Premier French club Biarritz has announced that former Maidstone player and England 7s start Dan Caprice has joined them on a 2 year contract from the start of next season. News originally leaked out three weeks ago but official confirmation by the Basque club was not made until this weekend.

21 year old Dan started his playing career with the county town club before moving to Saracens and having spent the majority of the past two seasons with Blackheath, although his commitment to England 7s on the IRB circuit has dominated his playing time.
Dan will join up with former England international players Iain Balshaw and Magnus Lund at his new club.

Maidstone Rugby celebrated with its annual May Ball on Saturday night (18th June). following in the tradition of Cambridge University which celebrates its May Week in June every year.

A good time was had by all at the Village Hotel and its very pleasing to report that everyone scrubbed up pretty well for the occasion, although it seems that the club-blazer is creeping into vogue in place of DJ. However, there’s no denying that it looks p d g with a bow-tie and wing collar. WAGS looked great in ball gowns and party frocks and Kilts were of course de rigeur amongst Scottish members, whilst new Club Captain Matt Plowman came dressed as a nightclub bouncer – minus the stab vest.

Huge thanks are due to the sponsors of the raffle prizes – listed here in no particular order. Their support is greatly appreciated.

Pure Beauty - Nottcutts,
Hunker Down Daisy - Bearsted,
High Spirits - Penenden Heath,
Steve Vincent – Maidstone Vets,
Swedish Massage - Maidstone,
Great Fish Spa - Weavering,
Serendipity - Maidstone,
Sweatshop - Nottcutts,
The Village - Maidstone.

Even huger thanks are due to Lorraine Tugwell for organising this year’s extravaganza, aided and abetted of course by the irrepressible Tuggy -

- although it seems like the poor chap might have actually exhausted himself in the process.

Is that Tuggy or Tuggzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz?

In addition to the league fixtures and Kent Cup draws having been announced, Head Coach Andy Foley has also been putting in place senior squad pre season fixtures as part of the build up to the league campaign.

Saturday 27th August sees the 1st XV squad take on Westcombe Park 2s at Goddington Dene, whilst on Saturday 3rd September, the week before the league campaign starts in earnest, the club hosts a ‘double header’ as both the 1st XV and the Mustangs XV will be in action at The Mote when they take on Tunbridge Wells 1st & 2nd XVs.

New Club Captain Matt Plowman has been instrumental in setting up a partnership between the county town club and Maidstone’s David Lloyd Health & Fitness Club, which boasts some of the finest gym and leisure facilities in the area, With a huge open plan gym fitted with the newest cardiovascular and resistance equipment, the partnership provides an ideal opportunity to develop individual training regimes for the senior squad as part of the build up to the 2011/12 season.

James Dent, General Manager at Maidstone commented “I am delighted that we at David Lloyd Maidstone are now officially sponsoring Maidstone Rugby for the 2011-12 season. I look forward to supporting the team and working together in partnership to provide a great place for the players to gain the ideal preparation for the coming season”.

Maidstone Rugby’s Head Coach Andy Foley responded by saying “I am delighted that we have entered into this arrangement with David Lloyd; the facilities are first class, and up to date to incorporate modern training methods. Our pre-season training can now be both more varied to include swimming, spin classes etc. and also tailored to individual players requirements”.

In a change from what has been the traditional system of team captains for each of the playing XVs, and following discussions between the coaching & support staff and the committee, the club has decided to implement a new role of Club Captain.

The position does not impinge on the respective team captains functions and is seen as having a wider role within the senior club. The club’s committee is therefore pleased to announce that the inaugural appointment of Club Captain has been awarded to Matt Plowman. On being informed of the appointment Matt commented “that he was honoured to be considered for the position and looks forward to doing as much as he can to assist the club in this new role”.

Club Chairman, Andy Golding commented “The new position of Club captain is a well-deserved role for Matt. He has been at the Club for some considerable time and most recently had a resurgence of his playing career when he was asked to prop for the 1st XV having spent recent times as a stalwart member of the 3rds. Matt excelled in this role and in doing so brought a depth of experience and knowledge that not only provided solidity in this key position (and the scrum) but whose unique no-nonsense, straight talking approach was well received by old and young players alike.

Matt has proved that he is worthy of this role and his ‘can do’ attitude is already paying dividends in terms of the pre-season preparations of the Club and will undoubtedly continue as he works with Andy Foley to build a foundation for future Club success”

Senior squad preseason will start on the Thursday 9th at the club (7:15pm for a 7:30 start); training will then be on Thursdays only for the 16th, 23rd and 30th of June and primarily based on fitness training and team building.
During this period players will be expected to raise their own level of fitness at the gym utilising the club’s partnership with David Lloyd Fitness & Health Club, also during this period, and up until September the club will be running some squad sessions at the gym which will include swimming and spin sessions etc.

With effect from 30th June training at the club will take place on Tuesdays and Thursday and be very much rugby focused.

The Kent RFU competitions Committee have completed the draw for the coming season’s Kent Cup competition. As was the case last season, the draw has been made early to allow the Round 1 matches to be played as early as possible (by Sun 28th Aug) in order to alleviate fixture congestion later in the season.

The County Town club has received a Bye in round one but will host the winners of the Sevenoaks v Medway tie in the second round. Defending champions, Gravesend start their defence of the trophy with a visit to newly promoted Charlton Park; whilst the tie that immediately draws the eye is the clash between city club Canterbury and this season’s tournament runners up TJs. Full details of the draw for Rounds 1 & 2 are below:

Round 1:

Dover v Aylesford
Ashford v Deal & Betteshanger
Medway v Sevenoaks
Tunbridge Wells v Beckenham
Thanet Wdrs v Old Elthamians
Charlton Park v Gravesend
Round 2: (To be played on or before the Sunday 6th November)

Canterbury v Tonbridge Juddians
Old Dunstonians v Bromley
Sidcup v Charlton Park/Gravesend
Sheppey v Old Colfeians
Maidstone v Medway/Sevenoaks
Blackheath v Thanet Wdrs/O Elthamians
Dover\Aylesford v Tunbridge Wells/Beckenham
Westcombe Park v D&B/Ashford

The service provider for the gallery that the club has used over the past 3 seasons is closing down and as a consequence the gallery containing the photos from the 2008/09, 2009/10 and immediate past season will no longer be able to be viewed. Web HQ has identified a new provider, and work has been going on behind the scenes to create the new facility; the album goes live with the publication of this information. It was decided not to populate the new gallery with all of the past three season’s worth of photos, but all of those from the immediate past season are there.

The gallery is automatically linked to the club website, so to access the photos just click on the gallery button on the top line menu as normal.

The league fixture list for the forthcoming season has recently been released by the English Clubs Championship. The season kicks off with a trip to Bromley followed by the visit of last season’s third placed side Crowborough. Fixtures Sec, Richard Ewence is currently liaising with Head Coach Andy Foley in respect of preseason fixtures; in addition he is also in touch with the various Kent RFU league secretaries coordinating the fixtures for the recently restructured Junior Leagues. The website fixture lists will be populated as and when various team fixture lists are finalised.

London 3 (SE) Fixtures 2011/12

10 Sep 11 Bromley RFC A
17 Sep 11 Crowborough RFC H
24 Sep 11 Folkestone RFC A
01 Oct 11 Medway RFC H
08 Oct 11 Ashford RFC A
15 Oct 11 RFU Competition
22 Oct 11 Sheppey RFC A
29 Oct 11 Park House RFC H
05 Nov 11 RFU Competition
12 Nov 11 Crawley RFC A
19 Nov 11 Eastbourne RFC H
26 Nov 11 RFU Competition
03 Dec 11 Uckfield RFC A
10 Dec 11 Horsham RFC H
17 Dec 11 Crowborough RFC A
07 Jan 12 Folkestone RFC H
14 Jan 12 Medway RFC A
21 Jan 12 RFU Competition
28 Jan 12 Ashford RFC H
04 Feb 12 Sheppey RFC H
11 Feb 12 RFU Competition
18 Feb 12 Park House RFC A
25 Feb 12 RFU Competition
03 Mar 12 Crawley RFC H
10 Mar 12 Eastbourne RFC A
17 Mar 12 RFU Competition
24 Mar 12 Uckfield RFC H
31 Mar 12 Horsham RFC A
07 Apr 12 RFU Competition
14 Apr 12 Bromley RFC H

The club is pleased to announce a further reinforcement of Head Coach; Andy Foley’s coaching team with the appointment of Pete Barford who takes up the role as Mustangs XV and Development Coach with immediate effect.

Pete is well known in Maidstone rugby circles and has a particular pedigree in identifying and developing young talent, something which is evident from his successful youth coaching experience, where in recent years he has coached two of the club’s sides to a number of successes, five Kent Cups including two Kent League Cups together with victory at a National Competition for County Champions.

Maidstone Rugby is pleased to announce Head Coach Andy Foley’s first addition to reinforce his coaching team, in Kiwi Hayden Mitchell. Hayden, is 25 yrs old, 6’4” and a 19st 2nd Row/No8 and joins the club from having played the 2010/11 season as part of the successful Melrose RFC 1st XV who lifted this season’s Scottish Premiership title in addition to reaching both the Scottish and Borders Cup Finals. Prior to his time in the Scottish Borders, Hayden was a 1st XV player for 6 seasons with NZ club Shirley Vikings RFC in Christchurch, and captain in his final year. In addition he also played in the Canterbury B side for two seasons.

Hayden commented on his appointment “the opportunity that’s presented itself at Maidstone is second to none, and to have been given the chance as a coach as well as a player is a very exciting prospect, in speaking with DoR Andy Foley, he has informed that there is a lot of talent at the club which is great to hear, and I am looking forward to helping the club moving forward and progressing in the leagues”

Hayden takes up the role as senior forwards coach but with a wider remit to assist coaches across the both youth and senior elements of the club as well as conducting outreach coaching in local schools.

Hayden is not the only new addition to the playing squad for the 2011/12 season; he is joined by scrum half and fellow Kiwi, Nick Cullen who joins the club having played the tail end of last season at Bracknell in National 3 (SE) and prior to that at Christchurch (NZ).

The traditional Vice Presidents lunch that normally marks the end of the season was held on Sunday the 22nd May at what has become its traditional venue of Bearsted Golf Club. With 65 in attendance for what was Bob Beney’s first formal function as the club’s President, and it was good to see a mix of both the new and long standing Vice Presidents.

The President provided a resume of the major points of the past year, not just from a playing perspective, but also in respect of club structure and infrastructure development as well as outlining some of the plans and preparation already underway for the coming season.

It is intended that the next Vice Presidents lunch will be early in the 2011/12 season. Further details will be disseminated through the member’s handbook and club website in due course.

Only two fixtures to report on this week, the long delayed playoff for promotion to London 1 (S) between Aylesford and Trojans; also the match between Kent and Cornwall in the Bill Beaumont Cup.

London 2 (SE & SW) Playoff: The old question of is it better to be playing week in week out or does the benefit lie with having a clear month or so off to prepare. Aylesford, who as a result of postpoonements and their achievements in making Twickenham in the Intermediate Cup have been playing every week since the end of the league campaign on the 9th April, whilst their opponents Trojans hadn’t taken the field since recording a 16-15 win over L2 (SW) champions, Guernsey on the last day of the league season. It would appear that this was a game too far for the home side in their elongated season, as they went down 14-28 to the Eastleigh based club. In what was a tight contest Aylesford held the lead twice, first at 7-0 then 14-7 at the interval, but Trojans looked the fresher side and grew in stature as the match progressed and the score was tied at 14-14 after 80 minutes. A converted try in each period of extra time by Trojans sealed the match against a weary home side, and as my source on the spot reported “the better side had probably won on the day”.

By Aylesford’s own pre match admission “We’ve had a great season, but not actually achieved anything yet” and whilst their achievements during this campaign have been admirable, that will be little consolation as they resign themselves to playing in L2 (SE) for another season.

County Championship: With both sides having lost their two opening fixtures, this was effectively a ‘dead rubber’ in terms of progressing in the tournament, although status within the overall county championship structure was also at stake. In the end the Cornwall, a traditional stronghold of the county game, proved too strong for the Kent side as they took the honours 34-42, a result that leaves Kent at the foot of the table.

General: On the broader front, league fixtures for 2011/12 are now beginning to be published on the L&SE RFU website; Sidcup re-join London 1 (S) after last season in the northern half of the division, although O Colfeians will remain in London 1 (N) for next season.

Further down the tables, it appears that Crawley have received a relegation reprieve and appear on the roster for London 3 (SE) again next season.

One club that appears to have disappeared from view is O Olavians, who withdrew from Kent 1 in midseason, but don’t appear on either the Kent 2 or Kent RFU junior leagues roster at all.

The club recently briefed its sponsors on the plans and preparation for next season which have been underway for some time; following discussions that have been taking place over the past weeks Maidstone Rugby is pleased to announce the continued support of all of its current sponsors. Primary Sponsors Brachers LLP continue their partnership with the ‘County Town Club’ whilst Aylesford Newsprint have also renewed their support as official sponsors, local company’s Crowe Clark Whitehill and Glosrose have increased the level of support that they provide to the club. Glosrose MD Jake Butcher commented “despite what are difficult economic times, it is still important for local companies to try and put something back into the community and supporting grassroots sport is just one of the ways in which we can do that”.

In addition to the renewed support of the club’s current sponsors, local timber products company L & G Forest Products has also joined Maidstone Rugby as an official sponsor. The club remains as one of official kit supplier Samurai Sportswear’s associated clubs and has maintained its relationship with Surrey based Vivid Associates as its digital partner, whilst other sponsorship arrangements with Britelite, multinational ABB Ltd and local estate agents and surveyors Sibley Pares are also set to continue for the 2011/12 season.

Well, this should be just about the last blog of the season, just the one outstanding playoff match to report on next week. In addition to the County Championship, the weekend saw the finals of the RFU knockout competitions at Twickenham, plus the Kent spitfire Sevens at Canterbury. In the RFU competitions London & SE had representatives in all three finals; first up were the HAC, who beat Kent 1 champions Ashford in the latter part of the Junior Vase regional stages, tournament favourites Teddington were in the Senior Vase having beaten L3SE Medway along the way. Kent side Aylesford were the last representative as they faced Stoke on Trent in the Intermediate Cup.

Junior Vase: Pre match favourites were probably the HAC and they lived up to that billing as they comfortably beat a Birmingham based Edwardians side 37-6. HAC were quicker out of the blocks with two early tries before Edwardians came back but were unable to break down a solid HAC defence although two penalties did reduce the halftime deficit. HAC dominated large periods of the second half and as they moved the ball wide four further tries followed. The Edwardians side were travelling from Twickenham to Stourbridge to play in their second final in two days as they were due to take on Dudley Wasps in the Nth Midlands Vase Final the following day, to try and add to the Midlands Junior Vase they won earlier in the season.

Senior Vase: Tournament favourites Teddington completed 62 consecutive victories and two Twickenham victories in two years as they followed up last year’s Junior Vase success with a comprehensive 42-8 win over Northern Division side Littleborough. A consolation try for Littleborough was little recompense against the three first half tries and another four in the second period by Teddington.

Intermediate Cup: Kent side Aylesford took on Stoke on Trent in the final and by all accounts this was a close contest with the Midlands side coming out on top of the 16-10 scoreline. Aylesford dominated possession and territory in the first half but were guilty of kicking away too much possession, although they led 5-3 at the interval thanks to a Sam Carroll try. A second Stoke penalty and a try midway through the second half took them to an 11-5 lead; but an Aylesford unconverted try 5 minutes from time saw the lead reduced to a single point, However, with the Bulls playing catch up and forcing the play, they tried to run the ball out from behind their own line and a heavy tackle saw the ball turned over for Stoke to score a simple try and seal the victory.

County Championship: Following defeat at Gloucester in their initial Division 1 (S) outing, the senior sides challenge for honours in this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup is effectively over after a heavy 7-48 defeat at home to Hertfordshire. Kent still has to play Cornwall in what is effectively a dead rubber after the South West side’s 44-23 defeat at Gloucester this weekend followed an 18-25 home reversal against Herts the week before.

Kent Spitfire Sevens: With a mix of Kent and invitation sides the Spitfire Sevens is always a good end of season day out; unfortunately the author was unable to attend and information on who won the main competition, Plate competition and also who took the Cornwallis Cup is still unknown. Perhaps I may have the information by next week’s final edition of Around the Grounds for this season.

PS: Edwardians lost their second cup final in as many days, as they went down 27-18 to Dudley Wasps (Dudley Kingswinford 3rd XV) in the Nth Midlands Vase.

With all but a couple of fixtures left for the county clubs, the two fixtures scheduled for the weekend told very different stories. In National 2(S) at the bottom end of the table Canterbury hosted Westcombe Pk at Merton Lane in a ‘winner takes all’ encounter that would leave the losers contemplating playing next season in National 3. In the London Divisions Aylesford travelled to Brighton to fulfil a fixture that had been abandoned due to injury in November and then subsequently delayed due to Aylesford’s on-going cup run.

National 2 (South): In this finale to the league season, a Westcombe Pk side that have been in relegation danger for almost all the season travelled to Merton Lane to take on county rivals Canterbury in a match that would see one side relegated. Canterbury have seen themselves slide into relegation danger in the second half of the season with their woes really developing early in the New Year when they lost to strugglers Shelford, Hinckley and away at Newbury.

With so much riding on the outcome the pressure was obvious from the kick off as both sides made repeated mistakes and handling errors. Canterbury struck first through a try & a penalty, but Combe fought back to within a point and then took the lead just after the interval. The city club responded and held a 5 point lead going into the last ten minutes but a yellow card reduced them to 14 men for the closing stages and Combe capitalised with two tries to secure their National 2 status for next season by 18-25. Canterbury now drop to National 3 (SE) where they will be locking horns with Gravesend & TJs next season

London 2 (SE): Aylesford who have had the benefit of weekly rugby since the end of the league season travelled to Brighton who hadn’t played since Elthamians ran 64 points past them on the 9th April . Under normal circumstances the match would probably have been conceded, but with home advantage for Aylesford in the playoff against Trojans riding on the outcome, the competitions committee obviously insisted that the match was played. Additionally, due to pitch issues the match was played on Brighton’s all-weather surface and with representatives from both Stoke on Trent and Trojans watching on; an Aylesford side that has been playing competitive rugby every week since the official end of the league season, had too much power up front for the home side and ran out convincing 15-39 winners and now have home advantage against Trojans in the playoffs in two weeks’ time.

Other Results: Elsewhere, London Scottish secured the National 1 title as they beat their rivals for the title at Barking. In what was a hard fought contest, Scottish took the match with what was practically the last play of the match, as an interception just outside their own 22m gave them an 80m run in to take the title 13-17.

Blackheath 29

Maidstone 10

The build-up to this match had been all about the number of players who were unavailable to turn out for Maidstone, but on the day it was all about the performance of the players who did show up and who gave an excellent account of themselves, albeit not quite sufficient to really threaten the power of their Blackheath opponents over 80 minutes.

There was only a brief period before half-time when it really looked as though an upset might be on the cards, but a couple of quick scores to the London side after the break effectively ended the game as a contest.

Neutrals and even the most optimistic Maidstone supporters could have been forgiven for expecting a cricket score at the outset, but after conceding a fairly early try following repeated Blackheath forward offensives, the game settled down with Maidstone finding that they could hold their own in most areas of the park and that their smaller lighter pack was actually driving Blackheath backwards in the scrums.

Some big tackles, desperate defending and poor finishing from Blackheath led to a series of certain scores going begging for them and then, following a huge hit from Ian Wilkinson in the middle of the park, Number 9 Paul Murphy, playing in his first Evergreen match, fed Fly-half David Charlton for a break out that saw Mike Laurenson outpace the opposition for a try half-way to the touch-line. Unfortunately, the conversion hit the upright and the opportunity to take the lead was missed, as was also the case with a penalty that fell just short.

Blackheath gradually turned the screw in the second half, and despite lots of big tackles and the heroics of Gus Parker at full-back, the tide could not be held back for long. Maidstone brought on their subs as the half progressed, none of whom had ever played in an Evergreen game before – let alone a final vs the County’s premier side. A big cheer from the neutrals in the crowd was reserved for Will Arnold, who came on with minutes to go but then neatly executed a scoring pass for Gus Parker to run in the final score of the day.

It was a much better match than one could possibly have hoped for (bearing in mind the drubbing Blackheath handed out in last year’s final) and was played in a great spirit by both clubs. It was interesting to note that Blackheath fielded 2 or maybe 3 of the side that lost to Maidstone in the 1987 Kent Cup Final, although unfortunately none of Maidstone’s remaining survivors from that match were available on the day. It was pleasing also that both sides featured players over 60, with Maidstone’s Ross Laing and Blackheath’s Albert Patrick flying the flag for Sexagenarians everywhere.

The Veterans XV annual tour this year took them to the skipper Richard Weston’s old stomping ground of Derby, with fixtures against Belper and across the border into Staffordshire against Lichfield. Departing on Friday morning in high spirits the party arrived in Kegworth at a CAMRA real ale pub for some welcome refreshment before proceeding to the base for the weekend in Chellaston, just outside Derby. An evening in the local hostelries was enjoyed by all before some of the touring parties late arrivals appeared on the Saturday morning for the fixture against Belper.

Tours are always much better when the fixtures are competitive and the match against Belper was certainly that, with both sides creating opportunities to win the match; first half tries by Colin Schraeder & Adrian Clarke and a conversion by Mick Walker saw both sides level 12-12 at the interval. The second half followed in much the same competitive vein as the first’ but it was Maidstone that capitalised on its opportunities as a Mick Walker try gave them the lead and skipper Richard Weston crossing in the final stages that sealed a 22-12 victory for the tourists.

The after match revelry was all that could be wished for on tour, with Belper hosting a beer festival and live entertainment in the evening, although this did not curtail the customary tour revelry that was enjoyed by both sides.

The final day saw the tourists make the short trip to Lichfield in Staffordshire, great credit should be given to Lichfield, who had stepped in at short notice to host the fixture with a mixture of their Veterans & 3rd XVs, when Derbyshire county cup matches had prevented the scheduled opposition from hosting the fixture. Another competitive encounter was enjoyed by both sides; although it would appear that the tourists had not thrown off the after effects of the previous day’s festivities when they gifted Lichfield a 12 point lead in the first five minutes. However, the tourists fought back, even taking the lead at one point. In the end, in what was a very entertaining match the hosts had just that bit too much pace for the Maidstone touring side, and despite tries from Mark DeRitis, Richard Weston, Shaun the Shep, Sam Bailey, Ian Crickmore, Dave Hughes and two conversions by Mick Walker, Lichfield ran out 43-34 winners.

The match marked what was long serving player and previous Veterans XV captain, Paul Ehrhart’s last competitive fixture (allegedly), in a long career that has seen over 2000 competitive matches; quite what he will now do on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons is yet to be seen (although Bowls is not thought to be on the agenda)!!!

A selection of photos from the tour are available on the Gallery

National 1: Blackheath took on league leaders London Scottish at the Rectory Field but were exposed by the the side that they had defeated in the early season fixture. Following a run of 25 straight wins this was a different side to the one they faced in September as they put their hosts under constant pressure; although it was the Club that registered the first score through an intercept try; however the Scottish response was decisive as they ran in four tries for the bonus point before the interval. Although Blackheath had very much the better of the second half and restricted Scottish to just one penalty, the Exiles were good value for their win, leaving next week’s clash against second placed Barking looking very much like a winner takes all fixture for the title.

National 2 (S): The big fixtures here were those involving the Kent clubs, with both facing mid-table opposition, as Canterbury travelled to Clifton and put in a disappointing performance on a day when they could have guaranteed their survival. Clifton were sharp in attack and tight in defensively whereas the city club made too many unforced errors which left them chasing the game and going down 25-12. For Westcombe Pk the outcome was different, and whilst they had to defend doggedly in the early stages, they took a 12-10 advantage into the interval following tries in the 18th and 34th minutes. Combe started the second half confidently but conceded the lead in the 46th minute to a Worthing try to make the score 12-17; although Combe were no full of confidence and regained the lead at 19-17 in the 65th minute and never looked like relinquishing it after that to take the match 19-17 and set up a ‘winner takes all’ encounter against Canterbury at Merton Lane next week

RFU Knockout Competitions:

Intermediate Cup: In the Intermediate Cup semi-finals Aylesford defeated West Country visitors Berry Hill 13-0 in a tense and hard fought contest to take their place at Twickenham on 14th May; they will face Midalnds side Stoke on Trent who beat Widnes 15-32.

Senior Vase: As expected Teddington made it to the final as they overcame O Richians 32-26 and will face Littleborough in the final as they beat Newbold on Avon 19-8.

Junior Vase: The HAC had a tight battle against Painswick in their semi-final, just come out on top in the 15-13 scoreline. In the other semi-final North Shields went down 15-42 at home to Edwardians.

