Maidstone Vets 19
Sheppey Vets 5
A mixed 2nds, 3rds and Vets Sheppey side provided Maidstone Vets with stiff opposition even if Maidstone had to make up the Sheppey numbers by loaning two players in order that both sides had a full complement. Thanks to Kev Bailey, who played the entire match for Sheppey, and to Graham Bishop and Mark de Ritis for playing for the opposition for a half each. Yet again the Vets were able to impose themselves on the game in the first half to such an extent that Sheppey, apart from a break away try, following missed midfield tackles, did not really threaten the Maidstone line. A training ground move, executed supremely by Weston and O'Mahoney led to a try from the Maidstone lock and with this added to be by de Ritis try, following a grubber kick through by Vincent, converted by Coomber, a 12-5 score at half time was achieved. In contrast to recent weeks, when matches were thought to be sown up by half time, and concentration and commitment wavered, the Vets continued to play attacking rugby with much of the action taking place in the Sheppey half of the pitch. With the forwards winning significant amounts of both tight and loose ball, scum half Randall providing fly half Hughes relatively quick ball and the backs running virtually everything it was a surprise that the next, and final, Maidstone try came from hooker Weston appearing in the back line, to break free of an accidental high tackle, and score close to the posts. With Coomber converting and less than ten minutes remaining the game was won. The Vets defence should also be praised with barely a first up tackle missed and several turnovers/penalties gained. With two minutes remaining, what appeared, at first, to be a serious rib injury to a Sheppey player led both captains, in consultation with referee (Little) Simon Wright, to call it a day and adjourn to the bar with Maidstone victorious 19-5. The Maidstone Vets move on, with much confidence, to next weeks fixture with an experienced TJ's Vets side.
