 on a crash ball and again he raced through the Maidstone defence unopposed to score under the posts. The try was converted and Maidstone were now only ahead by a single point.

The final passage of the game was very tense and Aylesford threw everything they had at the Mustangs, however the home side clung on to their lead and were a very relieved side when the referee finally blew the whistle to signal the end of the game, Maidstone winning 26-25.

Combining Youth and Experience seems to the platform that has allowed the Mustangs to be so dominant in the scrums so far this year and couldn’t be truer in a week that saw 7 changes from last weeks pack .Welcome returns to Mustangs rugby for Nigel “ Lurch “ Maddingford helped bolster the 2nd row and Chris Francis stepping in at 8 despite a crocked ankle, kept up the experience end of things while our youth policy was extended to 2 of the Under 18’s side. Jack Lamb and James Hughes, playing 7 and 6 respectively, were outstanding and stood up well to a very physical encounter. Both did well in the lineout but were both equally exceptional in defence. It was no coincidence that Aylesford attacked better in the second half with James having to come off the field injured.

Mentions must be made of “Lurch” and Charlie Flynn, who came up from playing in the 4’s the previous week and did really well. James Ferris had a welcome return to form and was rewarded with 2 tries.

But there can only be one man of the match, who undoubtedly was Jack Lamb – he had an awesome game in defence and also was a superb link between forwards and backs, often winning seemingly lost causes and securing the ball for his side.

Moving swiftly on to “Div of the Day” – many contenders – Chris Leggat by name, Leg-It by nature, Martin “Guff-Guff” Farbrace for his verbals toward the referee, Nick East for his attempt at a box kick from just outside the Maidstone 22, which went sideways into touch – but the prize this week goes to Maidstone’s largest vegetarian, Nigel “Klinsman” Maddaford. Even though he won a penalty for the following, this sort of behaviour has no place on a rugby pitch. “Lurch” felt his shirt being pulled as he ambled towards the ball carrier following a line out. He let out a big “Aaarrgghh” sound and fell to his knees in a move reminiscent of when Sergeant Elias was gunned down in the back by the Viet Cong in the movie Platoon.

Score:  26-25

Scorers:

Tries – Ferris x 2, Houlilhan, East

Conversions – Laurenson x 3