Kent RFU Finals: The Shepherd Neame Kent finals were held at Canterbury on the Sunday and in the with the exception of the Cup Final turned out to be predictably rather one sided affairs. In the Salver competition Kent 1 Champions Ashford were up against Kent 2’s Orpington; and in what appears to have been a comprehensive performance Ashford ran out was winners by 64-10. In the Vase competition the outcome was similar as Kent 1 heavyweights Sheppey had too much firepower for the newcomers to the senior competitions as they defeated Southwark Lancers 53-14. The Plate final appears to have produced the same type of result as in the league encounters between the two sides as Thanet Wdrs overcame Tunbridge Wells 58-5.

Only the Cup final seemed to produce the competitive fixture that should be expected at this level, as the defending champions Gravesend took on Tonbridge Juddians, who were looking to place their name on the trophy for the first time. With both sets of forwards providing good possession for their respective attacking backlines, this was an interesting competition. With little to separate the sides it was the 10 minute player loss through a yellow card to Gs that saw TJs take advantage to go into the interval with a 25-19 advantage.

Whilst the elements favoured TJs for the second period, it was Gs that took the game to the opposition in an uncompromising manner and their endeavour was rewarded as they took the lead 29-25 with only minutes left on the clock. It looked very much as if it would be a new name on the trophy though, as TJs went over to take a 3-point advantage into the dying minutes. Gravesend were not going to give up the trophy that was hard won last season, as they recycled possession through several phases of play before crossing in the corner to take the trophy for the second successive season 34-32.

Note: The author apologises for the rather brief nature of this week’s summary, this was brought about in large part through the partaking of some of the sports traditional values of touring, drinking copious amounts of beer and some actual playing of the game (allegedly) during the weekend.

National 1: Blackheath went down narrowly at the Rectory Field to a Barking outfit that is still locked in a promotion battle with high flying London Scottish. The Club ran them very close and the Essex outfit will know that they had to work very hard to hold off a Blackheath side that came close to upsetting their long unbeaten run. After a five point deficit at the interval the Club led by a point on the hour mark but eventually came out on the wrong side of the 17-23 scoreline. The result leaves Blackheath in fifth spot in the division with one match left, and probably looking at a case of “what might have been” where a very fallow period in mid-season probably put paid to any higher aspirations they may have held. Barking are still very much in the promotion battle and the meeting with Ldn Scottish on 7th May looks like it may be a winner takes all battle.

National 2 (S): Without a doubt the big matches here were in the relegation zone and with both Canterbury and Westcombe Pk very much in the relegation dogfight, both the county’s sides could do themselves a lot of good; and in fact Combe could also help out their fellow county strugglers as they travelled to Shelford to do battle with the third side also on the edge of the relegation zone. In the end Combe lost out to the Cambridge based side 33-25, a result that put an end to Shelford’s relegation fears. Canterbury did themselves a power of good as they thrashed relegated Newbury 81-5 at Goddington Dene, to move six points clear of Combe who currently occupy the last relegation place. A good result for the city club next week at Clifton could well see the clash between the county rivals on the last day of the season a dead rubber.

RFU Playoffs: Level 6: Sidcup travelled to Sunbury to take on London irish for the honour of joining fellow Kent sides Gravesend & Tonbridge Juddians in National 3 (SE). Irish controlled the first half playing for position and ensuring the game was played very much in the Sidcup half and were rewarded with a 21-3 lead at the interval thanks to two tries, two penalties and a drop goal. The second half saw a superb fight back by the Kent side as Sidcup battered the Irish Line time and again and eventually a try came from the continuous pick and drives by the large Sidcup pack in the Irish 22, with ten minutes of injury time added on, Irish were hanging on at the end and only tremendous midfield defence kept the Kent side at bay with the home side taking the final promotion spot to National 3(SE) by 21-14.

RFU Knockout Competitions:

Dependant on the competition this week’s fixtures were Rounds 6 & 7, the respective Regional Finals; or what in the old days used to be called the Quarter-Finals until the competitions were restructured at the conclusion of EDF’s sponsorship of the competitions.

In the Intermediate Cup Aylesford hosted Romford & Gidea Pk and a powerful performance saw them run out 18-5 winners to progress to the national semi-finals where they host SW Division winners and Western Counties Nth champions, Berry Hill in a week’s time. The other semi-final sees Widnes (Nth) host Stoke on Trent (Midlands).

The Senior Vase saw favourites Teddington host a battling Basildon side at Imber Court, and it wasn’t until the last 10 minutes that the favourites finally broke clear of the challengers from Essex with only a single point separating the sides well into the last quarter. It was a couple of defensive errors by Basildon and some fine finishing by Teddington who ran in 3 late tries that gave the home side a flattering 18 point margin in the 35-17 scoreline. Teddington now face O Richians (SW) in the national semi-final. The other semi-final sees Littleborough (Nth) host Newbold on Avon (Midlands)

In the Junior Vase the battle was between two clubs who had overcome stiff Kent competition en route to the final as the HAC faced north Norfolk club Holt. In the end the HAC proved too strong for their Norfolk challengers, running out 26-9 winners and now face Painswick (SW) in the national semi-final, the other semi sees North Shields (Nth) face Edwardian (Midlands).
London 2 (SE/SW) Playoff (Aylesford v Trojans). The outstanding Brighton v Aylesford league fixture that will determine home advantage in the Level 7 playoff v Trojans is now currently scheduled to be played at Waterhall, Brighton on Saturday May 7th.

Friday 22nd April saw the club’s annual awards dinner with a large number of the members in attendance. Apart from the player’s awards, there were also awards for those that have made a significant contribution behind the scenes. Most notable was the Harry Green Award which recognises a significant contribution to the club over a sustained period of time, for this reason the Harry Green Award is not always presented on an annual basis. This year’s well deserved recipient was the club’s Immediate Past President Trevor Langley for his contribution to the club over many years in a variety of roles and appointments on the Executive Committee. Also awarded for their contribution to the club was a Vice Presidency to Dave Eiffert

The key awards for on pitch performance were The David Arnold Award for the outstanding young player of the season which went to Ollie Newton; the Bernard Hinks Awards were awarded as follows:

1st XV Player – Lee Thomson
Other XVs Player – Duncan McClintock
Non Player – Nick Williams (Maidstone Tag Rugby)
David Arnold Award (Young Player of the Year) – Ollie Newton

Within the other teams the Players Player awards were as follows:

1st XV – Lee Thomson
Mustangs XV – Ben Swinson
3rd XV – Jez Major
4th XV – Craig Tuffrey
5th XV – Richard Nunn
Veterans XV (The Mike Sharples Plate) – Adrian Clark
Head Coach’s Award – Matt Plowman

Finally the Centenary Cup for the team of the season was awarded to the 4th (Ex A) XV who under the captaincy of Andy Cairns have had their most successful season for a number of years.

Club Head Coach/ Director of Rugby Andy Foley has made the first additions to the club’s senior squad in preparation for next season. Powerhouse No 8 Sean Evans who made a significant impact when he appeared for the club in mid-season has confirmed his commitment for the 2011/12 season. He is joined by former Lordswood teammate and front row specialist Mick Jones who is a great ball player and will enjoy the attractive rugby the club are looking to play.

Andy Foley commented on the new additions to the senior squad “that he has known these players for a long time, and is delighted that they have chosen to play at Maidstone next season”.

This weekend sees a mix of league fixtures for the clubs at Level 6 and above, and also a number of playoff fixtures and RFU Knockout competitions. Another piece of news is that the RFU has cancelled League Champions Cup competitions; the key reason for this has been based on the difficulties faced by Divisional Organising in completing the league programme caused by a backlog of fixtures as a result of the severe weather across the country this winter.

National 1: In what was a high scoring match and Blackheath had to come back from a half-time deficit against Launceston, but a period where the club dominated the game they scored three tries in the space of six minutes which put the match beyond the reach of the battling home side and ran out 31-40 winners.

National 2 (S): Both the county’s sides did themselves no harm with convincing wins that could ease their relegation worries; Canterbury put in an excellent performance to consign Taunton to a 26-43 defeat on their home turf, whilst Westcombe Pk also put in a good performance against Hinckley who are now well adrift below them in the table following this 36-15 defeat. A surprise 15-16 win against Clifton for Shelford still keeps them five points clear of the immediate danger, but still very much in the danger zone, especially as they face Combe at home next week.

National 3 (SE): For the second consecutive week Gs faced one of the club’s whose relegation fate had already been sealed, and in what was a one sided affair they just failed to get into triple figures as they racked up 99 points without reply.

London 1 (S): The big fixtures here involved the two playoff contenders, with Chichester facing the harder task as they took on the divisional champions at The Slade desperately needing a positive result to have any chance of taking the playoff spot. In the end the divisional champions proved too strong and ran out winners by 40-28. Meanwhile, L Irish made the long trip to east Kent to face Thanet and dished out a 63 point whitewash to the home side to secure home advantage in the playoff against Sidcup next week. With the division’s relegation issues already settled and the top three clear of the chasing pack, the remaining fixtures were pretty much ‘dead rubbers’ where only any mid table reshuffling was the outcome. Beckenham were narrow 20-19 victors over relegated Wimbledon, Chobham, also relegated ran Hove very close, just losing out 27-29. Cobham were convincing 61-24 winners over visitors, Tunbridge Wells, whilst Haywards Heath beat Portsmouth 62-19 to secure fourth place behind Chichester in the table.

London 1 (N): Sidcup last outing before next week’s playoff was against a visiting Stevenage side whose recent resurgence had just failed to save them from relegation, including two wins over Colfes. However, Sidcup were in no mood to be charitable as they ran out 48-24 winners. Colfes also registered a home win to close out the season, but by a much closer margin as they defeated Brentwood by the odd point in the 29-28 scoreline.

Kent 1: In Kent 1 although Sheppey still have outstanding fixtures they had already secured the playoff position, with that match also taking place this weekend, so their scheduled fixture v Whitstable was postponed and is probably unlikely to be played now. NAG hosted the second part of the local derby against Vigo and whilst the first match was a close affair, this one was less so, as Vigo ran out convincing 17-54 winners. Vigo now sits fifth in the table but with an outstanding fixture against Sheppey to play, which could potentially move them above OGs.

Playoffs:

Level 7 L2 (SE) v L2 (SW): Aylesford v Trojans. Due to Aylesford’s cup and outstanding league commitments this playoff fixture has been delayed. With the playoff spot already secured, to many their outstanding league fixture at Brighton next week may seem to be a ‘dead rubber’. However, Trojans registered 81 points in their league campaign and home advantage for the playoff goes to the side with the most league points; Aylesford therefor need to win their last league fixture in order to host the match, anything less will be insufficient and they would be required to make the trip to Eastleigh, Hants.

Level 9 - Kent 1 v Sussex 1: With league fixtures still outstanding Sheppey hosted Sussex playoff rival Burgess Hill for the last promotion place into L2SE. In the end they had too much firepower for the Sussex side as they ran out easy winners 42-10.

RFU Knockout Competitions:

RFU Intermediate Cup, London & SE, Regional Semi Finals

Both the regional semi-finals were competitive battles as would be expected at this stage of the competition. L2SW club London Cornish travelled to Kent to take on Aylesford missing 4 or 5 first choice players but still ran the hosts close in a battle where home advantage told as they ran out 34-29 winners to progress to the regional final, despite being outscored 4 tries to 3 by the opposition. They will be joined by Romford & Gidea Pk who finshed 3rd in L2(NE) and powered past Essex rivals Braintree and the league runners up by 41-32 having romped to an early 4 try lead and despite a brave comeback from the visitors.

The regional final is next week which now porentially pushes Aylesford’s outstanding fixture against Brighton (which Aylesford need to win to secure home advantage in the playoffs) even further back.

RFU Senior Vase, London & SE, Regional Semi Finals

In the end last year’s Junior Vase winners, Teddington proved too strong for Medway as they overcame the home side 23-57, Medway are no pushover and Teddington must look like the favourites going into next week’s final against Basildon, who beat Lowestoft & Yarmouth 17-10 in their semi-final.

RFU Junior Vase, London & SE, Regional Semi Finals

There was no county representation left in the Junior Vase, HAC who had defeated Ashford in the last round, overcame Sussex 1 champions Uckfield quite convincingly by 40-24 to move into the final. They will be faced by Holt who overcame Vigo in their last outing; and who made it three victories this season against Eastern Counties league rivals Cantabrigians (who had defeated Sheppey in the last round) by 32-12.

The effort across the Mini section by coaches and parents alike paid off on Sunday and it was really pleasing to see so many new faces turn up at our first ever Open Day and were lucky enough to have sunny weather to boot. With support from some of our first team players and coaches on the day, who spent time with each of the age groups, giving a 1st team players perspective to both tag and contact rugby, we hopefully were able to give our new joiners a taste of what a great game rugby is to play. Finishing the day on a bit of a silly note with an egg throwing context (won by our 1st team captain John O’Brien and Neil Graves) all in I think everyone had a great time. We have already had positive feedback from many of the parents and will be running a similar session at the start of next season, and in the meantime look forward to seeing many of the kids down at the club over the remaining weeks of the season and of course would welcome any more new faces who want to come down and give rugby a go.

For the vast majority of clubs competing in the English Clubs Championship below London 1 level, this was the last weekend of competitive action in the regular season although there are some outstanding fixtures scheduled for the 16th Apr as a result of postponements. The season then moves into the various playoffs and cup competitions. However there were still a lot of issues to be decided on this last weekend of league action for Level 7 clubs and below, some of which would end in disappointment, but for others a degree of celebration, as the promotion light at the end of the tunnel is still flickering away in the playoff zone.

Before getting into this week’s results, a quick look at the draw for the RFU Knockout competitions for the two county clubs still involved. In the Intermediate Cup SE regional semi-finals Aylesford take on London Cornish who currently sit mid-table in L2 (SW) and put out second placed Trojans in the last round. The other semi-final sees an all Essex match up as Romford & GP host Braintree.

In the Senior Vase regional semi-finals, Medway host last year’s Junior Vase winner, Teddington at Priestfields; whilst the other semi sees Suffolk club Lowestoft & Yarmouth travel to Basildon.

National 1: The Club seem to be making a season’s habit of one point victories or losses as yet again there was little to separate them and the opposition, in what was by all accounts a thrilling match, with the lead changing hands four times. The visitors, Wharfedale who are flirting with the edge of the relegation zone, probably feel a bit hard done by to come out on the wrong side of the 23-22 score line.

National 2 (S): Both the county’s sides were on the wrong end of heavy score lines as city club Canterbury went down 12-69 to league leaders Ealing. Westcombe Park were on the receiving end of the 54-19 score as they travelled to mid-table O Albanians. Of interest to both sides will be Shelford’s bonus point 78-19 win at Newbury which creates some breathing space for them as they move six points clear of fourth from bottom Canterbury and seven clear of Combe. It now looks like one of the two Kent clubs is favourite for the drop, and given their respective run ins; it looks like it could all be decided on the last day of the season when the city club host Combe in what could be a winner takes all fixture.

National 3 (SE): Relegated Diss hosted Gravesend and put in a reasonable show as they went down by 20-29 against the north Kent side. At the top of the table the battle is between Barnes and Hertford for the title; whilst the relegation issues have now been decided, with Basingstoke’s heavy loss at Ampthill sealing their relegation alongside Nth Walsham and Diss.

London 1 (S): The key fixtures here were those that involved the playoff contenders and as could have been expected Chichester weren’t severely tested by relegated Chobham as they ran out convincing 74-0 winners to keep up the pressure; and with the prospect of an away match at TJs next week, they would have been hoping that Beckenham, who are a match for anyone in the division on their day, could have put a dent in L Irish’s playoff hopes; whilst the Kent side ran their hosts close it wasn’t quite enough as Irish posted 27-24 win to stay in pole position. TJ’s were convincing 15-56 winners at Portsmouth, whist in mid-table Haywards Heath held on against S&E(26-12) and Hove posted a solid 29-20 win over visitors Cobham. In the all Kent fixture, Thanet ran out 7-42 winners against Tunbridge Wells in preview of their Kent Plate final on May 1st. Finally Dover travelled to Wimbledon and ran out comfortable 0-29 winners.

London 1 (N): Colchester were looking to capitalise on any slip up by Sidcup as they beat Colfes 32-19, in the end it made no difference as the Kent side confirmed their playoff spot with a narrow 35-37 victory at Thurrock. They won’t know their opposition in the playoff until after next week’s final round of matches and the results for Chichester and Ldn Irish from L2S

London 2 (SE): The key fixtures here where those involving the playoff contenders; Lewes had the easier task and a bonus point win was always on the cards as they hosted PJF who have been in the unfortunate and unenviable position of being the divisional ‘whipping boys’ this season and suffered another triple figure defeat (103-0). Aylesford travelled to D&B knowing a bonus point win would make their outstanding fixture against Brighton academic; a 12-39 win sees them secure the playoff spot and they will face Trojans from L3SW, who beat divisional champions Guernsey 15-16 to secure the runner up place. With Elthamians already champions and notching up a 67-13 win over Brighton, the remaining matches were just finalising positions elsewhere in the table. East Grinstead put 93 points past Warlingahm without reply to take fourth place with Sevenoaks in fifth after their 85-17 thrashing of Dunstonians. The last fixture saw Maidstone run out 37-28 winners over OMW.

Champions: Old Elthamians
Runners Up (Playoff): Aylesford
Relegated: Maidstone & Purley John Fisher

London 3 (SE): The order of the top three remained the same after both leaders Heathfield & W, and third placed Crowborough ran out easy winners at Crawley and Horsham respectively. Crowborough would have been hoping that fellow Sussex club Eastbourne could have put a ‘spanner’ in Charlton Park’s works, but it was not to be as the Kent side ended the season on a high and kept a firm grip on the second promotion spot with a 77 point whitewash of the Sussex coast side.. Comment throughout the season in this article has been on the basis of three teams being relegated; but from reading Cranbrook’s preview of their match with Folkestone (plus a press article), and with rumour circulating of Crawley suffering a points deduction (although the author has not heard anything to that effect) the Wealden club felt that they could avoid the drop with a victory over the south coast side. Regardless, Cranbrook entertained Folkestone in the last fixture of the season and their relegation was confirmed following a 19-42 home defeat. However it was the Sussex derbies that also played a major factor in the relegation battle, although Horsham had lost 24-53 it is Crawley’s 42-14 loss that sees them playing their rugby in Sussex 1 next season. Elsewhere, Medway be Park Hse 54-20.

(Note: The author has currently nothing to contradict the fact that there are three relegation places from L3SE with those clubs being replaced by the winners of both Kent 1 & Sussex 1 plus the winner of the playoff between the runners up in the same divisions).

Champions: Heathfield & Waldron
Runner Up: Charlton Park.
Relegated: Dartfordians, Cranbrook & Crawley

Kent 1: With the top two positions already confirmed, both Ashford and Sheppey had comfortable wins over Beccs (51-7) & Anchorians (48-6) respectively. Lordswood finish bottom of the table, six points adrift of Whitstable following their 0-49 defeat at the hands of Vigo, their near neighbours NAG also registered a big win with a 64-7 scoreline against HSBC. Whitstable went down 11-21 at home to Sittingbourne. Four clubs still have outstanding fixtures in this division, but none will affect the promotion or relegation places

Champions: Ashford
Runners Up (Playoff): Sheppey
Relegated: Lordswood (any other relegation is yet tbc due to the withdrawal Olavians from the league in mid-season)

Sussex 1: In the end, playoff contender Holbrook’s 26-12 loss at Pulborough was academic Burgess Hill put in a convincing performance to beat Hastings & Bexhill 19-0 away from home and take the runners up spot behind Uckfield to secure a playoff against Kent 1’s Sheppey.

Kent 2: Guys take the title in Kent 2 after a close battle and hard fought win (12-19) at Southwark who finish their first season in senior league in a creditable fourth place. Shooters take the runner up place following a 12-27 win at Footscray, Erith are confirmed as the bottom side following their 0-22 defeat at the hands of O Wills, Brockleians went down 5-24 to visitors Orpington, whilst Askeans rounded off a much improved second half of the season with a 21-19 win over Bexley.

Champions: Guys & St Thomas’s Hospital
Runners Up: Shooters Hill

To Ben & Patrick at Southwark: Unfortunately I will have to take a ‘rain check’ on the beers, normally I’m at the Kent Finals Day but due to some poor diary management, I am away in Derbyshire on tour with our Veterans XV (playing….allegedly!!)

A RUGBY CHALLENGE LIKE NO OTHER!

A group of rugby players are preparing their bodies for a challenge that is not for the faint hearted. 36 rugby players will play 6 full 80 minute games against 6 teams in just 2 days called the 6236 Rugby Challenge.

Andrew Agar is leading the pack to raise awareness and much needed funds for Thames Hospice in memory of his younger brother Thomas. “ The care that Thames Hospice offered Tom whilst he was ill and the support and compassion they showed us as a family was exceptional. As Tom was a keen rugby player we wanted to raise some money for the hospice in Toms’ name. We were going to start with playing just one game, but we thought this wouldn’t do justice for this cause. So we came up with the idea of of playing 6 games over 2 days with 36 men, which Tom would of said was a crazy idea!”

Andrew and the rest of the rugby players are preparing to play 3 games at Deal and Betteshanger RFC in Kent on Saturday 28th May and 3 games at Staines RFC on Sunday 29th May. Andrew goes on to explain, “ As the challenge grew in size so did the interest to want to host this unique event. We decided that the bigger the area we could cover the more chance of being able to spread the awareness of testicular cancer and in turn, raise the much needed funds for Thames Hospice.”

Each venue will host 3 full games of contact rugby as well as holding several mini 7 competitions during intervals for those players that didn’t make the 36 man squad. Community groups will be invited to the day to run stalls, face paint and hand out more information about testicular cancer and help create a family day out for all. “ We really hope that this can be a fun family day for all ages to enjoy various entainment throughout the day, full games of rugby, junior squad members doing rugby demonstrations, food and refreshments from the stalls and the rugby club bar. Each of the 36 players will have to raise £150 of sponsorship”.

1800 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer in the UK each year. It accounts for one to two percent of all cancers in men. Most men with testicular cancer can be cured. It's most likely to occur in young and middle-aged men.

Tom was diagnosed when he just 24 and finally lost his battle to testicular cancer in November last year aged just 26. Tom was a keen rugby player, junior coach and scout volunteer and went on to receive several treatments of chemotherapy. Throughout his treatment he still continued to support his local rugby team and volunteering commitments. His brother Andrew goes on to explain, “ the amount of courage and support Tom showed us and his close friends was amazing, he was always smiling and cracking jokes trying to make us laugh and forget our worries, he was an amazing son, brother and friend, he will always be missed but never forgotten. With the 6236 Rugby Challenge we will go on to run these events for years to come, to help raise money for charities and families that need it the most. The support for this challenge is huge and without the help of local community groups, Staines RFC, Deal and Betteshanger RFC, London Irish, and so many other individuals this unique and body battering challenge would not be possible ”

The 6236 Rugby Challenge still needs help with players, sponsors, kit, equipment and if you are a company, community group or an individual that would like to help for the day then please contact the 6236 Rugby Challenge team via the 6236 Rugby Challenge Facebook page or via email at [email protected] . We will need logos in advance so that we are able to put this into the printers. We need to make sure that this is done by April 15th 2011.

The challenge will be taking place on Saturday 28th May at Deal and Betteshanger RFC and Sunday 29th May at Staines RFC kicking off at 10am and continuing throughout the day. If you would like to donate in general to this cause then please do so at www.justgiving.com/6236RugbyChallenge .

As we are getting to the business end of the season for both league and knockout competitions, and with the past weekend being primarily scheduled for the RFU cup competitions (level 7 and below), this week’s round up combines the scheduled & rescheduled league fixtures, RFU competitions and the semi finals of the Kent competitions. The weekend schedule was a busy one and would test the resilience of three of the clubs who potentially had fixtures in both the RFU and Kent knockout competitions to fulfil.

National 1: Having lost to Blaydon in the home fixture (21-32) in November the away fixture ended with a similar scoreline for the north east side. Although the first 20 minutes gave every indication that it could have been a landslide for the home team as they ran in three tries to lead 24-0, and going in at the interval with a 27-12 lead. In a match that swung to and fro, Blackheath then woke up and pulled the score back to 27-24, although the turning point may have been their choice to kick for touch rather than take the three points to level the match. A breakaway try for the home side in the closing minutes settled the match with a 34-24 scoreline.

National 2 (S): Combe lost heavily (30-6) in November to league promotion chasers Jersey and were keen to make much more of a fist of the weekend’s return fixture; and whilst they were 20 points down in the quarter they fought back and almost snatched the result with the last play of the match, but went down narrowly in the 31-33 scoreline, however the bonus losing points did their situation no harm. This was especially the case with fellow county strugglers Canterbury faring no better than in their early season encounter with Richmond, this time going down to a heavier 61-19 defeat. In the wider picture, fellow strugglers Shelford also lost going down 40-36 having run Taunton very close, but still picking up two valuable bonus points. All three still find themselves in the struggle to avoid the drop, with two points separating the three clubs.

