Mustangs vs Sidcup II’s – Sat 3rd November 2007

The Mustangs entertained a Sidcup side who were toward the lower end of the table coming into the game, but had comprehensively beaten Tunbridge Wells 48-0 the previous week, so there was no room for complacency.

From the start, Maidstone knew they were in for a very tough and abrasive contest up front. For the first time this season, the Maidstone scrum actually found themselves under real pressure at the scrum – but just about did enough all afternoon to remain competitive.

Neither line was threatened in the opening phases, but Maidstone were the ones who had the first opportunity to put points on the board. Maidstone were awarded a penalty just in front of the posts on the Sidcup 22, however elected to kick to the corner instead of kicking at goal. Unfortunately the resulting lineout was lost and Sidcup managed to clear their lines. The highlight of the half for the Mustangs was a well worked front peel from a lineout inside their own half, which saw Josh Pankhurst make a 30 metre break. Unfortunately the Mustangs were unable to capitalise on the territory gained. Once again basic handling errors were made during the half which always halted any momentum the Mustangs gathered.

Sidcup were content in playing their very simple game plan of mauling and using the big boot of their fly half to gain territory. A couple of silly penalties conceded by Maidstone allowed Sidcup to have a sustained period inside the Maidstone 22. A penalty kicked to the corner saw Sidcup set up a drive from the lineout which eventually saw them going over the line to open the scoring for the day. The conversion was made and the Mustangs went into half time with the score 0-7 to the visitors.

The second half began with the Mustangs showing a little more urgency. A fine break from the debutant Kiwi, Mike Catherwood on half way, saw him sprinting toward the line, only to be hauled down 5 metres short. As the Mustangs looked to get quick ruck ball, a Sidcup player came in from the side and killed the ball, resulting in a Maidstone penalty in front of the posts. The offender was sent to the sin bin and Mike Laurenson kicked the goal to make the score 3-7 to Sidcup. Maidstone’s backs definitely had the edge over their opposite numbers and Catherwood in particular started to come into the game more. Maidstone looked to press home their advantage of playing with the slope and quick ruck ball was supplied by the forwards from just outside the Sidcup 22. The ball was spun wide and Nick East spotted the space out wide and passed to Nick Deissner who sprinted past the remaining defenders to score to the right of the posts. Laurenson converted to make the score 10-7 to the Mustangs.

For the remaining 25 minutes, the play ebbed and flowed in each direction. Sidcup did appear rather limited in their backs, so it would be down to their forwards to put them in a position to win the game. However Maidstone defended really well, and produced a couple of important lineout steals, which enabled them to clear their lines. The game ended 10-7 to Maidstone, in what was a very tough and physical encounter.

Stand out performances came from the newer members of the Mustangs. In his Maidstone debut, Tommy “Gun” King, playing at blind side flanker, made many impressive runs and was excellent at the ruck situation. New arrival and Scott Mitchell impersonator, Mike Catherwood, along with Jamie Smith, was very solid in the centres in defence and proved to be a very strong ball carrier. Nick “Toots” Deissner had an excellent all round game and finished Maidstone try really well. However Man of the Match this week was awarded to one of the younger members of the side, open side flanker Jack Lamb, who was a persistent thorn in the side of the Sidcup attack, making numerous tackles and being a nuisance at every breakdown.

Moving on to Div of the Day – not many contenders this week, but on reflection of this tough and bruising encounter, the award goes to Ian Lee, who had to come off with a twisted ankle midway through the 2nd half, having fallen down a “hole” in the pitch whilst walking to a lineout.

Next week the Mustangs travel away to take on Tunbridge Wells II’s, which over the past couple of seasons has always been a very tough encounter.

Couple of points to mention regarding training this week – from now on Tuesday night training will take place at the Royal Engineer barracks – contact Martin Arnold for details of meet time and place, as if you are late you won’t be allowed into the barracks.

On Thursday, a guest coach will be attending training:

This Thursday 8th November Maidstone rugby players have the unique opportunity to train with one of the most promising coaches in the Southern Hemisphere!!!

Former Springbok Ricardo Laubscher is the backs coach for the South African rugby franchise the Blue Bulls who are currently the Super 14 Champions. Laubscher played wing and fullback for the Sharks and also has four Springbok caps to his name. Players under his charge include IRB player of the year Bryan Habana and Fourie du Preez the number 1 scrum half in the world.

This is a great opportunity to pick up some expert advice from a coach who has played at the highest level so can all players make every effort to attend training on Thursday.

Team:

Sam Bailey, Nick East, Mark Thurgood, Ian Lee, Nigel Maddaford, Tommy King, Jack Lamb, Josh Pankhurst, James Ferris, Phil Catt, Nick Deissner, Mike Catherwood, Jamie Smith, Chris Leggat, Mike Laurenson, Simon Wright, Gavin Dyke, Jon Faulkner

Coach: Shaun Neaves

Physio: Catherine Grundy

Manager: Laurence Waters

Scorers:-

Tries – Deissner

Conversions – Laurenson

Penalties - Laurenson