Old Dunstonians Vs Mustangs – 8th November 2008

On yet another wet and blustery day, Maidstone’s 2nd XV put in an awesome team display to thump Dunstonians 83-0.

The writing was on the wall for the home side as early as the 2nd minute, when a clearance kick from the home side failed to reach touch, was caught by Andy Cairns (despite the best attempts of Neil Graves to put him off) who set off on a snaking run and scored to the left of the posts. Laurenson added the conversion. Soon after and Neil Graves took a pass from Tommy King to cut back and barge his way through one defender and set himself up with a run to the line. Laurenson again converted. At this point, the game was moved to another pitch, due to an injury to a player in the 1st XV game on the adjoining pitch. However the change of pitch had no effect on the game. James Sullivan was the next to score as he chased through a Tommy King grubber kick and won the race easily to score, again the try converted. Tommy King got on the score sheet himself eventually and then Neil Graves scored a 2nd, following some great work by the forwards, who continually picked and drived from half way, sucking in defenders and creating space out wide. The sign off for the first half involved some more great handling by the team and the most unlikely of speedsters being out wide, Steve Coates caught the ball to run in from just inside the OD’s 22. Laurenson converted to make the score 42-0, with 6 tries and 6 conversions.

The 2nd half began in mirror image to the 1st, with Andy Cairns scoring inside the 1st minute. James Sullivan scored his 2nd of the afternoon with an unopposed run into the right corner. Following some sustained pressure on the stone’s line, the ball was turned over and quick hands down the backline as a break out ensued and just inside the OD’s half, the ball was passed to Number 8 Ian Lee who ran in to score on the right hand side. Following this score the Mustangs went on a rampage, as further tries followed from Sam Rogers, two more from Tommy King and one from Mike Laurenson. The final score was 83-0, which included 13 tries and 9 conversions.

The front row of Coates, Walker and Thurgood were solid in the scrum and Thurgs once again showed that new dogs can learn new tricks in his willingness to pick and go. Ben Walker once again played like a 4th back row , unfortunately he popped a rib which means he will be out for at least a month, get well soon Ben. Coatesy showed a glimpse of the blistering pace he once had from his days playing in the centre.

The 2nd row combination of new boy Jack “Amy” Wainhouse and The Bourne Ulti-Maytum was an effective and powerful combination. Both Jack and Martin did some great ball carrying and cleared the rucks with great effect. Martin has been a revelation in the past two weeks, and despite the added weight of two trips to the Mughal Dynasty in the previous two days, showed some nifty footwork, and went on one 30 metre trundle.

The back row combination of Moon, Rogers and Lee were outstanding all afternoon, constantly turning over possession and linking with the backs. Lee was immense in the line out, and was ably assisted by Rogers, who had a good game throwing in.

A big “well done” to John Francis, another youngster making their first senior appearance. John was brought in at the last minute following the loss of Turkish, and settled in really well and was not afraid to take on the opposition.

The centre pairing of Graves and Hipkins were outstanding in defence and are both strong ball carriers. Graves just about managed to last 80 minutes for the first time this season, but as usual he is a terrifying prospect with ball in hand for the opposition defence.

The back three of Cairns, Sullivan and Laurenson didn’t have much to do on the defence front, but the wingers deserved 2 tries apiece, Cairns especially finished his first try in great fashion. Laurenson kicked some good conversions and cleared well from full back when required.

It was also great to see Jack Lamb back in action after a long injury lay off as well as welcoming Tom Jarrett to the Mustangs. Both are talented individuals and will in time no doubt put pressure on the back row in the first team.

The man of the match this week goes to Tommy King, who led the side well and capped off a fine all round display with a hatrick. He certainly wasn’t a bit “Weepu” on this occasion.

Div of the Day was a tough decision as the team played outstanding rugby and nothing stupid really springs to mind. Mayhem’s holding the ball aloft before shouting what sounded like “Hey you guys!” just before racing 30 metres up field was a contender, as was the referee – it was certainly a surprise having Alexei Sayle turn up to officiate. However the award this week goes to Coach Neaves, who self nominanted himself due to absence.

As Coach Whitehead said, the team deserved every single point scored this week, however it wasn’t down to luck, it was down to the good effort and attendance at training – long may it continue.

Next week the 2’s are at home to Dover 2’s and will look to continue their assault on the league.

Team:-

Coates, Walker, Thurgood, Wainhouse, Maytum, Moon, Rogers, Lee, Francis, King, Cairns, Hipkins, Graves, Sullivan, Laurenson, Lamb, Jarrett.

Coach – Gary Whitehead

Physio  - Catherine Grundy

Manager – Laurence Waters

Scorers:-

Tries – Cairns x 2, Graves x 2, Sullivan x 2, King x 3, Coates, Lee, Rogers, Laurenson

Conversions – Laurenson x 9