Sussex 1: Not really a major interest to Kent clubs except for Sheppey, in that Burgess Hill are now the front runners for the playoff spot following their 60-0 thrashing of divisional basement side St Francis; although it still all rests on the result between them & Hastings on the last day of the regular season, where a point will be enough to secure will be enough to ensure they can’t be overtaken.

RFU Knockout Competitions: In the RFU competitions four of the county’s sides remained in the hunt for national silverware at the start of the Saturday; by full time that afternoon only two remained. In the RFU Intermediate Cup Aylesford entertained Surrey side Old Reigatians and ran out 32-22 winners to progress to the regional semi-finals. A result that might be of interest to them is that of London Cornish’s 26-38 loss to Trojans, who are potential league play off opposition from L2SW)

In the Senior Vase Medway hosted a big physical Newmarket side, currently fourth in L3NE; although the home side were always in control, the first half was a competitive battle with Medway carrying a 10-point advantage into the interval. Early tries for both sides gave every indication that the second period would be similar to the first, but then Medway started to find gaps which they fully exploited to end up runaway winners by 69-19. Medway will now be looking at the semi-final draw along with Basildon, Lowestoft and Teddington, who won the Junior Vase competition last year.

On the subject of the Junior Vase, the county had two sides in this round but having both been drawn away from home, unfortunately they both suffered in what were close and hard fought contests. Cambridge side Cantabrigians from Eastern Counties 1 beat Sheppey by 18-15 whilst Herts/Middx 1 table toppers put out the Kent champions Ashford 11-0; ending the county’s interest in the competition for this season.

Kent Cups: In the Cup competition the semi-final that really caught the eye was L1(S) champions Tonbridge Juddians up against Blackheath, with home advantage really making the difference, as Kent’s big budget side ran out 46-16 winners over the Blackheathens to secure a place in the final on the 1st May. They will face defending champions Gravesend who eased past Dunstonians in the other semi-final. Always in control of the game Gs took a 16-7 lead into halftime and then really stepped up the pace after the interval as they added 14 points in the first five minutes of the half, the visitors heads didn’t drop and they capitalised on some Gs loose play to register a score of their own and narrow the gap before Gravesend responded in kind. Dunstonians concluded the afternoons scoring with another converted try in the 37-21 win for the home side.

The Plate competition saw London 1 side Thanet take on East Kent rivals Deal & Betteshanger from the division below at St Peters; in the end league status and home advantage told as Thanet booked their place in the final with a 36-24 scoreline. In the other semi final Tunbridge Wells were looking to end their disappointing season on a high, as they hosted Aylesford, who had won a quarter final against Charlton Pk (36-0) that had been played as a 2nd XV fixture by both sides. Aylesford were again fielding their 2nd XV due to RFU Intermediate Cup commitments on the same day, and the difference told as the London 1 side ran out convincing 58-10 winners to book their place in the final to face Thanet.

The Vase competition saw two of the stronger sides drawn against each other as last year’s Salver winners Sheppey, made the short trip off the island to Sittingbourne. After the disappointment of having lost out narrowly in the RFU Junior Vase the day before, and despite two cup games in two days; this time they came out on the right end of a narrow score line, beating the Swale club 18-15. In the other semi final, tournament debutants Southwark Lancers faced another Kent 1 side, as took on Anchorians who have always been there or thereabouts in the Vase or Salver competitions in recent years. In what looks to have been a tight match, Southwark’s debut season in both league and cup competitions sees them make a final at their first attempt, as they overcame an Anchorians side that are always competitive, by 29-28. So in a season in which the Lancers themselves say, “Southwark Lancers club history in the making. As long as we are in this competition we are rewriting the history books,” and having disposed of two Kent 1 clubs, it may just be worth popping along to Canterbury on May 1st to see if they can produce a fairytale ending to their first foray into senior competition.

In the Salver competition the semi finals were all Kent 1 or 2 affairs meaning that both divisions would be represented in the final at Canterbury on 1st May. Try as I might I through various sources I have been unable to find any information on what happened in these matches or whether or not they were actually played. Anyway something must have happened, and thanks to the wonders of the internet (Sheppey’s website) I have discovered that Ashford will play Orpington in the Salver final at Canterbury on 1st May

The Annual Awards Dinner is taking place at 7:30pm on Friday 22nd April at The Village Hotel. Please note the change in date from that originally published in the club handbook, this was due to venue availability. Cost per ticket is £25 per head.

There is already a list running behind the bar and Carol & the girls will be taking payments at the bar as usual. Please note that there is no payment on the night, the book will close following the matches on 16th April and if you have not paid you will not be catered for!!!

This is usually a good club evening (that generally runs into the early hours), so come along and support your team and your club.

Following the success of England Rugby team in the RBS 6 Nations Championships, Maidstone Rugby Club is preparing for the swell of young children wanting to play rugby. Five new pitches are being prepared, for the youth teams to play tag rugby from September 2011. New squads have also been created for children in reception and year one, playing Tag Rugby, through to Under 8 ( year 3) and preparing for full contact from under 9 (year4).

To celebrate this, all primary school aged children in the Maidstone area, are invited to come and try rugby at Maidstone Rugby Club on Sunday 10th April at 10am, at the Junior Rugby Open Weekend. Families can come and watch the teams train or try a FREE dedicated taster session, as well as some Easter fun and games for everyone. Chocolate rugby balls and hot food all round!

Youth Chairman, Sean McGuire says:- “ over the last 3 years the numbers of young players at the club has doubled and so we are expanding our pitches and hoping to find the new Johnny Wilkinson. Our motto is - Playing some rugby, having some fun – and that’s exactly what we do every Sunday and we are pleased to welcome new players on 10th April to join in the fun! “

Local Maidstone mum, Jacquie Richards Says: - “Jack loves coming to rugby every Sunday, he’s met some new friends and really enjoyed learning a new sport, everyone is so friendly”

Maidstone Rugby Club is based on Willow Park Way next to Moat Park and the Maidstone Leisure Centre. www.maidstonerugby.org.uk

For More information contact Sean Mc Guire on 07769 234974 or email [email protected]

It is with great sadness that the club has heard of the passing of Brian Morling on the night of 29th March. Brian was a long standing Vice President of the club.

Brian’s association with Maidstone Football Club goes back to the 1950s were he played on the wing for the Mustangs and 3rd XVs. Along with his late brother Michael he had always been a staunch supporter of rugby in Maidstone and through the long established Maidstone based family solicitors business, provided a level of sponsorship to the club.

Our sympathies go to his wife Libby and his sons Russell and Anthony.

Details for Brian’s funeral will be circulated in due course.

Former Maidstone Rugby Head Coach, Des Diamond has taken up the role as the club’s Coaching Coordinator. A teacher by profession, Des was Head Coach at Maidstone Rugby from 1972 - 1980 before moving to coach Blackheath and Kent. In 1990 Des left his post at Maidstone Grammar School to take up a full time position with the RFU as a Coaching Development Manager until taking well-earned retirement in 2010. Des has kept in constant touch with MFC and has been a Vice President for many years.

From his time with the RFU Des has a full understanding of the importance of the Club Coaching Coordinator role and is the ideal candidate to develop this role within the club for coaches at all levels. Primarily the role involves:

• Being the main coaching contact between the RFU Coaching Department and club coaches
• Signposting club members towards appropriate coaching courses
• Supporting the development of all club coaches
• Liaising with RFU Coach Development Officers (CDOs) for localised training

Brian Mckeon has stood down from his role as Grounds Chairman, a position he has held for the past few years. Brian will remain involved with the club where he currently coaches the club’s U17s side. The club thanks Brian for his contribution in what is an important but very much an unseen and behind the scenes role over recent years

With immediate effect Martin Maytum has agreed to take over the role; with a background as a groundsman (Saracens & QPR) and greenkeeper himself, Martin is an ideal candidate and is already coordinating with The Mote CC groundsman in respect of the end of season pitch repair & renovation programme an associated working parties.

National 1: It appears that everyone is trying to get in on the youngest team act; after Blackheath’s win last week with a team all under 23 (bar 1), this week it was opponents Coventry that were impressed with the way they shaped up with an average age of 22yrs. However, it’s the score that counts and in a match that went down to the wire the visitors to the Rectory Field might feel marginally disappointed with a 27-27 draw.

National 2 (S): Both the county’s sides needed good results and city club Canterbury brought their losing streak to an end with some style, in an eight try demolition of visitors Lydney (55-5), a result that moves them above Shelford (who lost 22-59 to leaders Ealing) in the table. Westcombe Pk also closed the gap with an excellent 36-25 bonus point win against fourth placed Southend that effectively ended the visitor’s promotion hopes. The relegation battle remains between these three sides but now only 3 points separates the clubs with 6 matches left.

National 3(SE): In what was an evenly matched game with the score all square at 6-6, the last ten minutes proved to be Gravesend’s undoing as they turned over ball to allow Bishop Stortford’s back row to capitalise with two tries. A final try from an interception as Gs tried to force the play meant that they went down to the visitors 6-21.

London 1(S): At the top of the table TJs 35-13 win over Haywards Heath at The Slade secured the divisional title and their third successive promotion. Behind them Chichester and L Irish both won away from home, beating Cobham (8-24) and Dover (22-28) respectively and it looks like the battle for the playoff position won’t be decided until the last day of the season where TJs could have a big say in the outcome when they host Chichester. Elsewhere, any remote thoughts Wimbledon may have harboured of avoiding the drop were finally dispelled as they lost 26-15 at S&E, Thanet won 30-7 against Hove to move up to ninth in the table. Relegated clubs Tunbridge wells & Chobham both lost heavily as Wells were hammered 85-5 at Beckenham and Chobham went down 6-32 at home to Portsmouth.


London 1 (N): Colfes lost for the second time in as many weeks against bottom club Stevenage (24-28), who mathematically could still avoid the drop. Meanwhile barring a major upset, Sidcup secured the playoff spot with a 30-20 over Tabard and will face either Chichester or L Irish once the regular season is over.

London 2(SE): Newly crowned champions Elthamians celebrated in style as they posted another big score against relegated PJF (5-105); but the main area of focus here is now on who takes the promotion playoff spot. Current incumbents Aylesford hosted near neighbours Maidstone for the second of their back to back fixtures and may yet regret not securing a bonus point in the 22-5 win. Meanwhile third placed Lewes did all they could to keep the pressure on in their trip to Warlingham with a 16-30 victory. Elsewhere, Sevenoaks slim playoff aspirations disappeared with their 25-13 loss at Brighton who could still have a major say in the battle as they have still to play Aylesford. East Grinstead move up to fourth after they won convincingly at OMW (12-57) and must be ruing their 15 point deduction earlier in the season, without which they would have been very much in second place. Dunstonians won 17-14 against D&B. Although the battle for the playoff spot is not yet decided, but with Aylesford now in the box seat, it looks like they will face Trojans from L2 (SW), who now look favourites for the runners up spot in that division after a healthy 69-7 win over fifth placed Reigatians.

London 3(SE): With the battle for the promotion places being so tight in this division, this weekend may have proved to be decisive; Charlton Pk did their chances no harm as they overcame Bromley (10-25) to move up into second spot; but the main fixture of interest was the battle between the two Sussex title contenders as second placed Crowborough hosted leaders Heathfield & W in a match that would be a severe blow to one club’s promotion hopes. In the end the visitors were narrow 14-17 winners and it now looks like Crowborough, who set the pace for all but the last quarter of this campaign will have to wait another season for promotion. At the foot of the table, the results for Crawley and Horsham could decide the final relegation spot; both pushed their opposition all the way but to no avail, as Horsham went down 28-26 at Folkestone, and Crawley lost 25-29 to visitors Eastbourne, and the final relegation place will now be decided on the last day of the season; although Crawley now look like favourites as Horsham only need a single point for safety. The bottom two sides both lost heavily as Park Hse beat Cranbrook 43-17 and Darts went down 7-59 to visitors Medway.

Kent 1: Ashford’s winning visit to Sittingbourne (12-43) sees them secure the divisional title and promotion to London 3 (SE), with Sheppey also securing the promotion playoff place following their 0-46 win over Vigo. Two of the week’s fixtures were the reverse of last week’s matches, but the outcomes were very much the same, although by radically reduced margins, with OGs and Beccs defeating hosts HSBC & NAG by 24-25 and 20-25 respectively. In the final fixture of the weekend, Anchorians beat Whitstable 36-7, although Lordswood who didn’t play this week still remain bottom of the table.

In the equivalent Sussex league, currently undefeated Uckfield have already secured the title and promotion as they are currently 32 points clear of the second placed club, but the battle for the playoff position (to face Sheppey) is very tight between three clubs (Holbrook, Hastings & Bexhill and Burgess Hill), although following this weekend’s results and with only one point separating the sides, Burgess Hill (who have a game in hand against bottom side St Francis) look to be in pole position, but the match between them and Hastings on the last day of the season could well be a winner takes all battle.

Kent 2: The hospital derby was the big fixture here with Guys looking to do a season’s double over Kings Coll and also go some way to securing the title, they did so with some panache as they won 52-20, they now only need a point from their last match against Southwark to be sure of the crown. Shooters remain 4 points behind as they picked up an HWO against Brockleians, Southwark recorded another good win against Orpington which means that barring a major upset on the last day, they have secured a creditable fourth place in their debut season in the senior leagues. Bexley went down 17-30 to visitors Footscray, whilst Askeans are obviously now saving themselves for next week’s Salver semi-final as they lost out 16-3 at O Wills. Erith who didn’t play this week now look destined for the bottom spot in the division.

In error in the last update I mentioned that Canterbury were through to the semi-finals of the Plate competition; in fact this should have read quarter finals. In the end, due to league commitments and competition restrictions placed on National League sides in the county competitions, the city club were unable to field a front five and forced to concede the tie to Thanet who now move into the semis. They’re joined by Tunbridge Wells who benefited from two walkovers following the withdrawal of Elthamians in Rd 1 and then Folkestone in the quarter-final. Deal & Betteshanger are the third semi-finalists to be joined by either Aylesford or Charlton Pk, both of whom still have league priorities to think about, plus in Aylesford’s case the RFU Intermediate Cup.

In the Vase competition with Sheppey already through to the final, they will take on the winners of Southwark Lancers v Anchorians. Southwark overcame Kent 1 side Old Gravesendians 27-32 in a hard fought quarter final, where even five tries from the hosts weren’t enough to secure victory; in the other quarter final despite fielding a number of youngsters Anchorians overwhelmed Lordswood 79-5 to set up an intriguing contest against this season’s competition debutants.

In the Salver competition the semi-final draw is now complete with each being a divisional match up. In the first semi-final both Kent 1 sides who had a bye in the quarter final have been drawn against each other with Kent 1 champions elect being drawn away at Whitstable. In the other all Kent 2 match, Orpington overcame Brockleians to claim their place and will host Askeans who were awarded an AWO when Erith couldn’t raise a side.

The semi-finals for all competitions are scheduled to be played on or before the weekend of 2nd/3rd April.

The club is pleased to announce that Andy Foley has accepted the club’s invitation to combine his current Head Coach role with full responsibility for the playing side of the Club as director of Rugby. Andy took over as Head Coach with Maidstone Rugby at the beginning of the current season after periods with Dorking, Westcombe Pk & Lordswood as well as being involved in representative rugby for both Kent & Surrey.

This merging of the two roles will mirror the responsibility that was given to Andy whilst at Dorking where he was instrumental in 3 promotions and lifting the RFU Junior Vase at national level with a record winning points margin.

Andy commented that he is very excited about his new role the club and has identified that the club has a lot of talent that can help us climb the league ladder, with a good influx of players over the last 3 months he is really looking forward to next season.

The remainder of the current season will see Andy and the current DoR Andy Golding coordinating their efforts in preparation for next season with Andy fully in post at the end of April, in preparation for preseason training for the next campaign.

There has been a passing of the baton in respect of the role of Youth Chairman at the club, due to outside commitments Darren Mitchell has had to stand down from the role, and the club thanks Darren for his contribution during his time in the post. Darren was instrumental in conjunction with Nick Williams, in reclaiming the waste ground at the far end of the 1st XV pitch into a useful space which will be used from the 2011/12 season as a designated area for our Tag teams.

The club is pleased to announce that Sean McGuire, who has been involved with the tag section for almost 3 years and currently coaches (U7) within the Tag Rugby section, has taken over the role with immediate effect and has outlined his thoughts on the role below:

“This is an exciting time for the Youth section at Maidstone Rugby Club, over the past 2 seasons we have established and are still growing a tag section with over 75 kids learning rugby skills, making friends and most importantly enjoying themselves every Sunday morning, this, combined with building on our success in out other Youth age groups means that the future is looking very positive for the club over the next few years. There are still many challenges and opportunities to address and I look forward to working with my fellow Youth coaches and volunteers, the Senior squad coaches and the members of the Club in continuing to develop Maidstone Rugby club as the premier family orientated club in the County and ensure that we provide all the kids who turn up week in week out the chance to develop their rugby skills but most importantly have fun and enjoy a game that I have been involved with for over 25 years”.

The club wishes Sean every success in taking on this challenging role.

Originally scheduled as a cup weekend; following the winter weather in November/December the programme was rescheduled and for clubs at most levels it became the an opportunity to catch up on outstanding matches postponed during that period.

National 1: A young Blackheath side with only one player over 23 eventually proved to have too much for the home side in a match that went down to the wire as the Club ran out narrow 20-25 winners over hosts Rosslyn Pk.

National 2 (S): Westcombe Park’s home fixture against Shelford was a match that could do both themselves and Canterbury a favour, by not allowing the Cambridgeshire side to create any daylight between themselves and the bottom four. Combe had to show some of the resolve they will need to avoid the drop as they had to come back from 10-nil down after 30 minutes but went into the interval with a 17-10 lead which they extended after the break. Shelford did come back, and almost snatched a win at the death but knocked on as they crossed the line for Combe to run out 21-17 winners. A result that did both Combe and their county rivals a favour meaning that all three clubs are still very much fighting for survival with the outcome very much depending on their performances in the remaining half-dozen matches.

London 1 (N): Sidcup travelled to relegation threatened Tabard looking to consolidate their playoff position and a solid 12-39 win sees them 10 points clear of third placed Colchester with three to play and now almost certain of securing the promotion playoff spot. Colfes were also on the road at bottom club Stevenage, mathematically the Hertfordshire side could still stay up and a 29-22 win did nothing to oppose that view, but despite a good win, with only three matches left it looks unlikely.

London 2 (SE): Only two fixtures in this division with both having been carried over from 11 Dec, Maidstone hosted playoff hopefuls , and near neighbour Aylesford in the first of two matches over back to back weekends. This was a game of two halves with the visitors just having enough in the second period to hold on for the bonus point win and take over second spot in the league. Fourth placed Sevenoaks hosted Brighton who were also looking to make progress towards a top five finish in the division and a 21-13 win for the Kent club keeps them very much in fourth place in the table.

London 3 (SE): Although out of the promotion battle, a bonus point win for Medway against already relegated Dartfordians would put them in an unassailable fourth place in the table with two games remaining. A resounding 51-12 win means that they now can’t be caught and will now finish the season in a very creditable position.

Kent 1: With none of the sides involved in the promotion battle in action this weekend and also none in any relegation danger, the majority of clubs were competing for honour and to consolidate lower mid-table positions. Big scores were the order of the day as Beccs put in a good performance to overwhelm NAG 53-7, whilst OGs also had a resounding 48-6 win over HSBC.

Kent 2: With Footscray sat in the middle of the table and Bexley not in any immediate danger in ninth place, only pride and honour was at stake in this Kent 2 fixture. In a combative encounter the home side came out on top 27-14.

Finally, to Patrick & Tunde at Southwark Lancers, it’s nice to know at least two people bother to read this weekly roundup (although they probably won’t read this week’s missive as Southwark had no fixture).

Addendum: RFU Competitions, Junior Vase – Round 4

These results almost slipped past the author, with the weekend being primarily being taken up with rearranged league fixtures, there were also some matches played in the RFU Cup competitions. In the Junior Vase four of the counties clubs were in action, or at least supposed to be. In the end Kent 1 leaders Ashford didn’t need to make the trip to face Surrey 1 basement side Chipstead who conceded the tie; obviously with key league matches next week they had decided where their priorities lay; Ashford now face a tough trip to take on the Honourable Artillery Company (top of Herts/Middx 1) in the next round. Having travelled to Ely in the last round, Vigo this time found themselves in north Norfolk to take on Eastern Counties 1 side Holt. The Norfolk side currently sit 4th in their division and on the day had too much for a Villagers side that was potentially understrength as the club tour was organised for the weekend (unless of course they toured Norfolk), and the home club ran out 63-22 winners. Sheppey hosted 3rd placed Hampshire 1 club Millbrook, a side they knew little about so a good start was essential, 20 points in the first 20 minutes was just what they needed and the tempo stayed just about the same for the whole match as they ran out 64-7 winners and progress to the next round with an away tie at Cambridge side Cantabrigians, currently 3rd in Eastern Counties 1. The county’s last representative in the fourth round was Sittingbourne, who travelled to Surrey for their tie against O Walcountians from Surrey 1; in what appears to have been a competitive fixture the home side had enough about them to take the tie 36-17 to leave the county with just the two representatives in the regional quarter finals. The next round of RFU Cup action is 2nd April with both Ashford & Sheppey in the Junior Vase, Medway away at Newmarket (L3NE) in the Senior Vase; and Aylesford hosting L2(SW) side Old Reigatians.

Early March saw a number of the clubs more experienced players (and former players) depart these shores for what looks like becoming an annual event, as thanks to the organisational skills of Keith Newman, they headed to the French Alps for a week’s skiing.

With a party of 17 arriving in Les Gets just in time to see England beat France in the RBSD 6N the whole trip got off to a great start. This was enhanced even further with a significant snowfall on the first night to ensure a full week of skiing on all available slopes. The party consisted of a wide range of expertise, from the extremely accomplished skiers (Keith “I haven’t fallen down this year” Newman), those regaining their skills (Paul “Spyderman” Ehrhart) to the absolute novice who had a real job to stay upright on the first day (Bob Hayton). Perhaps the only drawback was the inclusion of a snowboarder who shall remain anonymous except for his alias as “The Green Mankini”!!!!

Nevertheless it was a great week, with some great skiing, excellent company and great crack at the end of the day (helped by the 4 polypins of real English ale they took with them).

National 1: Having beaten third placed Cambridge last week, Blackheath were unable to maintain the momentum as six tries from fourth placed club Macclesfield consigned them to a 44-17 defeat.

National 2 (S): With two of the relegation places all but decided (Newbury & Hinckley), there are three clubs still in the danger zone for the last relegation spot, unfortunately both Westcombe Pk & Canterbury are two of them and neither did themselves any favours this week. In their fixture city club Canterbury did start brightly but three tries in the second quarter gave Henley the bonus point before half time, and despite a second half fight back by Canterbury, it was too little too late as they lost out 31-27 to the eighth placed club. Combe were also away to Clifton, who despite making a host of unforced errors and poor decisions still had enough to pull away from the 15-15 half time score line and notch up a 30-20 bonus point win.

National 3 (SE): Gravesend remains in a comfortable fifth place in the division after a 29-23 home win against Hampshire side Havant.

London 1 (S): Following a resounding 59-10 against a S&E; side that have been in good form of late, TJs could wrap up the title at The Slade in two weeks’ time when they host Haywards Heath. Both of the clubs chasing the playoff spot had convincing wins as Chichester beat Thanet 47-11 and L Irish beat Wimbledon 48-14, a result that effectively relegates Wimbledon. Fourth placed Haywards Heath demolished bottom side Chobham 61-0, but fifth club Beckenham slipped up on their travels as they were beaten by Hove 14-7, Dover now move into fifth spot following their 15-20 win at Tunbridge Wells. Cobham move up to ninth in the standings, following a good away result in defeating Portsmouth 33-46.

London 1(N): Sidcup maintained their promotion challenge through the playoffs with a solid 18-34 win at fifth placed Chingford, but Colfes faltered as they went down 41-24 away at sixth side Thurrock.

London 2(SE): A 68-21 win at Warlingham sees Elthamians take the champions mantle with a now unassailable lead in the division; Lewes did their chances no harm with a hard fought 16-12 win over Sussex rival East Grinstead and remain second in the table. Aylesford are in close contention and have games in hand, but 12-62 win away at OMW keeps up the pressure. Fourth placed Sevenoaks also had a resounding win as they emphatically beat PJF p4-3 at Knole Paddock. Brighton remain in mid table after a 15-33 away win at D&B, whilst Maidstone went down 22-33 to Dunstonians despite leading with less than 10 mins to go. The league table however does not reflect games won & lost in this division and with points deductions having been made and completely reshuffled the pack, relegation in the division is already decided, with both PJF and Maidstone playing their rugby in London 3 next season.

