Mustangs vs Canterbury III’s – Sat 6th December 2008

Following the disappointment of the previous weeks loss away to Gravesend, the Mustangs took out their frustrations on Canterbury III’s, scoring 56 unanswered points.

With some key personnel returning to action, the Mustangs looked a more balanced unit, with a good, fast back row.

Andy Cairns opened the scoring for the day with a superb solo effort. Having gathered the ball on the left wing 30 metres from the line, Andy jinked and weaved his way to the line, out-sprinting the cover defence and finally showing good strength to go through the full back and touch down.

Another score followed soon after and Canterbury became ruffled and lost their discipline, with their scrum half having too much to say for himself and having a 10 minute rest.

Other highlights of the half was the score by Harry Stockford, who was sent clear by flanker Tom Moon following an initial great run by Tommy King. Moon timed his pass to perfection to send Harry to the tryline from 40 metres. Moon himself also scored in the half.

Despite the slippery conditions under foot and the ball, the Mustangs played some good flowing rugby and displayed some great off-loading skills.

The half time score was thirty-something nil to Maidstone.

The second half started with Canterbury showing some resolve. The Mustangs opening score came from the returning James Ferris, who scored a trademark try with a dummy and dart through the gap to score under the posts.

From this point forward, the game became a little disjointed and scrappy, as Maidstone were guilty of giving away far too many penalties at the breakdown.

However the team regained the upper hand once more, and again showed good handling to score a couple more tries.

The full time whistle blew following the conversion of Harry Stockford’s second try, the score being 56-0 to the home side.

Tommy King once again showed what a potent force he is at 2nd team level, making some big hits in defence and once again showed what an elusive and strong runner he is with ball in hand. He was well worthy of his 2 tries. However, it was fairly evident that goal kicking is TK’s Achilles Heel.

The lineout functioned far better this week, this in no small part due to having Charlie Simpson and Jack Lamb back in the side as jumpers. 2nd row Chris Wallis had a good game, using his size and power to dominate the fringes and was often able to make a crucial 5 metre gain from the back of the rucks and mauls. The back row of Moon, Lamb and Jarrett were outstanding, making numerous tackles and turnovers as well as being excellent in attack.

James Ferris, despite suffering man-flu, made a welcome return after a long injury lay off, and looked pretty sharp. The centre partnership of Glover and Dyke and a much more enjoyable time of things this week, both defended well and were a threat with ball in hand.

This week the wingers saw far more of the ball and generally made good use of it, and when required, both made important tackles.

Full back Duncan McClintock was solid at the back, and joined the line well. He showed how versatile he is when stepping into scrum half after 60 minutes and did well there also.

Unfortunately, substitute Jack Wainhouse suffered a boot to the head and had to come off, and will now be out until after Christmas with concussion. Mark Thurgood came on to replace Jim “Scissorhands” Walker and it appeared he was wrongfully denied his first try of the year (or the year before, and the year before that) after powering to the line. Mike Laurenson came on in the 2nd half at full back and was his usual calm self at the back.

Overall, a great performance, though as always things can be improved upon.

Man of the Match this week goes to Jack Lamb, for his all-round display in defence, attack and in the lineout.

Div of the day – as alluded to earlier, Tommy King’s conversion attempt was a shocker and would normally earn the award, however this week, he has been saved by an even more horrendous effort. The man in question, who has finally removed the shocking moustache, is Duncan “Chunky” McClintock, whose conversion attempt from nigh on in front of the posts firstly never got higher than 2 feet off the ground and secondly it almost went further left than it did forward. However, Chunky can at least be proud of the fact he experience his first taste of victory this season.

Next week, the Mustangs are due to be at home against Kent 1 side, Old Williamsonians.

Team:-

Coatesy, Sticky Jnr, PK, Wallis, Simpson, Moon, Lambo, Jarrett, Ferret, TK, Cairns, Fitz, Dyke, Stockford, Chunky, Thurgs, Amy Wainhouse, Lauro.

Coaches – Neavsey & Whitelegs

Physio – Grundle

Manager - Noel