Mustangs vs Sidcup II

Sat 11th October 2008 - at The Mote

The Mustangs recorded their 2nd win in the Invicta league with a very good win over a strong Sidcup side, who have historically proved to be an awkward opponent for Maidstone’s 2nd team.

Playing with the slight slope in the first half, The Mustangs looked to run the ball at every opportunity, with Tommy King, playing at fly-half, being the catalyst for much of the team’s attacking enterprise.

The Mustangs were first to get themselves on the scoreboard, with Gareth “Grange” Hill, making his first appearance of the season, racing in to score in the left corner from 30 metres following some good passing down the line. Unfortunately the Mustangs lost the services of Chris Wallis mid-way through the half, having injured his ribs. Chris was having a great game up to this point, having won a lot of 50/50 balls on the floor, combined with some good balls carries and tackling.

The Mustangs were creating opportunities to extend their lead, one particular move saw Tom Moon almost reach the line but was caught just short and the ball knocked on. A current theme of the season so far has been giving away silly penalties in kickable locations, and again the team gave Sidcup the chance to get on the scoreboard, which they duly did to make the score 5-3 and this is how the half ended. Maidstone had the lion’s share of possession and scoring opportunities throughout the half and should really have gone into the break with more of an advantage.

Shortly into the 2nd half, Sidcup took the lead with a move from 1st phase. The Sidcup fly half was allowed to run cross field before picking out his centre partner who ran a good line to score near the posts. The conversion was made and Sidcup lead 10-5.

Maidstone hit back shortly after with a Laurenson penalty from just inside the Sidcup 10 metre line and quickly followed this up with an excellent try, started by Gareth Hill. The backs had fed the ball down the line well to Grange who sped down the wing, chipped the full back, who although gathered the ball, Gareth managed to tackle him well inside the Sidcup 22 and Maidstone turned the ball over and fed the ball to the supporting Tom Moon who scored near the posts. Laurenson converted to make the score 15-10 to the Mustangs.

Sidcup, being the competitive and competent side they are, fought back once more and for the 2nd time Maidstone allowed their backs to score from first phase possession. The Sidcup winger scored to the right of the uprights, but the conversion failed, however Sidcup had levelled the scores with roughly 10 minutes remaining.

Maidstone worked their way back up field and were rewarded with a penalty, which Laurenson duly converted. Substitute Neil Graves then made just the impact the home side was looking for, and made a typical bustling run which saw him break a tackle and power over under the posts to score. Laurenson kicked the conversion to extend the lead to 25-15, and although Sidcup hit back hard, this is how the game ended – a great result for the Mustangs.

There were lots of good performances this week. John O’Brien did well playing at loose head, and he also managed to do what he does best – carry the ball strongly and put in some great tackles. Ian Lee was at his dependable best, a tower of strength at the lineout and his usual energetic self around the pitch. The back row worked well as a unit, and it was a pleasure to welcome Matt Iles into the Mustangs. He showed that he is a naturally good ball player and a definite asset to the club.

Sam McPherson had another solid performance at 9 and the centres Tom Moon and Mark Graves worked well together. Gareth Hill made a welcome return to action following a bad knee injury picked up during last season’s 7’s tournaments and Jerry Hipkins showed some deft handling skills on the wing. Mike Laurenson’s kicked 4 out 5 attempts at goal and found useful distance on his clearance kicks.

Man of the Match however goes to Tommy King, who made an immediate impact on his return to the Mustangs. Tommy was not only rock solid in defence, but his ball carrying and elusive running was a feature of the afternoon and he terrorised the Sidcup defence.

Div of the Day – one glaringly obvious winner – Turkish McPherson, who lost his trousers and entered the bar in his suit jacket, shoes and boxers on, and after accusing everyone in the dressing room of having hidden his trousers, found them in the bar.

This week the Mustangs face a tough encounter away to Westcombe Park 3’s.

Team:-

O’Brien, M Hill, Thurgood, Lee, Wallis, Rogers, Day, Iles, McPherson, King, G Hill, Moon, M Graves, Hipkins, Laurenson, Coles, N Graves

Coaches – Gary Whitehead & Shaun Neaves

Manager – Laurence Waters

Physio – A.W.O.L.