London 3(SE): The top three all won again, and despite some big wins three points is all that separates them; third placed Charlton Pk put Crawley to the sword 82-22, whilst Crowborough and Heathfield had slightly tougher fixtures. Crowborough were too strong for hosts Eastbourne and ran out 17-46 winners, whilst H&W overcame visitors Folkestone by 32-24. Medway remain in fourth place after a tough 38-30 result against visitors Bromley and fifth placed Park Hse lost some ground as they tripped up at Horsham, going down 22-16. At the foot of the table Cranbrook convincingly beat the already relegated Dartfordians 48-7, although along with Crawley they look favourites to go down with them

Kent 1: Second placed Sheppey had no fixture this wee,k but leaders Ashford now look like champions elect after a good 36-12 win over third placed Anchorians, a result that probably ends any hopes the Medway club had of achieving a playoff place. Beccs 13-3 win over fourth side Sittingbourne has probably had the same effect and also moved the home side well clear of any relegation danger (however remote), in the mid-table battle OGs proved too strong for NAG as they ran out 36-7 winners. At the foot of the table the key results were Lordswood’s 17-18 loss to HSBC, whilst Whitstable put in a sterling performance to beat Vigo 12-10. I mentioned last week that Whitstable were probably still favourites for the drop, however, this result combined with the implosion of Lordswood’s form now leaves the ‘Woodsmen’ at the foot of the table with only three games to play, whilst the ‘Oystermen’ move off the bottom for the first time and still have another two games in hand.

Kent 2: Two major results here this week with the outcome of the basement battle between Askeans and Erith looking like it will decide who finishes bottom of the pile in the county; in the end Askeans proved too strong for the visitors as they ran out comfortable 36-7 winners, leaving Erith five points adrift at the bottom. As was mentioned last week, some teams other than the two title contenders could still have a big say in the outcome; well this week Southwark Lancers put a major dent in any hopes Shooters Hill may have had of taking the divisional title as they ran out winners 30-20. Third placed Kings Coll showed they could also still have a say in title battle as they thrashed fourth placed Orpington 75-5. Elsewhere Brockleian proved too strong for Bexley as they ran out 46-8 winner, whilst Footscray downed O Wills in what looks like it was a hard fought contest. Leaders Guys Hosp had no fixture this week but the big favour Southwark have done them must feel like a winning result.

February saw the completion of the Quarter Final stage of the Kent Cup; with Blackheath having beaten Colfes and defending champions Gravesend overcoming Westcombe Pk in January, the final two semi final places went to TJs, who progressed after a long injury list meant that Maidstone had to withdraw from the scheduled fixture. Old Dunstonians took the last semi final place with a 33-25 win over Sevenoaks at Wickham Way.

The draw for the semi finals is now complete with TJs hosting Blackheath at The Slade, whilst Gravesend have a home draw against Old Dunstonians, matches are to be played on or before the 3rd April.

In the Plate competition Canterbury are through to the semi finals following a 0-15 win away at Bromley and are joined by Deal & Betteshanger on a HWO following the withdrawal of Dartfordians; matches still awaiting results are Medway v Charlton Pk and Elthamians v Tunbridge Wells.

In the Vase competition the semi finals are already underway, with Sheppey through to the final following a 25 point victory away at Sittingbourne, the other side of the draw is not as advanced, as the quarter finals are not yet complete with Old Gravesendians set to take on Southwark Lancers and Anchorians hosting Lordswood.

The Salver competition is yet to commence but both Whitstable & Ashford have byes to the semi final stage, with the other places going to the winners of the ties between Orpington and Brockleians and the match between Kent’s two basement clubs, Erith and Askeans. Outstanding quarter final matches are scheduled to be played on or before the 19th March.

A slightly longer piece this week as I look to cover this weekend’s fixtures and summarise the results of the previous weekend (26 Feb).

National 1: Following a 1-point reversal at Cinderford two weeks ago with the last kick of the match, the ‘Club’ have notched up a narrow victory (33-31) against Cornish all Black side Launceston and followed that up with an excellent home win against third placed Cambridge by 31-25 in what was by all accounts a great advert for the game, the win moves them up to fifth in the division

National 2 (S): The last two weeks have seen city side Canterbury slip to two narrow defeats, losing last week to Taunton (17-18) and then this week 18-20 to Bristol side Dings Crusaders. The latest defeat saw them give away a 12-point advantage, plus missing a last minute penalty attempt that could have won the game. The result sees them slip into the bottom four and a fight to avoid relegation between Shelford and county rivals Westcombe Pk. Combe have recorded two useful wins in their struggle for survival as they despatched relegation favourites Hinckley13-17 and overwhelmed Newbury with a 71-15 scoreline at Goddington Dene, the result could have been more comprehensive but for conceding two tries in the last two minutes of the match.
National 3 (SE): Gs have blown hot & cold over the past fortnight with a good result for the Kent side putting a severe dent in Dorking’s promotion hopes as they beat the third placed Surrey side 19-16. This weekend they were not as convincing as they went down 16-10 at Tring, a result that the home side desperately needed in their battle to avoid the ‘drop’.

London 1 (S): As expected, leaders TJs despatched basement club Tunbridge Wells quite comfortably a fortnight ago (42-5) and continued that form as they ran in 96 unanswered points away at Chobham to remain 13 points clear at the head of the division. L Irish completed a miserable two weeks for Chobham as they ran in 54 points without reply the week before, they had a much tougher proposition this week as they held on to win 28-30 at a much improved S&E who had held Beckenham to a 10-10 draw the week before. Beckenham suffered at the hands of promotion chasing Chichester this week as they went down heavily (13-51) at home to the Hampshire side. Thanet have put together two useful wins over the past two weeks as they downed Dover 22-10 in the East Kent derby, and then a convincing 27-5 win against Portsmouth, that would appear to have lifted any relegation worries. Despite Chichester’s wins over Beckenham and Portsmouth (6-24) they slip to third in the table but still very much in the hunt for a play-off spot. Dover inflicted a second defeat in two weeks for Hove as they won 22-14 at The Crabble, whilst Hove’s slide down the table wasn’t helped by a 10-7 defeat at Haywards Heath last week, however, Heath seem to be struggling for consistency of late and went down 21-20 at Cobham this week. Wimbledon had fallen foul of the Surrey side the week before as they were beaten 39-5, but did themselves no harm with a 20-17 home win against Tunbridge Wells this week; although they very much look like the favourites for the third relegation place.

With four matches left, TJs are looking ‘red hot’ favourites to secure the title in the next couple of weeks, with the play-off spot being contested by L Irish & Chichester, although with Chichester still having to play TJs at The Slade it would look like Irish have the slight advantage. Tunbridge Wells & Chobham are already relegated and it is very much looking like Wimbledon will go down with them.

London 1(N): The 26th Feb saw Sidcup host the all Kent derby in this division although the form book often goes out of the window on these occasions, and with the last meeting being a close affair this match was equally tight, with the Crescent Farm side taking the honours 19-13 to do a season’s double over their county rivals. Sidcup carried that form into this week as they thumped Woodford 0-47, whilst Colfes beat visitors’ Tabard 24-11.

With the season running into the last quarter, Essex side Westcliff look like the champions elect, with Sidcup very much in the box-seat for the play-off spot against the L1(S) runners up (L Irish or Chichester).

London 2(SE): Leaders Elthamians stay top of the division after a 22-28 win last week at Dunstonians but they tripped up in a major way as they went down heavily (62-31) in their second defeat of the season away at East Grinstead. Aylesford keep up the pressure for a play-off spot as they defeated Sevenoaks 24-3 in the mud at the Jack Williams Ground last weekend and then downed Dunstonians 3-23. Lewes had enough to overcome hosts Brighton last weekend and put OMW to the sword this week with 90 unanswered points to remain in second place, although third placed Aylesford are close behind and have two games in hand. Maidstone ground out a 15-0 win against D&B last weekend but went down 27-8 to Brighton this week. Perhaps Elthamians should have looked at the formbook before taking on East Grinstead this week, as the Sussex side had run in 101 points against PJF the week before. D&B were the beneficiaries of PJF’s hospitality this week as they won 8-42. Sevenoaks were back to winning ways this week (20-36) as they beat a Warlingham that had won 0-14 at OMW the week before.

London 3(SE): The top three all won twice over the past two weekends, with Heathfield remaining top, although they were pushed close by Park Hse this week ((26-29) following their 10-34 win over Eastbourne the week before. Charlton Pk beat Dartfordians 69-0 last week and followed that up with a solid 21-44 win at Medway to stay third in the table, just two points behind the leaders. Second placed Crowborough put in two solid performances with a 33-0 win over Cranbrook followed by this week’s 74-5 demolition of Crawley. Park Hse is probably the unlucky side over the two weeks, with another narrow loss to visiting neighbours Bromley (13-14) the week before. Bromley carried that form over into this week with a good 44-12 win over Cranbrook. At the bottom end of the table Horsham did themselves some good with a 0-31 win at Crawley but may be disappointed by an 18-18 draw this week with bottom club Dartfordians. Folkestone have recorded two losses, last week by 3-32 to visiting Medway and followed by another home defeat (7-12) to Eastbourne.

With just three games left in the season, it is very much a three horse race for the two promotion places between H&W, Crowborough and Charlton Pk, although Charlton Pk could be major beneficiaries of the clash between the top two later this month. At the foot of the table it is very much looking like Dartfordians & Cranbrook to go down, joined by either of Crawley or Horsham; although Crawley would look like favourites as they face two of the top three in their run in.

Kent 1: Leaders Ashford continue to set the pace and could have the title in the bag in two more matches, convincing results over the past two weeks, with a 106-0 thrashing of bottom side Whitstable followed by a solid 12-31 win away at Vigo have put them in pole position. Sheppey will be watching for any slip up as they kept up the pressure with 0-25 win at then third placed Sittingbourne followed by a 0-61 thumping of HSBC. Sittingbourne slipped to fourth place following an 11-6 defeat this week at the hands of Anchorians, who replace them in third place after also recording a 74-3 win against Lordswood the week before. OGs recorded two solid results with a 7-17 win at Vigo last week and 32-7 result over Beccs this week. Beccs had won the week previous with a 29-5 win over HSBC. NAG had the week off last week and found themselves without a fixture this week as they were awarded a HWO against Lordswood who seem to have imploded since the New Year.

With Olavians having withdrawn from the league earlier in the season and on the assumption that there will be only one side relegated this season. Whitstable still look favourites given their remaining games although Lordswood are only 2-points above them and their recent form doesn’t bode well in their fight to stay up.

Kent 2: As expected Guys put together two convincing wins over the past two weeks, with a 61-3 mauling of Brockleians followed by a 24-74 win at Orpington. Shooters Hill can still overtake them, but will be rueing a poor performance in a 5-3 result against visitors Askeans last week, although they made amends with a solid 58-3 result against Kings Coll this week. Kings Coll remains third thanks to their 24-6 win over Southwark the week before; Orpington are still fourth despite two consecutive defeats, having lost 10-16 to visitors Footscray the week before, Footscray consolidated this result with a resounding 5-62 win at Erith this week and are now 8-points behind Southwark who beat Bexley 12-31 this week. O Wills had last week off and recorded a 25-19 win against Brockleians this week, whilst Askeans didn’t play this week.

A win in their next outing could see Guys take the divisional title although it could go to the last day of the season if they get less than a full bonus point win, with Shooters looking to pounce on any slip up. Both Southwark and Kings Coll could still have a say in the title with both of the title contenders yet to play Southwark, and Kings Coll still to play their hospital rivals Guys. At the foot of the table the ‘wooden spoon’ is between Askeans & Erith with next week’s match between the two looking like the deciding fixture.

The Appeal scheduled held on Thursday March 3rd 2011 was abandoned principally due to the following:

1. 1. As a result of new contra medical evidence as to the causation of injury, the Club asked for additional time to assess the evidence through an independent hearing. Although this was perceived by the Club as fresh, significant evidence, this was rejected by the RFU on the basis that we had been given sufficient time to provide this evidence before (despite a number of very good reasons why we were unable to present it previously).
2. 2. Whilst we accept the RFU disciplinary regulation that a Club is responsible for its players, we believe that it was never intended to be interpreted and applied to situations involving players or players unknown, where the Club is not aware that any act of foul play has taken place. The RFU did not accept our argument despite their admission that it has never been used before and that there is no precedent.

Given that these two factors formed the basis of our submission, we found ourselves in an untenable position and subsequently saw no point in continuing the appeal.

We maintain and have made it clear to the RFU that throughout this process, we have never accepted nor do we accept the RFU findings against us.

A full press release will follow in due course.

From: Robert Beney [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, 24 February 2011 2:42 a.m.
To: Jeff Strowger
Subject: from Bob Beney Maidstone Rugby Uk

Dear Jeff

On behalf of all of us at Maidstone Rugby Club, we are appalled by the terrible earthquake in
Christchurch.

I believe it is near you.

We have had many of your guys over here as you know.

When I see the horror of it, it brings it all home

I hope that you are all safe. We send our wishes to everyone.

We are thinking of you
Kind Regards
Bob Beney
President Maidstone Rugby Club

----- Original Message -----
From: Jeff Strowger
To: Robert Beney
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 6:18 PM
Subject: RE: from Bob Beney Maidstone Rugby Uk

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the email mate.

As far as I know all of our Club members are safe and with their families. For a lot of them
though they either know of somebody that has either been classed as missing or even worse.
The Rugby Club has been asked if the clubrooms and its facilities can be used for beds,
cooking, or showers etc… for some of those Christchurch people that are in need of these
things.

Of course we have opened our doors to those that need it and have people willing and waiting
to help in any way we can.

If any of your club members know of anybody over here that need a bed or even just a hot
shower please let me know and we’ll certainly do everything possible to help where we can
Again thanks for the email and your kind thoughts

Regards
Jeff Strowger
President Darfield Rugby Club

Applications for tickets for England v Wales (06.08.11) and Wales v England (13.08.11) can be made to Steve Vincent via email ([email protected]). Should you wish to apply for tickets your email request must be received by 30.03.11. Adult prices vary from £30 to £60 and junior tickets are £10 for the Twickenham match. There are Adults Only Parties prices (£40 or £30 per ticket) as well as Family Tickets, comprising 2 adults and 2 juniors, (£110) for the Cardiff match. Applications made after 30.03.11 will not be accepted.

We may also receive an allocation of tickets for Ireland v England (27.08.11) and should that match be of interest please, also, email your request to Steve Vincent."

National 1: For the third time this season Blackheath suffered a defeat by the narrowest of margins as they went down 18-17 at Forest of Dean side Cinderford.

National 2 (S): Neither of the county’s sides had comfortable fixtures, city club Canterbury were away at fifth placed Southend, who are probably just far enough adrift of the sides competing for the promotion places, but still a stiff proposition for a Canterbury side that whilst still scoring tries, are leaking points as well. In the end they went down 21-12 to the Essex side, but with all the sides below them also losing are still 12 points clear of the relegation zone. A trip to the West Country to take on Taunton was probably not what Combe needed either as they went down 29-17 to a well drilled outfit, a defeat that leaves them 11 points away from safety as the table currently stands.

National 3 (SE): This Week saw Gs involved in a mid table tussle with visitors Bracknell and in difficult conditions came out on top by a single point as they took the spoils 14-13.

London 1 (S): Dover’s trip to Chichester was a match that could have a significant impact on the battle for the play off position, especially as Ldn Irish were up against bottom club Tunbridge Wells. In the end the Sussex side recorded a convincing 42-21 win; and with Irish beating Wells 6-31 the two play-off contenders are still locked together on 78 points, 13 behind leaders TJs, who ran in 69 unanswered points in their win against Cobham. An improving S&E side travelled to Chobham hoping to continue their climb up the division, whilst a resounding 0-40 win didn’t move them any higher they have narrowed the gap on seventh placed Dover. Beckenham’s 14-14 draw away at Portsmouth sees them drop a place to fifth with Haywards Heath taking over fourth spot following their emphatic 61-31 victory over Thanet. Sussex side Hove’s form has slipped in recent weeks and they were hosting a Wimbledon side who are beginning to look like favourites for the third relegation spot and a 69-8 scoreline in favour of the home side tends to reinforce that view.

London 1 (N): Both the county’s sides recorded useful wins with Sidcup reducing the gap to leaders Westcliff to 12 points following a 17-32 win at Ruislip. Colfes also put in a good performance to beat a Chingford side that were in third place at the start of the day by 10-17.

London 2 (SE): Some big games this week in the top six, with the top two going head to head and as Elthamians hosted Lewes and running out convincing winners by 34-6. Third placed Sevenoaks hosted an East Grinstead side that they had comprehensively beaten in the away fixture but the tables were turned as they went down 17-42 at Knole Paddock. Aylesford finally got to play Brighton after their first encounter was abandoned and in what was a tight contest, were narrow 7-3 victors and move into third place. In mid table Maidstone got back to winning ways in a match played in quagmire conditions, with an 18-8 scoreline over basement side PJF, D&B recorded a good win over Warlingham (39-10) whilst OMW & Dunstonians played out a 20-20 draw.

London 3 (SE): With the top of the table very tight, the battle of the top two could have created some daylight at the head of the division, and with third placed Heathfield taking on bottom club Dartfordians there was a possibility of them moving to the top of the table. A 6-6 draw means that Charlton Pk drop to third with Crowborough second after Heathfield’s 41-0 thrashing of Dartfordians. Fourrth and fifth in the table remains unchanged with Park Hse drawing 22-22 at Eastbourne, and \Medway 12-34 winners at Cranbrook. Elsewhere, Folkestone were 12-29 winners at Crawley and Bromley ground out the divisions second drawn match of the day with a 20-20 scoreline at Horsham.

Kent 1: Top side Ashford had the week off, so Sheppey were looking to close the gap in their home encounter with NAG, and an emphatic 56-8 scoreline did so in some style. Third placed Sittingbourne slipped up as they lost 7-11 to visitors Vigo, whilst fourth placed Anchorians were convincing 7-39 winners at Beccehamians. With at least one drawn match in all the divisions from Ldn 1(S) downwards, Kent 1 weren’t to be left out as bottom club Whitstable fought out a 6-6 draw with visitors HSBC, Lordswood’s loss of form continued as they went down 42-nil at home to OGs and drop into the bottom four.

Kent 2: Yet another division where the key battle was between the top two as Guys hosted second placed Shooters Hill in a match that could potentially settle the championship battle, in what by all accounts was a tough encounter, Shooters were narrow 22-24 victors and close the gap at the top of the table to 3 points with a game in hand. Third placed Kings Coll’s match with Bexley was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and with fourth side Orpington having no fixture; Southwark closed the gap with a resounding 39-0 victory over O Wills. Askeans two match winning run came to an end, going down 53-8 at Footscray, whilst bottom side Erith lost 23-14 at Brockleians.

PS: For those readers of this blog (I know there are some!!) there will not be a ‘blog’ for next week’s fixtures as the author is taking a week off to go and partake of the twinned activities of “falling down in the snow & drinking beer”! I will however attempt to cover events in the followings week’s ‘Around the Grounds’ piece.

National 1: Blackheath notched up their third win from four as they took on a spirited Sedgley Pk side that held them to within a point at the interval, but a second half that yielded three tries to add to the one from the first period gave the home side their first bonus point win since October with a 25-9 scoreline.

National 2 (S): Neither of the county’s sides had comfortable fixtures as Westcombe Pk hosted the league leaders Ealing and despite a bright start they were made to pay for missed opportunities as the visitors ran in four first half scores. Combe started equally brightly in the second period but despite a score early on, and a consolation at the final whistle, Ealing never really looked in any trouble. After last week’s defeat at basement side Newbury, Canterbury travelled to Sussex side Worthing and were shown little mercy with three tries in the opening quarter as they went down 57-22, although a hat trick from Mike Melford and a score from Stanford did at least yield a bonus point in defeat.

National 3(SE): Seven tries for the Gs saw them consign basement side Diss to a 47-7 defeat and keeps the Nth Kent side in a healthy mid table position.

London 1 (S): The battle for promotion is now effectively between the top three sides who all won; with TJs despatching Portsmouth to a 41-5 defeat at The Slade. Second placed Chichester won on the road at Chobham (17-37) and Ldn Irish were convincing 14-38 winners at Balmoral Ave against fourth placed Beckenham. Dover are still in the hunt for a top four finish as they downed Wimbledon 34-6 and S&E continued their climb up the table as they stunned Haywards Heath 32-8. Thanet were convincing 41-14 winners against Tunbridge Wells and now have some daylight between them and third from bottom Wimbledon.

London 1 (N): Sidcuo maintained second place following a 29-18 win against a Thurrock side that were still in touch with the top of the table at the start of the day but now drop to sixth. Colfes hosted Colchester who are also part of the promotion chasing pack; and went down narrowly 17-23.

London 2 (SE): The days fixtures were all those postponed from December, and leaders Elthamians were convincing 10-40 winners at Warlingham and could see the title clinched before the end of the month. The gap to second the placed side widened to 18 points as Lewes went down to Sussex rivals East Grinstead 15-6. Third placed Sevenoaks are now only 5 points behind following their 64 point demolition of hosts PJF. Aylesford were comfortable 46-8 winners over OMW, whilst fifth placed Brighton were narrow 29-22 winners over D&B. An injury ravaged Maidstone went down 46-5 at Dunstonians.

London 3 (SE): There is no change in the title battle between the top three sides as still only one [point separates the sides. Leaders Crowborough were 24-7 victors over Eastbourne, whilst Charlton Pk were convincing 3-46 winners away at Crawley. Heathfield defeated Folkestone 8-38, with the home side now dropping to sixth in the table; Medway move above them following an excellent 15-50 win at Bromley. On the other side of the road there were also 50 points on the scoreboard as Park Hse won 53-22 against Horsham who now drop into the bottom two. Cranbrook move above them as they registered their first win since early October with a 24-53 win away at basement side Dartfordians.

Kent 1: A 13-35 win away at Anchorians now puts Ashford 15 points clear of second placed Sheppey (who had the week off), although the chasers have three matches in hand are in good form. Third placed Sittingbourne closed the gap as the won 34-19 against Beccs, with fifth place Vigo also winning 24-13 against bottom club Whitstable. NAG made it four wins from their last five matches as they beat OGs in a tight battle, 19-16 at Punchcroft Rd. HSBC came out on top of the battle between two sides whose form has tailed off of late, as they posted a 46-18 win over Lordswood.

Kent 2: Leaders Guys Hospital had the week off and second placed Shooters took full advantage as they posted a 50-17 win over Southwark. Fourth placed Orpington dented Kings Coll’s hopes as they ran in 56 points with only 27 in reply In mid table Bexley were 41-6 winner over Brockleians and Footscray were 10-25 winners, away at O Wills. Again they result of the day was with Askeans, who recorded their second win of the season (and in consecutive weeks) with a 22-14 result at Erith.

National 1: Blackheath picked up only their second win in their last 10 outings with a convincing performance against Yorkshire club Wharfedale to run out 27-16 winners and move up to sixth in the division.

National 2(S): The city club were not going to get a better opportunity to end their losing streak than their visit to basement club Newbury, who hadn’t won in their last 23 outings (almost a year). Things initially looked good as the city club crossed in the first 2 minutes and the hosts must have dreaded the worst as Canterbury led at the interval. In a match full of errors and with Canterbury players occupying the sin bin Newbury increased the pressure and posted three second half tries to claim a bonus point win with a 24-19 scoreline. Westcombe Pk had a less enviable fixture as they hosted fourth placed Albanians and looked lively throughout, but 4 tries (two penalty tries from forward pressure at the scrum) weren’t enough to secure the points as they lost out 26-31 to the visitors.

National 3(SE): Gs travelled to promotion chasing Barnes and made them work hard for the points eventually losing out 26-21, a result that drops them to 9th in the table and leaves Barnes 1 point off the top spot.

National 1(S): As expected TJs recorded another win as they ran out 18-50 winners on their trip to East Kent side Thanet. The real interest is in the chasing pack with Chichester and Ldn Irish only separated by their points differential. Chichester currently holds second spot and a 3-51 win at twelfth club Wimbledon maintains that position with Irish keeping up the pressure with a 32-13 win against mid-table visitors Hove. The chasing club’s results shuffled the pack a bit as sixth placed Beckenham recorded a hard fought 19-15 win against fourth placed Haywards Heath; Dover also put in a good performance against fifth placed Portsmouth to run out 35-11 winners. At the bottom of the table there was little joy for the bottom two as S&E did themselves a power of good, posting 51 points without reply against visiting Tunbridge Wells, and look like they are moving away from the relegation battle as they move above Hove in the table. Chobham fared little better as they went down 38-10 at Cobham.

London 1 (N): This week saw the battle of the top two, as Sidcup hosted leaders Westcliff; like their previous encounter this was a tight and hard fought contest, with the Essex side just coming out on top 22-28. Sidcup still sit in second place but the margin is now 17 points. Colfes played hosts to Woodford and ran out 22-17 winners in what was another tight contest and remain in a solid mid table position.

London 2 (SE): Following last weeks narrow 10-6 loss to the league leaders and with matches against top half sides Aylesford, East Grinstead & Brighton to follow; Sevenoaks’ clash against second placed Lewes was the pick of this week’s fixtures. The Sussex side’s recent form is holding them in good stead as they were 29-14 winners and are now 10 points clear of the third placed side, although a number of clubs have matches in hand. Aylesford kept up the pressure as they downed PJF 6-31and table toppers Elthamians despatched OMW 59-21. East Grinstead climb back up the table to fifth after a 53-18 win against D&B, Brighton were 10-7 winners against visitors Dunstonians and surprisingly Maidstone went down 39-0 away at Warlingham.

London 3 (SE): The top three all won although there was a slight shuffling of the places as following their 13-58 win at Cranbrook, Charlton Pk move above Heathfield into second with a marginally better points difference. Heathfield also won away from home with a 12-25 win at Bromley and leaders Crowborough beat Folkestone 12-24 to stay one point ahead. Park Hse hammered Crawley 51-26 and move above Folkestone into fourth place, Medway defeated Horsham 21-12 at Priestfields and the surprise result of the day was bottom club Dartfordians 22-19 win over Eastbourne who were fifth at the start of the day.

Kent 1: HSBC’s slide down the table continued as leaders Ashford racked up 84 points against them with only 13 in reply. Sheppey won 29-7 at OG’s to stay 11 points behind but with games in hand, third club Sittingbourne had no fixture, but Anchorians fell foul of a Vigo side that is very competitive, especially at home as the visitors went down 17-15. Lordswood shipped another big score as they lost at home to Beccs, 5-51and drop to sixth below Vigo. NAG posted a 31-12 win against Whitstable which keeps things very tight in the bottom section of the table.

Kent 2: Probably the big result of the day was Askeans posting their first win of the season with a solid 28-12 result over Brockleians. Elsewhere both Guys and Shooters both won comfortably against Bexley (15-48) and Orpington (32-7) respectively but Kings Coll tripped up as they were beaten by O Wills (34-0) and are now 7 points off second placed Shooters. Southwark won at Erith 13-20 and Footscray had no fixture this week.

As was previously announced on 21st Dec we are now entering the period where we are playing postponed fixtures caused by the icy weather in Nov/Dec last year. The first of these is the away fixture at Old Dunstonians on 12th Feb, the home fixture v Deal & Betteshanger is scheduled for the 26th Feb.

Revised dates for March have now been announced by the London & SE RFU in respect of outstanding league fixtures to be played during that month. The home fixture against Aylesford postponed from 11th Dec will now be played on the 19th Mar; which means that we now play our near neighbours in home & away fixtures on back to back weekends, with the away fixture being on the 26th Mar as originally scheduled.

Full details for revised league & cup competition fixture dates can be found at the London & SE RFU website

National 1: Hosts Stourbridge took the lead as early as the fourth minute but were on the back foot for much of the half as Blackheath applied most of the pressure, but 2 penalties from 5 attempts wasn’t enough as the home side went into the interval strongly, kicking three penalties in stoppage time. With both sides reduced in number by yellow cards, it looked as if Blackheath might claw their way back into the match following a penalty, but the home side took control with a penalty and two tries, one created by former Springbok, Thinus Delport. The bonus point try followed but Blackheath had the final say with a try in the closing minutes, but still losing out 31-16.

National 2(S): The visitors ended a three match losing streak as the city club went down 22-31to Shelford and will need some positive results soon if they are to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle. Having conceded a try in the fifth minute, Canterbury hit back with two tries of their own, and despite another Shelford score the city club led at the interval. Although both teams scored a try apiece in the second half, it was the penalty count that was the difference between the two sides with Shelford kicking three in the second period. Westcombe Pk travelled to Richmond and despite being competitive for the opening 30 minutes, five tries by the home side saw Combe fall to their sixth consecutive defeat by 33-3, a losing run that goes back to the end of October and along with Newbury & Hinckley sees them in danger of being cast adrift from safety in the division.

National 3(SE): Gravesend turned an 11-5 advantage at the interval having played with the elements in their favour into a 51-15 rout as they showed Basingstoke no mercy in what was one of the Gs best performances of the season.

London 1(S): The top four were all in action against each other and the big battle was at Oaklands Park where third placed Chichester hosted Ldn Irish, and whilst the hosts hospitality may have been generous, they gave little away on the park and ran out 33-14 winners to leapfrog Irish into second place behind TJs who were narrow winners in a tight contest against fourth placed Beckenham (20-13), who now drop to sixth in the standings. Haywards Heath and Portsmouth move above them after both coming out on top in close contests against Dover (14-11) and Wimbledon (27-23) respectively. Hove remain in eighth place after a convincing 64-7 result at Tunbridge Wells, whilst S&E did their situation a power of good with a useful 15-21 away win at Cobham. Thanet also helped to ease their worries with a tight 11-12 win at bottom side Chobham. Whilst the bottom two sides now appear to be certainties for relegation, the battle to avoid the third relegation spot is tight, with the fight being between Wimbledon, Cobham, Thanet and possibly S&E.

London 1 (N): Sidcup’s failure to collect a bonus point during their 14-17 win over a Letchworth side at the wrong end of the table, meant that the gap between themselves and leaders Westcliff stretched to 14 points. Meanwhile Colfes 28-17 loss at Ruislip sees them maintain seventh place but with a 17 point gap between themselves and sixth placed Bury St Edmunds

London 2 (SE): There were battles at both ends of the table, with the big clash of the day being at Knole Paddock as Sevenoaks took on league leaders Elthamians but losing out 6-10 in a tight contest. At the foot of the table the bottom two did battle with Dunstonians hosting a PJF side whose losing margins have reduced significantly since the Xmas break, although their improved form appears to have deserted them as they went down 62-5. Brighton also ran in 62 points for only 19 in return away at OMW. Lewes stay in second place but were made to work hard for the points in a 22-24 away win against a D&B side that leaked 52 points to the league leaders the week before. The Kent county town side went down 5-31 to East Grinstead and near neighbours Aylesford had to work hard at home for their 17-10 win against Warlingham.

London 3 (SE): Whilst the top of this division is extremely tight, the key battleground this weekend was at the foot of the table with the bottom four clubs in action against each other. Wealden club Cranbrook travelled to Horsham but failed to get the positive result they needed, going down 26-19. A win would have done them a lot of good, especially with the Sussex side having had a 5 point deduction for some indiscretion implemented. Elsewhere bottom club Dartfordians also travelled to Sussex to Crawley and lost 33-13. With the promotion battle looking like a three horse race, the top sides were all taking on mid table opposition; leaders Charlton Pk hosted fourth placed Folkestone and their failure to register a bonus point in an extremely tight contest (23-22) sees them drop to third place. Crowborough hosted Park Hse and a solid 38-5 victory sees them go top of the division with H&W moving into second spot following a 24-8 win over visitors Medway; one point remains all that separates the top three. Eastbourne leapfrogs Park Hse into fifth place after their 21-17 win over Bromley.

Kent 1:

The big result here was Sheppey’s 109-0 thrashing of Lordswood, a result which keeps the pressure on leaders Ashford but also did their points differential a power of good. Leaders Ashford stay 11 points clear following a good win over NAG, Sittingbourne remain in third place with a 22-0 win over HSBC who have started to slide down the table after what was a good start to the season. Both Vigo and OGs also scored 22-points in their respective away wins against Beccs (15-22) and Whitstable(0-22). Anchorians had no fixture this week but remain in fourth place in the table.

Kent 2: Guys remain 11 points clear after their 27-10 win against O Wills, although second placed Shooters who didn’t play this week have two matches in hand. Third placed Kings Coll scored 53 points in their win against Erith who didn’t trouble the scoreboard. Southwark were back to winning ways as they beat Askeans 52-5, whilst fourth placed Orpington were made to work hard for their 7-5 home win against Bexley. Brockleians against Footscray was another tight contest, with the home side just losing out 19-21.

Following a seven try romp in the league against Basingstoke the day before, defending champions Gravesend ran in 6 more tries on the Sunday (30 Jan) as they despatched Westcombe Park to a 38-17 defeat and are the first side to progress to the semi-finals of this year’s competition.

In the remaining quarter-finals Old Colfeians take on Blackheath next Saturday (6th Feb) and TJs host Maidstone for a midweek match under floodlights on Wed 23rd Feb. The date of the fixture between Old Dunstonians & Sevenoaks has yet to be published.

National 1: This home match for the ‘Club’ would either see the Kent side break its 7 match losing streak or see the North East’s Tynedale finally win away from home outside their local area.  Despite a strong comeback in the latter stages that had the home fans thinking this might be another narrow loss, a 61st minute try from local lad James Catt and a penalty in the last ten minutes settled the nerves as Blackheath took the points 25-18 to move back up to fifth in the table.
 
National 2(S):  Against a Hinckley side in relegation trouble the city club may rue some unforced errors in a first half that they dominated, and that could have put the game out of the home side’s reach.  Leading only 10-6 at the break Canterbury then stretched to a 17-9 lead before the home side came back to lead 23-17, and despite being under constant pressure for the last 10 minutes, they held on to take some vital points in their fight for survival.  Combe haven’t won since they beat Newbury in October, and despite having plenty of the play against Lydney a try and penalty in the closing stages for the visitors saw the home side go down 25-32 and drop into the bottom two in the division.
 
National 3(SE): In what was a hard fought contest the Kent side were just edged out by the tenth placed Civil Service by 27-25.
 
London 1(S): Whilst the top two registered solid wins as TJs won 13-31 at Dover and Ldn Irish won 14-27 at Portsmouth; the chasing pack put in good performances as third placed Chichester scored 34 points without reply at Tunbridge Wells, and sixth club Haywards Heath thrashed Wimbledon 0-39 to move up a place.  Beckenham put 53 points on bottom club Chobham (53-3).  The big battle at the bottom was between 11th placed Thanet and 12th placed Cobham, the match resulted in a 21-21 draw, a couple of places higher up S&E narrowly defeated Hove 29-24.  Whilst both the bottom two now look well and truly adrift, a battle to avoid the third relegation place is between 4 clubs, with only 6 points separating them.
 
London 1 (N): Colfes remain seventh despite a 15-39 defeat to table toppers Westcliffe. The Kent side still have a 7-point buffer between them and eighth side Woodford.  Sidcup remain thirteen points behind leaders Westcliffe after a hard fought 19-16 win against Bury St Edmunds.
 
London 2 (SE): Aylesford travelled to take on the eighth placed East Grinstead, whose league position is misleading as they were third after last weekend’s games but a points deduction saw them drop five places; and after last week’s comprehensive win over Lewes the visitors found themselves on the receiving end of a 41-7 thrashing.  Maidstone fared no better as they travelled to Sussex to take on Lewes and lost 43-5 in what was described as ‘ a bad day at the office’.  Table toppers Elthamians kept up the pressure as the put 52 points past D&B for only 3 in return.  Sevenoaks put in a good all round performance to beat OMW 43-10.  At the foot of the division PJF’s run of new year creditable performances  continued as they went down by just 10-20 to visitors Brighton, elsewhere Dunstonians lost 8-15 to stay in the bottom two of the division (currently, although D&B may replace them with a 15-point deduction upheld this week).
 
London 3 (SE): The top three all won and stay within a point of each other with leaders Charlton Park winning 10-27 away at Horsham, hot on their heels, Crowborough beat bottom side Dartfordians 5-42, and third side H&W beat Cranbook 12-33.  Fourth place Folkestone dropped back as they lost 22-7 in what was is always a combative encounter at Park House, who move up to fifth.  Eastbourne drop to sixth after a convincing 34-5 defeat to Medway, whilst Bromley beat Crawley 29-21
 
Kent 1: Top side Ashford now have an 11 point cushion as they beat OG’s 0-38, second  placed Sheppey have two games in hand and registered a convincing 24-0 win over Beccs to keep up the pressure on the Mid-Kent side.  Sittingbourne drop back to third as surprisingly they lost 13-0 to NAG, whilst Anchorians closed the gap as they beat HSBC 9-15.  Basement side Whitstable registered a good win considering their league standings away at Lordswood by 5-13; Vigo had no fixture this week.
 
Kent 2: As expected the top three all won this week with Guys downing Erith 14-27, Shooters running in 26 unanswered points at Bexley, and Kings Coll beating bottom side Askeans 7-45.  Surprisingly Southwark’s run of good form deserted them as they went down 19-10 at Footscray; Orpington travelled to O Wills and registered a solid away win by 6-19.  Brocklians had the week off.

The club’s Kent Cup 3rd Round fixture against Tonbridge Juddians will take place at The Slade on Wednesday 23rd February under floodlights, Kick off is at 7:45pm.
 
Come along and support the club

National 1: Blackheath’s trip to Yorkshire to face Otley proved to be less than fruitful as they went down to their seventh consecutive defeat, yet again by a single point (18-17).  The home side led 17-15 at the interval but a solitary penalty in the second half was enough to give the home side a narrow victory and their first win since mid-October.
 
National 2(S): Canterbury’s home game paid respects to the loss of their HM Forces player who lost his life on operations in Afghanistan with a minute’s silence before the match.  However, despite being competitive for the first half, visitors Albanians ran in six second half tries to inflict a heavy 8-45 defeat on the city club.  With their next three fixtures against sides below them in the division, the city club will be looking for positive results to keep themselves clear of the relegation zone.  Westcombe Pk fared little better as they travelled to seventh side Henley and lost 22-10.  With the three sides below them also losing, Combe’s situation remains unchanged.
 
National 3(SE): Gravesend put in a good home performance and held off a bit of a second half recovery by the visitors Staines, to take the points with a 27-20win against the side  who were two places above them in sixth at the start of the day.  The result left their relative positions unchanged with Staines’ bonus point keeping them above Bishop Stortford.
 
London 1(S): With two of the relegation places looking decided in the division (still a long way to go though) the battle to avoid the third appears to be between 4 sides. Two were facing each other and produced the only result not to go with league position in the table, as home advantage told with Thanet grinding out a 10-8 win over S&E to move up one place and keeps them just above the drop zone. Elsewhere the other candidates were not so lucky as Cobham went down in an equally close battle (8-12) to visitors Beckenham, and Wimbledon were on the receiving end of a 71-point thrashing at the hands of league leaders TJs. Ldn Irish looked to keep up the pressure for at least the play-off position as they beat fourth placed Haywards Heath, whilst third placed Chichester had a 19-13 victory over Hove. Bottom side Chobham went down 3-32 to Dover with Portsmouth beating visitors Tunbridge Wells 27-10
 
London 1 (N): After a 30-8 victory over Brentwood, Sidcup remain in second place in the division but 12 points off leaders Westcliff; whilst Colfes early season form appears to have deserted them as they lost at fourteenth club Letchworth (25-12), but remain seventh in the league.
 
London 2 (SE): Once all the points deductions in this division have been sorted out there could be a bit of shuffling about, so current league standings are a bit misleading, especially with the addition of postponements and abandoned matches.  Maidstone looked like starting make inroads into their potential deficit and ran league leaders Elthamians very close going down 22-27 but apparently twice coming close in the last five minutes. Second placed Lewes went down heavily (36-12) at Aylesford and whilst they remain in second place, wins for East Grinstead (19-38) at Dunstonians and Sevenoaks (13-30) at D&B mean that the gap is closing on them.  Warlingham put in a good performance at Brighton to come away with a 5-30 win and OMW shaded PJF 29-22 which gives the south London side their first points of the season.
 
London 3 (SE): The battle at the top in this division is extremely tight and the top three all won convincingly to maintain their respective challenges; Charlton Pk  scored 29 points without reply at Park Hse, whilst Crowborough beat Bromley (31-3) and H&W beat Horsham (37-5).  Folkestone also keep up the pressure with a 31-16 win against Dartfordians.  Cranbtrook’s woes continued as they lost at Eastbourne (28-14)
 
Kent 1: Leaders Ashford recovered from last week’s defeat with a resounding 58-10 win over fifth placed Lordswood, although Anchorians tripped up with a 5-15 home defeat to NAG.  Vigo did themselves no harm with a convincing 29-3 win against visiting HSBC.  The match between Whitstable and Sheppey was postponed and at the time of publishing no result was available for the Sittingbourne v OGs fixture and Beccehamians were not scheduled to play this week.
 
Kent 2: Convincing home wins was the story of the day in Kent 2 as the home sides ran in a total of 223 points for only 28 in reply.  Top side Guys ran in 70 points against Askeans, whilst second placed Shooters Hill ran out 34-3 winners against O Wills.  Third placed Kings Coll beat Footscray 32-10 with Orpington scoring 56 for only 3 against in their match with Erith.  Last week Southwark had an extra week off due to the odd number of sides in the division but are back to winning ways with a 31-5 win against Brockleians.  Bexley had no fixture.

"It is clear the RFU discipline panel has made its decision and sanctioned the club. 

Maidstone FC await the full written judgements both on finding and sanction before consideration is given to an appeal. 

The RFU have conceded that the action that they have taken against the Club is the first of its kind. 

The Club were found guilty under Rule 5.12 for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game. This was solely on the basis of Regulation 19.2.1.2 in that the club are responsible for the actions of unidentified players, one of whom, the disciplinary panel found, made deliberate contact with the eye of Clarence Harding. 

Maidstone FC are keen to point out that at no stage was there ever an allegation that any officer of the club encouraged, incited or condoned this conduct. No-one at the match witnessed the incident.  Maidstone FC make it clear that if they were aware of who did this to Mr Harding and that it was deliberate, they would have taken severe action against that player over and above that taken by any other body. 

The RFU were provided with the club’s discipline record from Kent RFU dating back to 1999. This reveals that the club have an exemplary discipline record. 

Maidstone FC would like to emphasise the RFU's findings that the Club gave every assistance they could to all parties during the investigation of this incident. 

As has always been the case, Maidstone FC extend our deepest sympathies to Clarence Harding for this unfortunate incident and wish him well in his endeavours.”

Well a new year and on the first weekend of programmed league action a full card of fixtures were played.  Obviously the weather has had an impact on the league tables, with some fixtures taking place whilst others fell foul of the conditions. So the league positions of some clubs in various divisions may create a false impression as they may have played more matches, however, I think the old adage goes  that “it is better to have points in hand than games in hand”!
 
In large part the disruption caused by the weather has meant that a number of matches have been rescheduled, at National level these were done almost immediately and details are available on respective club websites; for those clubs in London 1 and below the matches from 4th & 18th Dec will now be played on 12th & 26th Feb respectively; those matches postponed from 11th Dec have yet to be rescheduled.  Full details are available on the London & SE RFU website.
 
Anyway, back to the main thrust of this ‘blog’ which is a summary of what happened where for the county’s clubs this weekend.
 
National 1:  The 'Club' hadn’t set foot on a pitch since 11th Dec when they lost to league leaders Barking, Redruth had managed to play their local derby against Launceston on the 18th Dec, the only fixture in the division to survive the weather that day.  Blackheath were looking for a winning start to the New Year after a string of narrow defeats, whilst Redruth were looking to climb away from the 'danger zone' in a season where their form has been inconsistent at best.  The visitors left it until the 72nd minute before taking the lead to inflict yet another close and disappointing loss for the home side by 14-18, extending their losing streak to 6 matches and dropping them into mid-table.
 
National 2(S):  A trip to high flying Jersey was probably not what the city club wanted after a long layoff, The island club have only lost three times this season (to the 3 sides hot on their heels in the table), whilst Canterbury are having a difficult season compared to previous years.  A 31-15 defeat drops them to twelfth in the table and they will need some positive results to steer clear of the developing relegation battle.   Combe faced the prospect of a winnable home match against Dings Crusaders, who sit right in the middle of the division. Despite a bright start and leading at half time, Combe gave away countless penalties as they eventually went down 18-25. 
 
National 3 (SE):  G’s travelled to fourth place Ampthill, who had run in 53 points against them in late September.  However, this is a Gravesend side that has now adjusted to life in the division and on home turf they were a much tougher proposition. Although they couldn’t register a win they put in a solid performance particularly in the second half, going down 29-21, just missing out on a losing bonus point and dropping one place in the division.
 
London 1 (S):  The pick of the fixtures had to be the battle of the top two, with TJs making the trip to Sunbury for the return fixture against Ldn Irish.  TJ’s took the spoils (36-30) back in September and this battle was equally as close. Trailing 10-8 at half time TJs came out of the blocks in the second half to take a 22-10 lead, Irish didn't give up and closed the gap but eventually lost out 21-25, TJs now move 8 points clear at the top of the table and odds-on favourites for the title.  At the opposite end of the division the match between Wimbledon and Chobham with its 10-8 scoreline looks to have eased the home sides relegation worries and would appear  have made any chance of Chobham avoiding the drop unlikely.  Elsewhere, Thanet’s 20-20 draw with Beckenham has helped their cause but probably put paid to any promotion ambitions of Beckenham still had, Wells home loss to Haywards Heath (7-29) leaves them in a similar predicament to Chobham.  With Portsmouth narrowly beating Hove (25-28), Dover’s 36-20 win over Cobham has created a definite 11 point buffer between the top and bottom halves of the table.  S&E’s inconsistent season continues as they went down 23-30 to Chichester
 
London 1 (N): Sidcup were looking for a repeat of the 38-10 September scoreline in the return fixture as they visited Eton Manor whilst Colfes hosted sixth placed Bury St Edmunds hoping that home advantage would reverse the 22-17 defeat from earlier in the season. Whilst Sidcup gained a 22-35 win and move up to second in the table, but 12 points adrift of leaders Westcliffe.  Colfes suffered a heavy defeat as they found themselves on the wrong end of the 14-57 scoreline but remain 7th in the table.
 
London 2 (SE):  The table is still closely fought although Elthamians look to be the class act in the division and were looking to put right the reversal they suffered to Aylesford early in the season, where by their own admission it was a ‘bad day at the office’ and they would probably have still failed to score if the match lasted 80 days instead of eighty minutes.  The 37-10 scoreline appears to indicate that they atoned for their earlier loss and are now 10 points clear at the top of the division.  The other all Kent match was at Knole Paddock where third placed Sevenoaks were looking to reverse the 24-14 early season away defeat at the hands of local rivals Maidstone.   Sevenoaks Club Chairman Lee Adamson had said prior to the match that “We always go into games against Maidstone thinking there’s no reason why we shouldn’t beat them, but they often end up putting one over us”.   This was again the case as the county town side stretched to a 23 point lead, only for the home side to close the gap and claim a losing bonus point in stoppage time (24-26).  At the foot of the table the bottom two sides battled it out for the local bragging rights as PJF travelled to Warlingham knowing it was possibly their best chance of a positive result this season; in what was a much more respectable scoreline they went down 18-5.  D&B still have an appeal pending on a 15 point deduction, so a positive result against an OMW side that had beaten them 23-0 was crucial to staying as far above the relegation zone as possible, a 33-33 draw seems to indicate an entertaining match all round. Lewes consolidated promotion challenge as they beat Dunstonians 26-15 and are now clearly in 2nd place in the table after the defeats for Aylesford & Sevenoaks.   E Grinstead entertained rivals Brighton in an all Sussex derby and ran out 34-17 winners.
 
London 3 (SE): The top two did battle as Charlton Pk travelled to take on a Heathfield & W side that had toppled early season leaders Crowborough last time out, and they were on form again as they ran out narrow 21-19 winners to make things really tight at the top of the table with only 1 point separating the top three sides.. Medway hosted 3rd placed Crowborough at Priestfields looking for a much better performance than the defeat earlier in the season and whilst it wasn’t the heavy loss of September, they still lost out 17-28.  Following last weekend’s crushing defeat in the Kent Cup, a full strength Folkestone were back to winning ways as they took the points with a 7-19 win at Bromley althopugh the win still sees them 10 points adrift of the top three sides.  Wealden club Cranbrook needed a repeat of the early season victory over Crawley to move out of the relegation zone, especially with Horsham going down 17-47 to visitors Eastbourne.  A 15-20 loss to the Sussex side sees them still in deep relegation trouble.  Finally, Dartfordians found little comfort as they hosted Park Hse, falling to a 5-34 defeat to remain anchored at the foot of the table.
 
Kent 1:  Following the deduction of 5 league points, the battle between now fifth placed Lordswood and 2nd placed visitors Sittingbourne remained they close fought contest it was earlier in the season, as the home side went down narrowly by 17-20.   The other key battle at the top of the division was at ‘The Ditch’ as Sheppey took on leaders Ashford, the league leaders had won convincingly earlier in the season but the roles were reversed as the Island side registered 20 points without reply to move up to third in the table.  Anchorians were looking to capitalise on points dropped by any of the three sides above them with a convincing performance as they ran out 6-18 winners against OGs and remain in 4th place.  In the lower half of the division the local derby between Vigo & NAG was postponed.  Beccs drew with bottom side Whitstable by 10-10 to give the Oystermen their first league points of the season, and mid table HSBC didn’t play due to Olavians withdrawal from the leagues in December.
 
Kent 2:  All of the top four sides were in action following the weather enforced break, with Guys dropping straight back into the winning groove with a 3-38 result over 8th placed Footscray and stay clear at the top of the table.  Shooters kept up the pressure with an emphatic win at Erith (7-47), whilst Kings Coll also won at Brockleians (13-43).  Fourth placed Orpington travelled to bottom side Askeans looking for a repeat of the 60-5 result earlier in the season to bring their 3 match losing streak to an end; the result was a win for the visitors (7-23) but by a much reduced margin against the battling home side.. In lower mid-table O Wills entertained Bexley in a match that was as tight and competitive as the encounter earlier in the season with the away side taking the honours 5-6.  Southwark were without a fixture this week.

With the improving weather towards the end of the holiday period and no programmed league fixtures, clubs took the opportunity to play the outstanding Round 2 fixtures in this season’s Kent Cup. In what was a close and hard fought encounter, home advantage told for Westcombe Pk as they defeated Sidcup by just 1 point in a tense 16-15 scoreline. Another tight encounter was that at Foxbury between Elthamians and Blackheath, with last year’s finalists going out 21-26 having pushed Blackheath all the way and with the visitors knowing that fortune had probably smiled on them. The final fixture was a different affair altogether with Dunstonians running in 62 unanswered points against the visiting understrength Folkestone side that finished the match with only eleven players on the pitch.

With all the Round 2 fixtures now complete the third round now has to be played on or before the 27th February (not the 6th as previously reported).

Tonbridge Juddians v Maidstone
O Colfeians v Blackheath
Old Dunstonians v Sevenoaks
Gravesend v Westcombe Park

The completion of the early rounds of the Cup has also allowed the draw for Rounds 1 & 2 of this season’s Plate competition to be made, and is as follows:

Deal & Bettshanger v Dartfordians
Medway v Charlton Park
O Elthamians v Tunbridge Wells
Bromley v Canterbury

Round 2 Draw

Bromley/Canterbury v Thanet Wdrs
Folkestone v Elthamians/T Wells
Aylesford v Medway/Charlton Pk
Bye v D&B/Dartfordians

Maidstone Evergreen XV 13 v Aylesford Veterans XV 5

After a month where the weather had prevented any competitive rugby, the 3rd Jan saw the club’s Evergreen XV in action against near neighbours Aylesford in the regional Evergreen Cup competition. The club’s side had yet to stretch their legs in this season’s competition with the opposition in the previous rounds having withdrawn, whilst Aylesford had recorded a very big win over Medway Veterans in the previous round and arrived at The Mote with a big powerful side that was well equipped to make a real game of this first cup encounter between local rivals.

In the early exchanges, the Aylesford confidence appeared to be well placed as they managed to apply pressure and pin Maidstone back in their own half for much of the first period, culminating in an unconverted try that came when the visitor's flanker pounced on loose ball from a scrum 10 m out from the Maidstone line. Maidstone's only reward in the half was a Dave Charlton penalty, although Maidstone looked increasingly comfortable as Aylesford's heavy pack appeared to tire. The major surprise was the misfiring of the lineout with the home side struggling to find their target jumpers resulting in scrappy possession.

A 3-5 half-time deficit was of no major concern as Maidstone pinned Aylesford in their 22 for long periods of the second half, Dave Charlton came close to scoring but spilled the ball as he crossed the line. Shortly afterwards he was able to repeat the move to score out wide on the left. Maidstone's forwards started to look more and more dominant and the balance of the scrum swung towards Maidstone. The home side exploited this dominance at a 5 metre scrum allowing Paul Massey to touch down for push-over try to relieve the tension and create an 8-point cushion.

To their credit Aylesford were not yet done and with their powerful Fijiians to the fore, they mounted wave after wave of attacks, each of which were successfully repulsed through stoic defending. The visitors efforts ultimately proved insufficient and Maidstone go through to the next round by a 13-5 margin. The downside for the home team was the loss of stalwart Dominic Baxter with a broken arm sustained whilst making a try-saving tackle. The side will now be looking to the draw for the next round with the ambition to reach a 4th consecutive semi-final.

Photos on Gallery courtesy of Mollie McKenzie

Maidstone Select XV v ‘The Class of 2005’ XV

Despite the wintry conditions and a remaining covering of slushy snow, the 28th Dec saw Maidstone host a memorial match in memory of former player Andy Vickers. The sides consisted of a Select XV under Shaun Neaves that comprised of a players who knew or played alongside Andy in the senior club against ‘The Class of 2005’ XV which was Andy’s former team from his youth rugby days and had been reformed by coach Pete Barford for the occasion, with the players travelling to participate from various parts of the country.

In cold foggy conditions and in front of a large crowd, from the outset it was apparent that both sides intended to play running rugby, although lack of recent match practice and the cold meant that some of the more intricate plays did not quite come off. In what was an equally matched first half it was a score by 17 year old winger Zak Murphy that gave the Select XV the half time advantage that ultimately proved decisive at full time.

The second half saw the same attempts at an expansive game and the Select XV stretched their lead when Tom Harvey crossed for the opening score of the half. The ‘2005’ XV responded with a good move and quick recycling of the ball to ship it quickly left for Jamie Smith to outpace the covering defence and touchdown close the posts. The Select XV replied with with a break from their own half when Neil Graves made one of his trademark burgeoning runs through the opposition defence to ground the ball under the posts. The final score of the match fittingly went to Andy’s brother Matt who touched down after some good forward play set up a ruck close to the line and he was able to burrow over from close range.

A final score of 17-12 in favour of the Select XV demonstrated the competitive nature of the match which was played in good spirit throughout, and well controlled by the officials led by David Clent.

In what was a packed clubhouse after the game it was good to see a large number of current and former players supporting the event, amongst them Danny Caprice (England 7s), Tom & Sam Rogers (Canterbury), Pier Francis (currently Auckland NZ), as well as James Catt from Blackheath.

Photos now available on the gallery (Maidstone Select XV in black).

Following the season’s festivities (and associated over indulgence) on Xmas Day & Boxing Day you will probably be grateful of some fresh air. If so why not pop down to the club on the 28th and enjoy some rugby played in the true spirit of the game. In memory of Andy Vickers, the club is staging a Memorial Match that kicks off at 2:00pm, a Maidstone Select XV (which will comprise of some of the club’s senior players plus those from the other senior XVs that played alongside Andy as well as the possibility of some of his university team mates) will be taking on the ‘Class of 2005’ XV.

Coach, Pete Barford has re-assembled the team that Andy played with throughout his time with the youth section of the club. The Class of 2005 was one of the club’s successful youth sides that were a major force within the county at their age group; County Runners-Up at U14, and then Champions at U15, U16 & U17 as well as being County League Champions at U17 & U18 level.

Whilst the main aim is to remember Andy, there will be a collection in aid of Diabetes UK, so come along to support and get some healthy and detoxifying fresh air.

As a result of a further loss of fixtures to the weather last Saturday (18th Dec) - this time losing ALL matches - there are some major changes to the remainder of the season, particularly in regard to the National Cup competitions in order to accommodate outstanding league fixtures

There will now be NO National Cup matches on either 12th or 26th February. And the next round of the National Cups will be March 19th followed by April 2nd (both of which are scheduled dates). The London Division Semi-finals and Finals will now be played on April 16th and April 23rd allowing the National stages to remain as scheduled in the structured season.

In the leagues, the outstanding fixtures from December 4th and 18th will be rescheduled en- masse to February 12th and 26th respectively. This means that Maidstone’s away fixture v Old Dunstonians will now be played on the 12th Feb and the home fixture v Deal & Betteshanger will be played on the 26th Feb. No date has yet been set for the home fixture v Aylesford that was postponed from 11th Dec.

Full details covering all Ldn & SE Divisions can be obtained from the London & South East RFU website at: http://rfulondon.com/

The weekend saw Maidstone’s U11’s celebrating Christmas with a buffet at their sponsors, Tandoor Mahal in Medway Street. 45 parents and kids took over the restaurant, where their hosts had arranged a large table so all the boys could sit together, something that was appreciated by the parents as much as the boys!!

A raffle for the boys was held with gifts received from the recent visit of the Boitsfort Club.

The Tandoor Mahal also confirmed that they will continue with the team sponsorship for a second year which is hugely appreciated. In appreciation of their support the team presented a team photo, which will be on display in the restaurant.

Please support our sponsor (which is a damn good excuse to get out for a good curry!!!) and be sure to mention the Club when you go in (perhaps a venue for the Curry Club).

Photos:

Tuggy with team members Christian Vrey, Ben 'Tuglet' Tugwell, Jonny Pellet & Lex Ayling present a team photo to the Tandoor Mahal.

Weather hit the weekend’s fixtures, as the blizzard conditions that swept the region with snow and ice meant the postponement of fixtures for the third consecutive week in some cases. Only 1 match survived the conditions in National 1, as Redruth beat the Cornish ‘All Blacks’ (Launceston) 26-0 in the South West local derby. One other result on the day was at the other end of the spectrum as Harrow were awarded an AWO against Northolt in Herts/Middx Div 3.

Elsewhere, the main news in Kent 1 is Old Olavians’ decision to withdraw from the league; a notice on their website explains their reasoning in full and their decision can only be respected as in the interest of their own players, club and fairness to the others teams within the division. Whilst occasions such as this are sad for the game let us hope that we see the Old Olavians name on the county fixture programme at some level in the future. The league table for the division has already been adjusted to take account of the withdrawal, although what the impact will be on relegation (and promotion from Kent 2) remains to be seen.

This is the last Around the Grounds entry for 2010, with none of the county’s sides in league action until the New Year when there will be a full league programme on the 8th Jan 2011 (weather permitting!!). Until then the author would like to take the opportunity to wish all readers (if there are any) a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.

In response to any enquiries arising from the RFU's announcement of the next hearing relating to the alleged eye-gouging incident, Maidstone Rugby deny all allegations against the club and its players and will make no further comment until the conclusion of the hearing.

Veterans XV player Adam ‘Slasher’ McKay has recently returned from holiday in Kenya; during his travels he took the opportunity to drop in on former Veteran player Chris Lindley who now works in the country.

During the visit they both took part in the Touch Rugby Tournament at Lake Naivasha, about 2 hours north of Nairobi. There were 14 teams competing, includingf 2 French ex-pat teams, American Pastors (ex US Army!) and 2 Kenyan Ladies teams (who were preparing for the Dubai 7's a week later) plus c300 spectators and also Supersport (Africa's Skysports equivalent) there to film the event.

Both Adam & Chris turned out for Naivasha 1st team and on the first day won all their matches, with Adam even getting on the scoresheet. Whilst the rugby was competitive, being a rugby tournament the evening was extremely social and following the England v S Africa match on TV, a disco followed, This proved to be the Veterans downfall, as after copious amounts of ‘Tusker’ and pies they proceeded to lose all of their matches on the following day; eventually finishing third in the tournament having lost to both finalists.

Adam is already planning his next outing as he has been invited to take a team over to Kenya for the Diani Beach Touch Festival in July 2011.

Note: Despite Chris Lindley’s reputation as a hard running & try-scoring centre; he failed to get his name on the scoresheet throughout the whole weekend!!!

Whilst former Maidstone player Dan Caprice was making his not insignificant contribution to England’s success in winning the IRB’s World Series Dubai 7s tournament, one of the club's current players was also competing in the International Social Tournament that takes place alongside the main IRB event. Maidstone’s hard running centre Neil Graves, was representing the Price Waterhouse Cooper LLP team who reached the final of the tournament.

Convincing 47-0 & 41-0 wins over '7 Wonders' and Tehran were followed by a 19-19 draw with French side Pontacq to take them into the Q-Final. A comprehensive 54-7 win over Stefans British Heart Foundation side saw them face DC Old Boys in a much closer encounter, but running out 28-19 winners to qualify for the final. The final took place just before England’s semi-final encounter with New Zealand, with Neil’s PWC team eventually losing out 12-7 to the 'Hollywood 7s', despite having the majority of the possession and territory but conceding a last minute intercept try.

Photo: PWC LLP 7s Rugby (Neil Graves back row, 3rd from left)

The club has received the following message and update from Steve, Sheila and Matt Vickers, please click the link below to read the message.

Celebration of Andrew James William Vickers life.doc

After two weeks of significant disruption to the rugby playing programme, the big question was how many of the regions teams would actually get to cross the touchline to get back to competitive league rugby.  In the end the vast majority of fixtures were played.
 
National 1:  After a run of losses and the disruption of the weather, what was their shortest away trip to undefeated league leaders Barking, was probably not what Blackheath needed.  The damage was done in the second quarter of the match as Barking ran in four converted tries, and despite a spirited 3-try comeback in the second half the Club went down 34-22.
 
National 2 (S):  Both the county's clubs were scheduled with winnable fixtures, Combe due to host twelfth placed Shelford and needing a positive result to prevent themselves falling adrift in the relegation zone; whilst city club Canterbury were due to travel to bottom side Newbury and were optimistic of a good performance, unfortunately both fixtures fell foul of the weather.
 
National 3 (SE):  Gravesend travelled to Hertford who sat in third place and at the half-way stage of the season are one of  three clubs in the division with realistic promotion hopes. Despite Gravesend scoring two tries to take a first half lead, the home side had too much for the visitors four second-half tries gave them the bonus point and a 29-12 win.
 
London 1 (S): As we reach the halfway point the weekend threw up what could be some defining fixtures at the foot of the table as the bottom four clubs faced each other.  Tunbridge Wells hosted Chobham in what looked likely to be their best chance of a positive result this season, at last fortune appears to have smiled as they posted their first win 13-9 in a close contest and move off the bottom of the table.   Meanwhile Thanet travelled to Wimbledon for a match that could ease their worries with a good result, in the end the home side ran out convincing winners 34-17 and move above Thanet and out of the relegation zone.  TJs and Ldn Irish looked to have straightforward fixtures as they took on Hove & Cobham respectively, in the end Hove pushed the visitors hard and held TJs to a 3-13 scoreline whilst Irish ran out convincing 34-7 winners.  Beckenham, H Heath and Portsmouth looked to keep up the pressure as they faced Dover, Chichester and S&E, strangely all the results went against league position. Home advantage told for Dover as they downed Beckenham 13-3, Chichester overturned Haywards Heath 18-8 and S&E turned in a solid performance to defeat Portsmouth 23-17.  All results which meant a shuffling of the chasing pack behind the top two who have a minimum of a 9-point buffer.
 
London 1 (N):  Of the county’s two representatives Sidcup had the more enviable task as they travelled up the A12 to take on second placed Colchester and turned in a convincing performance to win 7-44 and move into third place.   Colfes hosted Eton Manor in a match that ended in a 20-20 draw which the visitors will be more pleased with than the hosts.
 
London 2 (SE):  The matches between Elthamians & PJF, Sevenoaks & Brighton and also our own fixture against Aylesford all fell to the weather where either snow, ice or excess water made pitches unplayable.   Elsewhere, Lewes put in a convincing performance to rout Warlingham by 84-13.  D&B ran out 24-8 winners against Dunstonians whilst the fixture between OMW & E Grinstead was switched from Lime Meadow to Saints Hill; with the last minute benefit of home advantage gifted to them, the G-Force promptly ran in 71 points for only 10 in reply.  All of which has shuffled the league positions a bit, but leaves most clubs with 2 matches in hand and given their league & cup commitments, Aylesford & Brighton with a real fixtures backlog beginning to develop.

Addendum: At the time of publishing (late Sunday evening) it was thought that the Elthamians v PJF fixture had succumbed to the conditions as no score was available. However, it appears the fixture was played with Elthamians running out convincing winners 76-11, although the match was abandoned in the 65th minute due to an injury to the referee. Competition rules state that the game should be replayed unless both sides agree that the score will stand, although given the relative position of both sides it is likely that the result will be endorsed.
 
London 3(SE):  The pick of the fixtures here was league leaders Crowborough against third placed Heathfield & Waldron; in a close match Heathfield inflicted Crowborough’s second defeat to move up to second place in the division.  Charlton Pk took over top spot with a convincing 50-14 result against Bromley whilst Folkestone kept in touch with the top three with a good result at Horsham (8-26).   With Eastbourne beating Crawley 30-19, Wealden club Cranbrook needed a good result against visiting Pk Hse to cash in on the results elsewhere, unfortunately their disappointing season continues as the visitors took the spoils 12-26.  Finally, Medway’s fixture against Dartfordians was postponed, the only match in the division to fall foul of the conditions.
 
 
Kent 1:  The battle between the top two was the match of the day here, as Ashford hosted leaders Sittingbourne, home advantage told as they ran out 29-12 winners to take over the top spot.   Lordswood’s HWO against Olavians keeps them in third position whilst Anchorian’s visit to Whitstable was a formality that went with the formbook (16-34) and keeps the Gillingham side in touch with the top of the table following their inconsistent start to the season.  Sheppey’s match regardless of the weather had been rescheduled to allow Vigo to travel to Ely in the RFU Junior Vase and the matches between OG & HSBC and Beccs v NAG were postponed.
 
Kent 2:  Only Footscray’s match with Bexley was lost to the weather, leaving some interesting battles this week as third placed Kings Coll hosted leaders Guys Hosp with the visitors staying at the head of the table after a hard fought 5-15 win.   Shooters were looking to keep in touch and a 38-3 win over Brockleians keeps them in second place.  Southwark’s recent form was tested by 4th placed Orpington whose form had dipped somewhat in November, the league newcomers held their nerve to run out 28-16 winners and move up to fourth in the table. Elsewhere Askeans’ woes continued as they went down 10-36 to O Wills and remain at the foot of the table.
 
RFU Junior Vase:  In the Junior Vase competition the matches postponed from the end of November were played, with Vigo travelling to Fenland to take on Eastern Counties 1 side Ely.  In what was a competitive and evenly matched fixture Ely by their own admission missed too many tackles and had no solution to Vigo’s direct running in the threes, especially their centres, and the number 8 in the first half.  Vigo proved just too strong for the home side, with the visiting Villagers now joining Ashford, Sheppey & Sittingbourne in the next round, following a bruising 19-22 encounter.

 

With the weather having taken its toll on the planned Kent Cup & Vase competition fixtures at the end of November, clubs had hoped the weekend of 4th/5th Dec would see the outstanding matches played. Unfortunately the ‘Big Chill’ continued its impact and the competitions are now running behind schedule. With the extended cold snap also postponing some league fixtures this is likely to create a bit of a fixtures backlog. No doubt, Tim Fagg at KCRFU will have his work cut out to bring the programme back on track. Three Round 2 matches in the Cup competition are still outstanding due to the weather, Elthamians v Blackheath which is an interesting contest, with last year’s finalists currently sitting top of Ldn 2(SE), facing a Heathens side from the club with which by their own admission they have a “close relationship”. Westcombe Pk have yet to play Sidcup who are going well in Ldn 2(N) and Dunstonians who are at the wrong end of Ldn 2(SE) face a Folkestone side from the upper half of the division below.

Despite the competition beginning to run behind schedule, the draw for Round 3 (Q-Finals) has been conducted and throws up some interesting ties. The ‘County Town’ Club travel to take on a TJ’s who seem to have swept all before them in the previous three seasons. Colfeians will take on the winners of the outstanding Elthamians/Blackheath tie; whilst the winners of the Dunstonians/Folkestone fixture will host a Sevenoaks side who overcame Beckenham in the last round. Gravesend will host the winners of the Westcombe Pk/Sidcup match in the last of the Quarter Finals. All matches are to be played on or before Sunday 6th February 2011, although league postponements may have an impact on this in absorbing what were looking like free weekends.

The cold snap has also seen the initial round of the Vase competition being disrupted, with all of the programmed fixtures still to be played.

As was probably expected, the freezing weather and heavy snowfall in most areas put paid to almost all of the league fixture programme for London & SE Divisions between Level 3 (Nat 1) and Level 12 (Surrey 4) although surprisingly 3 matches survived, none within the county.

In Nat 3 SE the Civil Service were narrow 22-19 winners over Staines; in Ldn 2NE Sudbury lost out by a point to visitors Saffron Walden (29-30) and in the far north east of the region Norfolk side Broadland overcame county rivals Swaffham 28-11.

With many sides still involved in National or County competitions that occupy what are normally non-league weekends, and with snow or ice still covering pitches in large parts of the region, a fixtures backlog is beginning to develop. When the thaw does come, in the short term it may only exacerbate the problem with pitches becoming waterlogged through the volume of thawing snow.

Whilst we have said farewell to one of the senior squad in the past week or so, as Tommy King returned to his native New Zealand; many members will have noticed, either from the match programme or visits to away games that there are a number of new faces in the senior squad this season. Two of note are products of the club’s youth policy and were part of Richard Weston’s successful U17 squad last season, Jason Smith & Olly Newton seem to have taken to senior rugby like 'ducks to water' and only injury has prevented them appearing on the teamsheet more often. There are also a number of returning players who have now completed their university studies; Nick Coles, James Withers and Ben Woodman, whilst new addition Sam Harris is travelling back from university on a weekly basis. Other additions to the senior squad are Kieron Borde who arrives from Welsh Div 3 side Llandaff Nth, Ben Smith from Nat 3SW club Cheltenham Tigers, Ben Lobos from Old Colfeians and also winger Darren Fletcher.

Photos (L to R): Jason Smith, Ollie Newton, Nick Coles, James Withers, Kieron Borde, Ben Smith, Ben Lobos, & Darren Fletcher.

National 1:  Blackheath were due to travel to Yorkshire in the hope of bringing their losing streak to an end against a Wharfedale side  who had suffered a similar run of form were also eager to post a positive result.  In the end they were both beaten by the weather, as whilst it might just have been possible for Wharfedale to lift the frost covers from under their overnight blanket of snow, the forecast of more snow to come on matchday left them no choice but to stop Blackheath boarding their train and the match was postponed until 5th Feb.  In fact Cambridge’s 66-29 win over Otley was the only fixture in the division to survive the wintry conditions. 
 
National 2 (S):  Westcombe Park’s fixture against 5th placed O Albanians was also postponed due to the weather; although Canterbury’s fixture survived, and they had the unenviable task of travelling to league leaders Ealing, who had been running in some large points totals and whose only loss this season was away at Jersey.  The form of the table toppers showed as they ran out 72-34 winners, although the city club did collect a 4-try bonus point.
 
National 3 (SE): Five of the seven league fixtures survived the cold snap; and after the previous week’s loss at Havant, Gravesend travelled to 5th placed Bishop Stortford  knowing a positive result would put them at the head of the chasing pack behind the top four teams.  In the end two second half tries in the space of four minutes sealed the win for the home side who were narrow 20-16 victor at the final whistle.
 
London 1 (S): All the division’s fixtures were played with Haywards Heath’s match against league leaders TJs the pick of the fixtures.  Despite Heath’s recent form, the divisional leaders had too much for them and were convincing 11-40 winners.  Second placed Ldn Irish beat Dover 29-17, to remain six points behind, with Beckenham moving into third place following a 46-10 win away at Tunbridge Wells.  Fifth placed Portsmouth kept up the pressure with a 63-3 win over Chobham, whilst Chichester also stay in touch with a 40-17 win over Cobham.  Hove were convincing 43-20 winners over Thanet, whilst Wimbledon closed the gap on the east Kent side with a useful 20-13 win against S&E.
 
London 1(N):  Only two fixtures survived the weather in the division, neither of which involved the county’s sides, so Colfeian’s trip to Stevenage and Sidcup’s visit to Tabard are postponed to a later date. Neither of the two fixtures played had any significant impact on the two Kent clubs, although Thurrock move above Colfes who now have a game in hand.
 
L2SE News:  The outcome of the RFU investigation into the abandoned D&B v E Grinstead league fixture on 30 Oct was that both sides have been deducted 15 points, league tables have yet to be adjusted as the award is subject to appeal.
 
Cup Competitions:  In the national competitions, with games played across the wider London & SE region, the weather had an impact with a number of fixtures in the various competitions falling foul of the cold snap.  Luckily this only affected one of the county’s sides
 
RFU Intermediate Cup: Three of the eight scheduled fixtures in this competition survived the weather with another 3 conceded as walkovers.  Following a series of disappointing results in the last round, Kent’s only representative in the last 16 of the regional competition was Aylesford, they were due to faced Bognor, currently 9th in L2(SW), but the visitors conceded and Aylesford were awarded a HWO and proceed to the regional quarter finals. 
 
RFU Senior Vase: The last 16 draw threw up two intriguing fixtures with Charlton Pk taking on Basildon who currently lie 2nd in Ldn 3(NE), but had been somewhat inconsistent over the past month.  In what was a close match the visitors took the honours by 8-12.  Medway were to host Mersea Island also from Ldn 3(NE) and sitting 9th in the division, although they had conceded their last league fixture and turned up two men short; the Essex side never gave up but the home side proved to have too much firepower as they ran out 38-13 winners and are the county’s sole surviving representatives in the competition.  Of the remaining fixtures, 2 were conceded as walkovers and 3 were postponed.
 
RFU Junior Vase:  The regional element of this competition is only at the last 32 stage and four of the county’s clubs that still had an interest in the competition.  Unfortunately Vigo’s trip to Eastern Counties 1 side Ely fell foul of the weather, and after Sittingbourne’s wait to find out who their opposition would be (O Emanuel – Surrey 2), the opposition promptly conceded allowing the Swale side to progress to Round 4.  In form Sheppey travelled to Surrey 1 club Cranleigh and picked up a 6-17 win to progress, Ashford also had Surrey1 opposition in the form of Croydon, and ran out 21-38 winners, meaning all the county’s sides are still involved, although Vigo still have to progress to Round 4.
 
As last week’s Around the Grounds was published there was still no word on the opposition for Nick East’s Burgess Hill side in this round.  Whatever the indiscretion of from the previous round, it was obviously enough to disqualify London Exiles, and Beccs either declined the place or were also guilty of some indiscretion; the result being that Burgess Hill were awarded a Bye into the last eight.
 
And Finally:  To Patrick at Southwark Lancers; Yes, someone is watching, and it’s nice to know someone is reading!!
 
Note:  The author is away next weekend so the summary of what happened around the county may take a weeks break; or be significantly delayed in publication

A number of Kent Cup & Vase competition fixtures were scheduled for the last weekend in November. However, the weather took its toll and as far as the author is aware from scouring various club websites, the only fixture that was actually competed was the Cup Rd 2 match between Colfes and Charlton Pk.

Colfes having a solid season in Ldn 1(N) and Charlton Pk currently top of the table 2 divisions down. Colfes must have been confident of a positive result as their league fixture for the Saturday had been postponed, whilst Park had hosted Basildon the day before in the RFU Senior Vase. With a fresher squad and home advantage the difference in league status told as Colfeians ran out convincing 55-7 winners to progress to the third round.

Maidstone Minis and Midis once again played host to our Belgian friends Boitsfort RFC from Brussels on the 13th and 14th November, repeating an extremely successful (though rather more damp) visit at the same time last season. Boitsfort brought 49 kids and a bevy of supporting coaches and adults, fielding teams at U8, 9, 10 and 11, for two days of training and matches. They arrived on the Saturday at lunchtime and went straight into joint training sessions with their Maidstone counterparts at MGS, who very kindly allowed us to use their facilities and grounds for the afternoon. Of particular note was the achievement of the Boitsfort U8s – tag rugby is not played on the continent, and they had to learn how to play in just a few short weeks!

On Sunday we welcomed them to a 4-way fixture with Sittingbourne and Tonbridge Juddians – despite there being 400 kids, a distinct lack of parking and the kind of continual drizzle that soaks everyone to the bone, a great day was had by all of the kids and adults. There was talk of it being about time we played a return fixture, and rumour has it that the U11s are planning just that, possibly with Sittingbourne U11s – watch this space for reports of a summer invasion of Belgium!

Maidstone Rugby Club is pleased to confirm that Matt Iles, one of its playing members, has been fully exonerated by the RFU Disciplinary Panel from any involvement in the incident that resulted in a Gravesend player losing the sight in one eye during a game between the two clubs last January. Our sympathies remain with Clarence Harding who will bear the scars of this accident for the remainder of his life.

The RFU has indicated that it is considering taking action against Maidstone. It is pertinent to remind everyone that the Club has already undergone three investigation conducted by its own officials, the Police and the RFU itself. None of these investigations uncovered any evidence that directly implicated any Maidstone player in an act that deliberately caused the damage to Clarence Harding’s eye.

Maidstone Rugby Club maintains its stance that had any hard evidence emerged to implicate any of its players, then the player or players would have been dealt with by the Club and the Club would have cooperated fully with relevant external bodies. Maidstone has always worked closely with its local disciplinary body, the Kent RFU, to maintain the highest standards of behaviour on the field and will continue to do so in the future.

Maidstone Rugby Club has been pilloried in the press since the incident occurred and much of the comment has been ill informed. While the Club has maintained a dignified silence while the respective authorities have conducted their enquiries, it should be noted that it will defend itself strongly against any future actions and comments.

With the club participating in the Movember campaign to raise both awareness of Prostate Cancer and also funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity, it is probably timely to remember that the disease took one of the games great characters and charismatic players from us on 17th June this year. Dave Wetjen, the newsletter editor, included a lovely article about ‘Crazy Horse’ Andy Ripley in the last edition of the newsletter (something probably worth revisiting).

Andy’s family have asked that anyone wishing to remember him can make a donation to The Prostate Cancer Charity.

(Alternatively you can support the club’s Movember campaign which is raising funds for the same charity).

Rugby clubs mull over future idea of going semi-professional

Money has never talked more loudly in regional rugby but while the majority of Kent clubs still operate strictly as amateurs, the sport is stepping ever closer to a new era of semi-professionalism. While several sides have made no secret of their desire to move quickly up through the divisions, others are placing a greater focus on maintaining their management model above any promotion wishes.

Cranbrook, having made the step up to London 3 South East this season, are holding to the same principles which served them so well in the county league. President Mike McMinnies welcomed their recent success but insisted nothing would persuade the club to change its ethos in a quest for further silverware. "We want to play at a level where we’re capable of competing," he said. "If other clubs have got sugar-daddies prepared to pay huge sums of money, what’s going to happen when the bloke gets fed-up? That’s been the case at one or two clubs.

"Once you start paying players, it doesn’t encourage people coming up through the minis and juniors. You can only do it if you’ve got a sugar-daddy or a fantastic number of companies prepared to pay for having hoardings around your pitch."

Five Kent clubs ply their trade in London 1 South, a division which has been considerably strengthened this season by the introduction of powerful sides from the leagues immediately above and beneath it. Tonbridge Juddians, setting the early pace, are hunting a third consecutive promotion as they bid to bring National League rugby to the market town. Jon Maidman, TJs chairman, said: "Some clubs are acutely aware they’ve got to have a fantastic infrastructure in place whereas others are content to stay in the league they’re in. My personal view is that a lack of ambition is a dangerous thing and we’re constantly striving to do the best we can with the resources which are available”.

"To say our league is becoming more semi-professional would probably not be unfair. While we’re aware we need to up our game, we’re still tied to the amateur ethos and everyone at the club has jobs."

Last season’s London 1 South runners-up, Dover, are in danger of being left behind this term as they battle to keep pace with the sides who have invested to bolster their chances of promotion. The Sharks’ meteoric rise through the divisions was achieved with a team full of local players but Chairman Richard Catt admits something may need to change if they are to progress any further. "At the end of the season we’ll have spent three seasons in London 1 and it would be remiss not to discuss all the possibilities," he said. "At the moment, though, we have neither the plans nor the finance to change the way we do things. We understand several clubs are paying players but ask them directly and they’ll say no."

National 1: After two 1-point losses in their last two outings the Club were keen to get back to winning or they would be in danger of dropping back to mid-table; this weekend’s visitors were North East club Blaydon who were lying 7th in the table and had registered a close home win against Launceston the week before. A convincing 21-32 win for the NE club, in which they scored 22 points in 8 minutes around the hour mark, sees Blackheath drop to 5th in the table after 4 consecutive defeats, and after the headstart they gave themselves at the start of the season,  the chasing pack are now closing in.
 
National 2 (S): On paper the forecast for the two Kent sides didn’t look good as the city club took on 4th placed and  in form Richmond side whose last loss had been back in September and by a solitary point; in a convincing performance they put 52 points on the city club with only 28 in reply, although it appears the damage was done in the first 20 minutes with Richmond securing the bonus point before Canterbury got into their stride.  Combe travelled to the Channel Islands to take on 2nd placed and in form Jersey who had put over 120 points on Newbury a couple of weeks ago.  Combe fared better and were only 6-3 down at the interval, but a strong second period from the home side meant Combe still went down heavily by 30-6.
 
National 3 (SE):  Having now found their feet in this division, sixth placed Gravesend travelled to take on a Havant side that haven’t posted a win since the last weekend in September.  However, the home side were obviously hungrier for the points in a match that was always close; they came from behind to inflict a 31-26 setback on the visitors and brought their losing streak to an end.
 
London 1 (S):  Both the ‘big guns’ in the division won, with TJs convincing 7-43 winners at S&E, and Irish running in 50 points at Wimbledon.  Third placed Haywards Heath were also running in the points as they kept up the pressure by defeating Chobham 3-57.  4th placed Chichester slipped up at Thanet as the home side conjured up another narrow home win (16-14) to keep them above the relegation places.  Beckenham & Portsmouth cashed in on Chichesters slip up, with narrow 1 point wins against visitors Hove and away at Cobham (24-25) respectively. Dover brought their 5 match losing streak to an end at The Crabble against Tunbridge Wells (46-12) whose position at the foot of the table is looking more ominous week by week.
 
London 1 (N): Both Colfes and Sidcup faced tough battles this last weekend, as they hosted 5th placed Thurrock and 2nd placed Chingford respectively.  Both recorded solid performances winning 32-22 & 18-8 respectively
 
London 2 (SE):  The two interesting match ups here were the basement battle between D&B & PJF, with Warlingham facing 2nd placed Sevenoaks, Deal were looking to lift themselves clear of the relegation zone, whilst PJF were still looking for their first point of the season.  D&B were convincing 59-7 winners, and with Sevenoaks running in 67 points to overwhelm Warlingham, D&B now move up to 8th in the table. In mid table the county town side were looking to pull themselves into the top half of the table with a good performance against 5th placed Brighton and a hard fought 16-14 win with the home side coming from 11 points down, meant that Maidstone move up to fifth.  Leaders Elthamians were up against East Grinstead whose season has wobbled since they played Maidstone; in a close battle Elthamians were 14-5 winners to maintain top spot. Aylesford checked Dunstonians recent winning run as they ran out easy 34-5 winners, OMW’s indifferent form continued as they went down at home to 4th placed Lewes by 3-32
 
Note:  The decision on last week’s 37th minute abandoned match between Brighton & Aylesford was as expected, with the match being replayed at a future date, given both clubs current league & Cup commitments; this is unlikely to be before January.
 
London 3 (SE): Having come from 14-0 down to win at Crowborough the week before, new league leaders Charlton Pk hosted Medway in a contest that was always going to be tight but with the hosts just having enough to run out 13-6 winners.  Crowborough returned to winning ways as they beat 10th placed Crawley 8-32 but Folkestone failed to keep up the pressure as they went down 8-0 at Eastbourne.  H&W were 25-7 winners against Park House and with Folkestone losing there is now a distinct gap between the top three and the chasing pack.  Cranbrook hosted 7th placed Bromley and lost out 6-27 to find themselves in the middle of the relegation battle.  At the foot of the table Dartfordians recorded their first league win of the season with a 19-22 victory away at Horsham, although it does little to ease their relegation woes.
 
Kent 1: Having been knocked off the top of the table after last weeks abandoned match (referee injured), Ashford were back to winning ways with a convincing result at home to mid table Vigo (41-24). Siitingbourne remain top having defeated a tough Anchorians side 24-10, Lordswood take over third spot from Anchorians following the narrowest of victories over NAG (20-19).  Sheppey are on a bit of a run of form and comprehensively beat early season pace setters HSBC by 40-0 to move into 4th place.  In the bottom half of the table OGs had a good win away against Beccs 15-39, and in the basement battle Whitstable  got there season going with an 18-17 win against fellow strugglers Olavians and move off the foot of the table for the first time in the season.
 
Kent 2: Guys Hosp continue to set the pace in this division as they put a severe dent in any championship hopes Orpington may have had with a resounding 62-12 scoreline.  Second placed Shooter Hill also had their hopes punctured as they went down 17-8 at third placed Kings Coll and there is now a 7-point gap between first and second in the table.  Basement side Askeans had the weekend off but Erith couldn’t capitalise on this as they went down 20-8 at Foots Cray. Brockleians defeated O Wills 15-8, and Southwark continued their recent run of form as they downed Bexley 29-10 to maintain fifth place in the division.
 
Next week sees a mix of fixtures with league matches for clubs at level 4 and above and those clubs still involved in the national competitions play their Round 3 fixtures. Additionally, as was mentioned in the Kent Cup news (06 Nov), there are a number of fixtures scheduled for the coming weekend and also the opportunity for some clubs to play postponed, or replay abandoned league fixtures.
 
On the subject of the national competitions, at the time of the update published on 12 Nov, Sittingbourne had no opposition for their Round 3 fixture in the Junior Vase, their opposition has now been confirmed and they will host Old Emanuel who currently sit 5th in Surrey 2 and who actually lost 33-20 to Old Actonians in the last round but advance due to some administrative/technical infringement.  Nick East’s Burgess Hill side are still waiting confirmation of their visiting opposition, which will be either London Exiles or Beccehamians; the match ended in a 14-12 win for the Surrey 1 side but is still subject to Match Result Card scrutiny for a technical/administrative infringement.

The club is again participating in this RFU initiative and has an allocation of Grand Draw tickets for the draw to be held on 25th March 2011. Tickets will be distributed to Senior XVs and Youth/Junior age groups via team captains and age group coaches. Please support the club by selling as many as you can, for every ticket sold the club retain 90% of the value (i.e. 90pence in every £1).

A small supply of tickets are also available at the club bar.

1st Prize is £10,000

Note: Children under 16 are not to sell tickets and we ask parents to assist in the sale of tickets within the Youth Section of the club.

Just over the halfway point for Movember and time to take a look at some of the participants and the various styles that are developing. With c20 of the club’s members participating, sponsorship is apparently going well, currently £80 donated on the website and what looks to be well over £500 (a conservative estimate) pledged in the more traditional manner.

JSo what styles are developing? The accompanying photos show a snapshot of the spectrum that is developing.

JIf you aren’t participating in the club’s Movember campaign then please sponsor someone who is, or alternatively donate online at the club’s Movember page at: www.uk.movember.com/mospace/818794

JPhotos: The ‘Lemmy Motorhead’ look The’Seth from Emmerdale’ look The ‘Gringo’ The ‘Rourke’s Drift Sgt Major’ look The ‘Old Faithful’ The’ Must try Harder’

National 1: After last weeks 1-point home defeat to Macclesfield, this week saw Blackheath on the road to Butts Park to play a Coventry side currently in the lower half of the table, in the end the Club went down to defeat, yet again by a 1-point margin but still retain 4th place in the division.
 
National 2 (S): Following Canterbury’s  good win over Henley Hawks last week in a match that involved 3 former Maidstone players (Cant -  Tom Rogers, Ian Overton, Henley – Mickey Molloy) the city club were on the road to take on a Lydney side that are equal on points and only sit above them on basis of more wins..  In the end home advantage told with the city club despite scoring the game’s only try lost out by the odd point in the 12-11 scoreline, to keep them in the wrong half of the division On paper Westcombe Park’s task was much more difficult as they travelled over the Dartford crossing to take on third placed Southend, and the difference between the top & bottom of the division told as the home side ran out clear winners by 38-5, leaving Combe in a position where they really need some positive results if they don’t want to find themselves adrift of the pack.
 
National 3 (SE):  Following a week’s break from league commitments Gravesend hosted Tring who had the same win/loss record and were one place below the Kent side in ninth position. The home side seem to be growing in confidence after a string of positive results and coming from behind to win 34-21 and only taking the lead in the 76th minute; sees them established in the top half of the division, but still 16 points adrift of the promotion chasing pack.
 
London 1 (S):  With the division now beginning to take shape after nine rounds there are 4 sides involved in the promotion race with a number of others that could still get back into the battle.  At the bottom end of the table two clubs are already beginning to find themselves coming adrift (T Wells & Chobham).  The most attractive fixture was Beckenham’s trip to Chichester to take on the fifth placed club and the Kent side did themselves no favours, going down 25-17 and swapping places with the home side in the table.   Cobham, who had brought TJ’s impressive undefeated run to an end in their last league outing, travelled to Sussex to take on a fourth placed Haywards Heath who have been quietly going about their business but suffered an unexpected reverse against Thanet last time out; the saying ‘after the Lord Mayors show’ springs to mind as the Surrey side went down heavily by 39-9.   Hove entertained Dover in a match that both needed to win to stay in touch with the top of the table; in what was a surprising result, in margin if not outcome, the Kent side went down 35-0.  Mid table Portsmouth hosted East Kent side Thanet and move up the table to sixth after a convincing 36-10 win.   The top two sides, TJs & Ldn Irish were both at home to Chobham & S&E respectively, TJs ran out clear winners, running in 56 points in the process and open up clear water between themselves and Irish, who only managed a 6-6 draw against an S&E side that is growing in confidence.  Tunbridge Wells were hosting a twelfth Wimbledon that had conceded a total of over 90 points in their last two outings without troubling the scoreboard themselves, a positive result for the Kent side could lift them off the bottom of the table for the first time this season; in the end their poor form continued as they suffered another home defeat by 10-23, to leave themselves in what is looking like a hopeless position as we approach the seasons mid-point.
 
London 1 (N): The table in Ldn 1 (N) appears much more closely contested throughout than its South counterpart and neither Kent side can afford to slip up if they wish to maintain their challenge in the division.  Both were on the road with Sidcup making the short trip to eigth placed Woodford and Colfes travelling to tenth club Tabard.  Both clubs put in good performances, with Sidcup 10-32 winners and Colfes being run much closer as they came out on top of the 19-21 scoreline.  Somehow Colfes managed to win and still drop a place in the table, as they now find themselves 7th but equal on points with Bury St Edmunds.
 
London 2 (SE):  There were a number of interesting fixtures in terms of league position for this weekend’s fixtures with all the top six sides pitched against each other;  top side OEs faced third placed Lewes and maintained top spot with a 16-36 win.  Second side Aylesford travelling to fourth placed Brighton where the match was abandoned after 37 mins due to a serious injury to a Brighton player, with Aylesford leading 3-5.  With their last league outing against D&B having been abandoned after 20 mins, fifth placed E Grinstead were keen to take to the pitch to take on a Sevenoaks side one place below them in the table, in what appears to have been one-way traffic the Kent side ran out winners by some margin, 8-45 and move to second in the table.  Maidstone were keen to put in a convincing performance against bottom side PJF, and whilst a 43 point win didn’t lift them in the table it significantly closed the gap on the sixth place club and left the home side still pointless at the foot of the division.  Eighth & ninth took each other on as Dunstonians faced OMW, a 33-26 win for the home side sees the two clubs swap places in the table.  Tenth placed Warlingham were up against a second from bottom D&B side who seem to be struggling after some good early season results, but a narrow 11-12 win for the coastal club will do little to ease their worries as they still sit on the edge of the relegation zone.
 
London 3 (SE): In what was a good afternoon for the county’s sides, the pick of the fixtures was the top two battle between Crowborough and second placed visitors Charlton Pk with the Kent side coming out narrow 14-18 victors to go top of the table.  Third and fourth placed Heathfield & W and Folkestone both needed to capitalise on the outcome as they took on Dartfordians and Crawley respectively, both earnt positive results as H&W easily beat Dartfordians (10-39) and Folkestone “won ugly” as coach Darren Molloy described it against Crawley in a much closer contest (27-18), and both keep up the pressure on the top of the division.  In mid table Park Hse hosted Eastbourne and ran out 24-7 winners, whilst Bromley took on Horsham and posted a 22-6 victory.   Fifth placed Medway also looked to stay in touch with the leaders as they hosted a Cranbrook side whose poor form of late sees them involved in the emerging relegation battle and the weekends result did nothing to help that position as they went down 27-3.
 
Kent 1: Table toppers Ashford were looking to make short work of lowly Olavians and were well on the way as they racked up 20 points in the first quarter of the match before it was abandoned due to an injury to the referee; the second abandonment that Olavians have suffered this season as their opening day fixture suffered the same outcome.  HSBC who were looking to regain some form hosted a Whitstable side that have conceded just less than 300 points in their 7 outings before this weekend; on balance and despite the loss, the 37-19 scoreline was probably a more encouraging result for the visitors than the home side. OGs were hosting Lordswood in a match that the woodsmen needed to win to get their season back on the rails after a torrid 3 weeks, in the end a 20-20 draw did neither side any real benefit.  Fourth placed Anchorians hosted a Beccs side that had beaten Lordswood 36-0 in their last outing, but they were no match for the home side on the day, coming out on the wrong side of a 23-12 score that move Anchs to third in the division.  In form Sittingbourne travelled to Swanswood to face a Vigo side that is growing in confidence on the back of a string of good league and cup results,  On the day the Swale side had too much in their arsenal for the home side and ran out  clear winners by 3-24 and take over top spot in the division.  Vigo’s near neighbours NAG hosted Sheppey in a match that both needed to win, NAG to steer clear of the relegation battle and Sheppey to move them into contention for the promotion battle.  The result was late being obtained but was being shown as a 10-20 win for Sheppey late on Sunday evening, a result that would move them up to 5th in the table.
 
Kent 2: Third placed Orpington had the weekend off this time as some interesting battles took place at both ends of the table.  The top of the table battle was between first and second place, Shooters Hill entertained top side Guys and the home side took the honours by 17-10. At the foot of the table, basement side Askeans hosted 10th placed Foots Cray knowing a win could move them off the foot of the table, but it was not to be as they went down 7-33.  Elsewhere O Wills were looking to stem Southwark’s recent run of form but lost out 13-18 in a close fought battle. Bexley hosted a Kings Coll side looking to get back into league contention and did so in some style as they posted 38 points wiothout the home side troubling the scoreboard.  Brockleians travelled to Erith and were victors 24-35 in a free scoring contest.
 
Editors Comment:  Given that the weekend saw two abandoned fixtures, it is worth noting that there have been 5 matches abandoned involving Kent sides so far this season; three have been due to injury to either players (1) or officials (2) and two in other circumstances that are under investigation by the relevant bodies.

Despite the club’s early exit from the competition in what was really a very winnable match, the regional part of the competition moves on to Round 3, which is scheduled to be played on 27th Nov. From Kent, only near neighbours Aylesford remain involved in the Intermediate Cup and after a good result against L2SW side Guildford, find themselves drawn against Sussex side Bognor (L2SW), who beat Dunstonians quite convincingly in the last round.

In the Senior Vase Charlton Park have a home fixture against Basildon who currently sit 4th in L3NE, Medway find themselves rewarded for a good win over Ldn S Africa in the last round with another home fixture against Essex side Mersea Island currently lying 7th in L3NE.

The Junior Vase sees four of the county’s Kent 1 sides still involved, league leaders Ashford face mid-table Surrey 1 side Croydon, whilst Vigo are rewarded for a good win over Hastings & Bexhill with a trip to the Fens to take on an Ely side that sit in sixth place in Eastern Counties 1. Sheppey, who crushed Whitstable in Round 2 see Cranleigh currently 8th in Surrey 1 visiting ‘The Ditch’. The opposition for two fixtures in the next round of the Junior Vase are still to be confirmed, Kent 1’s second placed Sittingbourne are still waiting to find out who will be visiting Gore Court and Sussex 1 side Burgess Hill* are also waiting for opposition to be confirmed.

* Editors note: Mustangs XV captain of the past 3 seasons, Nick East is currently plying his trade with the Sussex 1 side.

With not all clubs still involved in the National Cup & Vase competitions and with the Nat 3(SE) and Ldn 1 clubs having no league fixtures it was an opportunity for some to get their Kent Cup Rd 2 fixtures played before the Dec 5th deadline. First up were Aylesford who hosted a TJs side whose 51 league match had been brought an end the week before.  Played midweek and under floodlights this was a hard fought contest between the home side who have hit form recently and the league leaders from the division above. TJs never managed to break free a determined Aylesford side and were only ever a score plus one point in front until the final few minutes when they made the game safe, to progress to the next round with a 26-12 scoreline. The weekend saw two fixtures played; holders Gravesend travelled to East Kent to take on a Thanet side that although stuttering in the wrong half of their division, are still producing some winning performances. Given current form the contest very much went as expected with the visitors having too much firepower for the East Kent club, running out winners 10-34 and progressing to the next round (Editors note: Actually there are 3 different scores for this match, the one quoted is from Gravesend’s website, it was 10-31 on Thanet’s and 10-38 on the KCRFU website!!).  Sunday also saw Sevenoaks take on Beckenham at Knole Paddock, Beckenham are a tough proposition at the best of times and given Sevenoaks’ tough weekend schedule having played Twickenham in the Intermediate Cup the day before, even at home this was looking a tough proposition.  However, a confident start allowed them to build a half time lead of 22-12.  The second half found Oaks hanging on, with their advantage reduced to one score (29-22) but two penalties in the final 10 minutes gave them a good win and a place in the 3rd round draw.
 
Old Colfeians against Charlton Pk had been tentatively scheduled for last weekend but Park’s involvement in the Senior Vase prevented the fixture being confirmed and it is now scheduled for Sunday 28th Nov.  Also programmed for that weekend is Elthamians match against Blackheath. Westcombe Pk take on Sidcup on deadline day of Sun 5th Dec, leaving the  O Dunstonians against Folkestone fixture date still to be scheduled although it is looking likely that it will also be played on  the 28th Nov with neither side now involved in respective national cup competitions.

When the club put the call out to gain support for the Movember campaign, the Mini’s (Maidstone Tag Rugby) was probably the last place that they thought support would come from. Mum’s can at least breathe a sigh of relief as the support is not from their “little rays of sunshine’ so they won’t be running around sporting a fine set of handlebars; but from three guys who volunteer every Sunday to coach the junior Tag Rugby squads at the club. Sean, John & Tom are doing their bit to raise awareness of Men's Health Issues by growing a moustache and have hung up their shavers to support “Movember” in an effort to raise money and awareness of Prostrate Cancer.

To follow the progress on their hair growth, go to www.uk.movember.com/mospace/818794 and make a donation to support them!

A slight error in last week’s round up in that there is not a full programme of league fixtures for the clubs in Nat 3(SE) and London 1, in part due to the fact that there are only 14 teams in each division, as opposed to 16 in National 1 & 2.  So sides at levels 5 & 6 got a week off to nurse injuries and recharge their batteries for the challenges to come (and possibly fulfil Kent Cup commitments).  Elsewhere it was business as normal for the National league clubs and those that are still involved in the National Cup competitions.
 
National 1: Blackheath were looking to get back to winning ways as they hosted 7th placed Macclesfield, a good performance was essential to keep in touch with the top two clubs and also to stay ahead of Ldn Scottish, who after a poor start to the season had put together a 6 match winning run to move to 4th in the table. In the end they went down to a narrow home defeat 24-25 and drop to fourth in the table whilst the result moves Macclesfield up to 5th.  Ldn Scottish continued their good form with a convincing win over Cambridge (37-17) to leapfrog Blackheath to 3rd place.  Top side Barking did their chances no harm with a 17-41 win away at Tynedale.
 
National 2 (S): Canterbury hosted 5th placed Henley and were looking to go one better than their Kent counterparts Westcombe Pk, who had run Henley very close at Goddington Dene (27-32) earlier in the season, a solid home performance gave them the points in a 30-23 win over the visitors.   Having not been entirely convincing against basement side Newbury last week, Combe entertained Clifton who were 2 places above them and also find themselves on the edge of the relegation battle.  The Kent side got little reward and went down 31-38 in a home defeat that does little to ease their relegation worries.
 
RUF Intermediate Cup (Rd 2): The Jack Williams Memorial Ground saw a battle between two sides currently second in their respective leagues, with Aylesford having the edge over Guildford in a tight match and progress to the next round with a 17-10 score line.  A Dunstonians side that seems to have hit a bit of form took on a Bognor side whose 9th placed league position was deceptive as they had taken bonus points in the majority of their league reverses, in the end the Sussex side proved too strong with a convincing 18-43 win over the Kent side.  Sevenoaks travelled to Twickenham to take on a side with an identical league position and win/loss record but came out on the wrong end of a 41-29 score..  The county town side travelled round the M25 to take on a Reigatians side that has steadily climbed up their division to occupy third place, in a match that the home side started at a frenetic pace the visitors never quite got a grip on a very winnable game and lost out 21-10.
   
RFU Senior Vase (Rd 2):  Folkestone and Heathfield have yet to meet in the league so this cup fixture gave both sides the opportunity for a good look at each other as the leading contenders behind the top two in their division; and so it proved in a tough contest with the home side just having the edge 28-24.  In form Charlton Pk hosted O Alleynians and their good form showed as they progress to the next round after a convincing 43-15 win.  Medway faced L3SW basement side Ldn S Africa and also progress following a 27-7 victory.  Whilst Dartfordians were the only Kent side forced to play north of the Thames as they travelled to L3NW side Bank of England and got little credit for their efforts finishing on the wrong end of the 36-19 score.   Finally, Bromley had the unenviable task of taking on undefeated L3SW league leaders Teddington and the obvious form of the opposition told as they were easy 44-7 winners.
 
RFU Junior Vase (Rd 2):  In the all Kent match ups, Ashford were looking for revenge for their narrow defeat in the league against a Lordswood side that suffered a surprising heavy league defeat the week before, there is obviously something happening at the top of Bluebell Hill as the woodsmen conceded the match awarding a HWO to Ashford.    Sheppey hosted Whitstable in what on paper should have been a predictable result and in reality was, with the home side running out confortable winner 75-3.  In form Kent 2 club Shooters Hill were taking on Becs OB who are currently 7th in Surrey 1, but even on home turf they were no match for the Surrey side as they went down 10-44.  Sittingbourne were due to face  Rye but were awarded a HWO and had to content themselves with a run-out against Maidstone III instead (which they won by a wide-ish margin).   Two interesting match ups were Anchorians away at Sussex 1 league leaders Uckfield who have notched up 284 points with only 37 against in their 7 league outings; and Vigo  hosting a Hastings & Bexhill side that have also been scoring points for fun of late.  Mixed fortunes for the Kent sides with Anchorians comprehensively beaten 41-18 and Vigo gaining a good win 20-5 to progress to the next round.
 
Summary:  In the Intermediate Cup of the county’s club only Aylesford progress to Round 3; in the Senior Vase Charlton Pk & Medway move forward, whilst in the Junior Vase, Ashford, Sheppey, Sittingbourne & Vigo all await the draw for the next round which is scheduled for Sat 27th Nov.

The funeral service/celebration for Andrew will be held at Bobbing Crematorium, Sittingbourne, Kent. ME9 8GZ, at 2pm , Monday 8th November 2010. The celebration will continue at Maidstone Rugby Club, Mote Road, Maidstone Kent ME15 7RN, from 3.30pm. We will set up a group for people to respond. Anyone needing further details please feel free to contact us. No flowers please, donations will be to Diabetes UK and the tribute fund is currently being set up. Donations can be made on the day at Maidstone (R)FC

This is not a black tie event, please feel free to come in Club No 1's , blazers or kit (No boots!)You will not look out of place. Definitely NO PURPLE.

Steve Sheila and Matt
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
01622 630552

Donations can be made at
www.diabetes.org.uk/in_memoriam/In_memoriam_donation
and choosing the Andrew Vickers Tribute Fund

Directions

Maidstone Rugby Club: The Mote, Willow Way, Maidstone, ME15 7RN.

This week’s edition (29 Oct) of the Rugby Times features an article about the county town club (Page 31).  Rugby Times is Britain's longest established dedicated Rugby Union weekly newspaper that features latest news and views from around the game plus detailed previews of all the weekend action throughout the domestic leagues.

The paper is normally stocked by WH Smiths and also Bearsted Newsagents, alternatively you can subscribe or purchase an online version on their website at:

http://www.rugbytimes.com/home/index.php

There will be a couple of editions available to read in the clubhouse later this week.

The past weekend saw a few upsets, or certainly results that went against the form book and league standings.
 
National 1:  Another tough road trip for Blackheath saw them travel up the M11 to take on second placed Cambridge. In a match that was interrupted by long delays due to serious injuries to two Cambridge players, it was the hosts who kept their concentration to run out 40-31 winners.  Whilst they remain in third place, there is now a 5-point gap between themselves and the joint leaders, Barking & Cambridge.
 
National 2(S):   City club Canterbury were away at 9th placed Dings Crusaders and in desperate need of a win and had built a 15 point buffer in the early stages of the match.  The home side then woke up and came back strongly and is in a rare excursion into the Dings 22 during the closing stages of the match a Tom Best penalty gave the city club a share of the points with a 30-30 scoreline.   Westcombe Pk were also on the road to Newbury Blues who are having a desperate season, conceding almost 600m points before this weekend’s fixture, if there form book was anything to go by this was one of the best chances Combe would have to put in a winning performance.  So it proved, but not by the convincing margin they might have hoped for and at one stage Newbury actually led in a match for the first time this season, but two second half tries saw Combe home by a 22-33 margin in a win that still leaves them in the relegation zone.
 
National 3(SE):  Gravesend were looking for a win on their travels against a Bracknell side that had lost to 11th placed Tring the week before and in a tight fixture they were 26-29 winner, a result that sees them maintain their mid table position.
 
London 1(S):  Some interesting match ups this weekend; Beckenham were looking to get back to winning ways after two consecutive defeats as they hosted a Portsmouth side that had defeated Dover the week before, in the end Beckenham’s home advantage told as they ran out 47-28 wiiner.  Likewise Dover were looking for a confidence restoring victory as they hosted 5th placed Chichester and a 10-10 draw was the outcome in a hard fought contest. Both Tunbridge Wells and Thanet Wdrs had enviable tasks, as they took on 2nd placed L Irish and 3rd placed Haywards Heath respectively.  Wells lost convincingly, conceding 55 points in the process, but Thanet put in a great performance to take the honours in a 24-22 scoreline.  The shock of the day was the ending of TJs 51-match unbeaten run in the league as they not only ran out 27-19 winners, but also denied the visitors a losing bonus point.  Elsewhere Sutton & Epsom maintained their improvement in form as they defeated Chobham 43-12,  Wimbledon were on the wrong end of a convincing defeat away at Hove as they went down 40-0 and failed to trouble the scorer for the second week running.
 
London 1(N):  After last weeks narrow victory against 10th placed Woodford, Colfes were looking for a solid home performance as they took on 3rd placed Chingford, but went down 17-38 and drop one place to 6th in the table. According to Westcliff, Sidcup pushed them all the way the week before and ‘won’t lose many more games this season’ and the Crescent Farm side were looking to notch up another win against 10th placed Ruislip who had drawn with Eton manor the week previous, in the end they were convincing 50-13 winners.
 
London 2(SE):  Aylesford were looking to make it five on the trot as they hosted bottom side PJF who were still looking for their first point.  The home side weren’t in charitable mood as they registered another good win (48-6) to move up to 2nd in the table.  Dunstonians travelled to 3rd placed Brighton and recorded a narrow but valuable win by the odd point in a 11-12 scoreline.  The league leaders, Elthamians travelled to OMW and ran out convincing 53-41 winners and are now 6 points clear at the top of the table..  The attractive fixtures were in upper and lower mid table with 4th placed Sevenoaks hosted 5th placed Lewes, going down by 2 points in a 17-19 scoreline.  The county town club were at home to 9th placed Warlingham who had shipped 43 points at home to Aylesford the week before and conceded another 43 this week as the home side ran out 43-24 winners.  League challengers East Grinstead travelled to D & B, it would appear that the match was abandoned by the referee midway through the first half with Grinstead leading 22-5.  We will go no further into the details except to say that the matter is under investigation by the relevant bodies and a decision as to whether the result stands or the fixture replayed is pending (Editors note: I think I’ve used that statement before).
 
London 3(SE):  Despite Folkestone’s loss to Charlton Pk the week before, their visit to league leaders Crowborough was the pick of the divisional match ups with the home side running out 25-17 winners.  Charlton Pk hosted a Cranbrook side that needed to start registering some positive results, Park were in no mood to allow Wealden club resurgence as they posted 48 points with only 19 in reply. Bromley travelled to 3rd placed Heathfield & W and were found wanting as they went down 15-6.  The remaining fixtures were close battles in terms of league position, with Horsham (6) hosting Medway (5) and Crawley (8) entertaining Park House (9), both Kent sides  had the measure of their Sussex opposition as Medway recorded a 17-29 win and Park House won 18-34.  The final fixture saw bottom side Dartfordians looking for their first win of the season against 10th placed Eastbourne, but going down to a heavy 40-3 defeat.  The weekend’s results see the top two, Crowborough and Charlton Pk beginning to see clear water develop between themselves and the remainder of the division.
 
Kent 1: Last week’s Around the Grounds mentioned that the editor could find no record of the match between then league leaders Lordswood and Sheppey; it would appear that the match was abandoned by the referee after 51 mins with Sheppey leading 16-0.  We will go no further into the details except to say that the matter is under investigation by the relevant bodies and a decision as to whether the result stands or the fixture replayed is pending.  On to this weekend’s events; after being nilled by Sittingbourne last week, 5th placed HSBC took on league leaders Ashford but came out on the wrong end of a 20-10 scoreline.  Third placed Lordswood travelled to Beccs who pulled off the shock result in the division 36-0  A full strength Sheppey side took on OG’s who were two places below them in the table, although you wouldn’t have realised it as the visitors racked up 50 points without reply.  Second from bottom O Olavians had the enviable task of travelling to an in form Sittingbourne side and the result was a predictable 46-25 win for the Swale club, who keep the pressure on league leaders Ashford.  In a basement battle Whitstable were still looking for a first win against a NAG that had suffered a 33-0 reverse the week before, In the end NAG had too much for the oystermen and were convincing 41-24 winners.  The pick of the fixtures was the mid-table battle between two sides beginning to find their form, as a Vigo side growing in stature travelled to Anchorians who are beginning to find some consistency, in what appears to have been an extremely close contest the home side were 19-17 winners.
 
 Kent 2: 
Guy maintained their 100% record and top spot with a 23-5 win over Bexley, but the key battle was between 2nd & 3rd place as Orpington hosted Shooters Hill.  The scoreline was not as close as might have been anticipated as Shooters ran out 37-12 winners to move into 2nd place.  Kings Coll beat Old Wills 19-12 in the mid table battle and Southwark maintained their winning streakl with a 16-12 victory over Erith.  Askeans remain rooted to the bottom of the division and are still looking for their first win as they went down 29-5 at Brockleians.
 
Next week sees a mix of Cup & League rugby as those clubs at Level 5 and above continue with their league programmes, whilst clubs at level 7 and below resume their respect Cup & Vase competitions, Level 7 (Ldn1) clubs have a week off or look to fill vacant Saturdays with friendly fixtures or play their Kent Cup fixtures.

The past weekend saw the Veterans XV take the opportunity to complete a bit of unfinished business from last season’s celebration of 25 years of veterans rugby at Maidstone.

On hand were some of the past captains of the side to present Paul Ehrhart with a tankard in recognition of his achievement in playing in all 25 veterans’ seasons.

Paul started his playing career in as an 11 year old at school in Sussex and his earliest memories are of two Welsh sports masters saying “you will play rugby, there is no football”!! His first venture into senior rugby was in 1960 as a founder member of St Francis RFC in E Sussex, where he played for 9 years until his engineering career brought him to Maidstone. He started his playing career with Maidstone in the B (5th) XV but by the end of the season he was the 1st XV hooker. He was a regular 1st XV player from 1970-77 until a broken leg interrupted his playing career; he didn’t play again until 1985 when Veterans XV was formed under the late Roger Nicholls. Paul took over as captain of the side in 1987, a role he held for 10 years.

During his career with the 1st XV Paul was capped at county level, was part of the club’s Kent Cup winning side of 1976 and the club side that faced London Irish where his opposite number was the then Irish International Ken Kennedy.

During his injury enforced break from playing, Paul was uneasy in the spectator’s role and he made the decision to pick up the referees whistle. He ascended to the heights of a B Grade referee, but the formation of the Veterans XV and the 7 o-clock departures to N Yorkshire and midnight returns that eventually forced him to hang up his whistle, especially as he only got a half hour in the bar after a game.

With 57 years of active on pitch involvement in the sport, this amounts to 1425 matches and the equivalent of 79 days of competitive rugby; Paul is probably the epitome of that old rugby saying “Old rugby players never die, they just look that way”!!!

It is with great sadness that the club has been informed of the tragic and sudden death of Andy Vickers on Friday 22nd October at the age of 22.  Andy would have been 23 today (25 Oct).

 

Andy was a keen rugby player and a member of the successful age group that went on to win the Kent Cup at U16, U17 and finally U18 level in 2005.  Andy’s departure to university in Exeter to study Sports Science prevented him from making a major impact as a player within the senior squad at the club; nevertheless he was always ready to don the club’s colours when at home and always a pleasure to play alongside.   Andy also made a notable and very significant contribution by giving his time to coaching the youth age groups, where his commitment and enthusiasm were apparent and demonstrative of a confident and community spirited young man.

 

The thoughts and sympathy of all members of the club are with his parents Steve and Sheila, and brother Matt at this sad and difficult time.

Following the start of the national cup competitions last week for those clubs at level 7 and below, this weekend saw a return to a full round of league fixtures.
 
National 1:  Following a win on their  travels to Manchester to face Sedgely park, Blackheath were looking to record a home win against 11th placed west country club Cinderford; a side that has been a bit of a bogey side for the Club in recent seasons.  In what was a high scoring match, the Club had to come back from a half-time deficit to prevail by 48-35 and go third in the table, just 2 points off the top side Barking.
 
National 2(S):   City club Canterbury were at home for the second consecutive week and following their defeat to Worthing the week before, were looking to make amends with a better performance against high flying Southend.  This was going to be no easy task with the Essex club having put 100 points without reply over Newbury the week before, and Canterbury went down 10-35.  Combe were also looking for an improved performance as they hosted 7th placed Taunton who the week before had put 60 points on Clifton, who are only one place below Combe in the table, in the end they fared no better than their Kent colleagues, going down by 3-45, both results leave the sides in the bottom half of the table.
 
National 3(SE):  Gravesend’s win last week now sees them in a mid-table position and with a shot of confidence they hosted 2nd placed Barnes, despite scoring 26  points themselves they were no match for Barnes’ 42.
 
London 1(S):  Following their win over Beckenham last week, TJs are now the only side with a 100% record and were looking to maintain that as they hosted a Thanet side that had also recorded a good win the week before.  In many ways normal service was resumed as TJs ran out comfortable winners by 48-10. Meanwhile 2nd placed Beckenham were looking to get back to winning ways as they took on a Haywards Heath side that had defeated Dover the previous week.  Haywards Heath took maximum benefit from home advantage running out 32-15 winners to leapfrog them into 3rd place in the table.  Dover were also on the road as they travelled to Pompey to take on Portsmouth, the home side were 39-33 winners in a high scoring match, with Dover now dropping to 7th and Portsmouth up to 6th in the table..  Tunbridge Wells were still looking for a first win hosting fellow strugglers Sutton & Epsom and the visitors weren’t in charitable mood as they took the points in a 5-15 scoreline that leaves Wells anchored to the bottom of the division.
 
Elsewhere, mid table Hove went down to 4th placed L Irish (20-28) with the exiles now up into 2nd place, Wimbledon travelled to 5th placed Chichester who racked up 51 points without the visitors troubling the scoreboard.  13th placed Chobham were no match for visitors Cobham, going down 10-37 to remain in the bottom two of the table.
 
London 1(N):  With both Kent clubs very much in the early season mix for the promotion places, both were on the road this week with Sidcup travelled to challenge top of the table Westcliff  and in what was a high scoring match came out on the wrong side of the 48-32 scoreline.  Meanwhile Colfes had a shorter trip to take on Woodford and just edged a hard fought contest 21-22.  Neither result affected their 4th & 5th places in the table.
 
London 2(SE):  Following a week break it was back to a full card of league action with the pick of the fixtures being league leaders Elthamians hosting Sevenoaks and just edging the contest by 20-18 to remain top of the division.   Within the division, on paper the pick of the other fixtures was 4th placed Brighton against 6th placed OMW, this again looked a close contest with the home side taking the points 29-20.   Ninth placed Warlingham hosted an Aylesford side that has hit form as the visitors took the points 14-43.  Maidstone travelled to take on the ‘G-Force’ who had been knocked off the top of the table by their defeat at Aylesford two weeks before, the visitors never really got going until the last quarter and lost out 29-19.   As expected Lewes had too much for a D & B side that is struggling to keep its early season form, winning 31-15.  At the bottom of the table the basement battle saw PJF host an O Dunstonians side that had notched up 54 points the week before in the cup and were confident of a positive result.  A 24-6 scoreline in favour of Dunstonians saw them register their first league win of the season leaving PJF still pointless now looking somewhat vulnerable at the foot of the division.
 
London 3(SE):  Charlton Park’s visit to Folkestone was the only all Kent fixture in the division, and with 2nd taking on 3rd perhaps the most attractive proposition.  The visitors bringing Folkestone’s recent winning run to an end with a 14-32 scoreline to move into 2nd place. Fifth placed Medway hosted 4th placed Heathfield & Waldron in what was a tight encounter with the visitors coming out on top 14-19.  Dartfordians were still looking for their first win of the season and faced a Crawley side just one place above them, the 19-41 leaves Darts still winless and 9 points adrift at the bottom of the division.  10th placed Bromley hosted Eastbourne and broke the mould of what seemed to be an afternoon for visiting teams, scoring 27 points without reply to move  up to 7th the table.   Park House had the enviable task of taking on league leaders Crowborough and going down 11-27 as the visitors moved 3 points clear at the top of the table.  Cranbrook, who had not had a week off, having faced Petersfield in the Senior Vase last week, were taking on 7th placed Horsham at the Tomlin Ground and whilst remaining competitive are finding wins hard to come by as they lost out 19-24 and drop to 11th.
 
Kent 1:  Third placed Sittingbourne away at HSBC was the pick of the fixtures and the home side turned on the style with a 38-0 win   First placed Lordswood were scheduled to host a Sheppey side that is as strong as any on their day, but had so far shown some inconsistency.  At the time of writing there is no record of any score on either club or RFU website, or in any weekly rugby publications.  We wait to see or hear what happened.  Ashford were at 10th placed NAG and keep up the pressure on the top of the table with a 33-0 win  A Vigo side that is growing in stature hosted Beccs and recorded a 22-17 win.  At the foot of the table Whitstable were away at OGs and remain winless and pointless, going down 39-5, Olavians hosted an Anchorians side that looks to have found some consistency as they ran out 5-22 winners to move into the top half of the table.
 
Kent 2:  As well as the cup matches last week, also scheduled was the replay of Olavians and OG’s match that was abandoned due to an injury to the match official.  In the end no match took place with OGs being awarded a walk-over.  In respect of this week’s fixtures Guys took on Old Wills and maintain their 100% record after a 20-0 win   Second placed Shooters Hill had a week off and Orpington cashed in on this as they defeated 7th placed Bexley 50-17 to move into second spot.  Kings Coll beat Erith 26-31 and Southwark recorded their second win as they travelled to winless Askeans and scored 40 points without reply.  Mid-table Brockleians should have been too strong for Foots Cray, but lost by the odd point in a 14-13 scoreline.

The Mo, slang for moustache, and November come together each year for Movember.

Movember challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men. Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.

This year we are asking all of the club’s senior players to commit to support the campaign and will be looking to add a little bit of extra spice to the Movember campaign with some internal competition, plus to opportunity at the end of the month to have some team photos in true Victorian sepia tinted style. if you don't intend to participate, or are too 'fresh-faced' to grow a moustache then support a player that is participating by sponsoring him.

The funds raised through Movember’s UK campaign will benefit the The Prostate Cancer Charity (TPCC), the UK’s leading prostate cancer charity. This is a charity close to home within the club with one of our players recently given the ‘all clear’ following a course of treatment for prostate cancer.

The clubs page on the UK Movember website is as follows: http://uk.movember.com/mospace/598372/

You can add you name to the participants or make a donation through this page, alternatively you can donate by sponsoring a player or joining in yourself. Sponsorship Forms are available at the club bar or from the docket on the notice board.

The draw for Round 2 of the Intermediate Cup has been announced and sees the County Town Club drawn away against Old Reigatiians who are currently 6th in L2(SW).  All of the county’s sides have been drawn against opposition from L2 (SW) as shown below, with a notable fixture being that between near neighbours Aylesford and Guildford who are currently undefeated in their division.  Only Old Dunstonians played in Round 1 and are rewarded for the convincing win over L2SW basement side KCS Old Boys, with a fixture against 9th placed Bognor in the same division.
 
Intermediate Cup (Round 2)
 
Aylesford                     v      Guildford (2nd)  
Old Dunstonians         v      Bognor (9th)
Old Reigatians (6th)     v      Maidstone 
Twickenham (5th)        v      Sevenoaks  
 
In the Vase competitions the following fixtures have been drawn, all Kent’s sides had byes in Round 1, Bromley appear to have the hardest task with a trip to L3SW table toppers Teddington, whilst Medway host the divisions bottom side Ldn S Africa.  Charlton Pk v Alleynians looks to be a competitive match up.  Dartfordians travel to NW London to take on the Bank of England who currently sit 9th in L3NW.  The remaining fixture is an all L3SE match up, with Folkestone travelling to take on a Heathfield side that currently sits one place & one point above them in the table.
 
Senior Vase (Round 2)
 
Bank of England (L3NW) v    Dartfordians 
Charlton Park             v   Old Alleynians (L3SW)
Heathfield & W           v   Folkestone
Medway                     v    London S Africa (L3SW)
Teddington (L3SW)    v    Bromley
 
In the Junior Vase the fixture that immediately catches the eye is the all Kent 1 match between current leaders Lordswood and close rivals Ashford, only one point separated the sides in what was a fractious league encounter earlier in the month.
 
Junior Vase (Round 2)
 
Ashford                      v    Lordswood 
Sheppey                     v    Whitstable 
Shooters Hill               v    Bec Old Boys (Surrey 1)
Sittingbourne              v    Rye (Sussex 1)      
Uckfield (Sussex 1     v    Gillingham Anchs       
Vigo                           v    Hastings & Bexhill (Sussex 1) 

The weekend saw not only league fixtures for clubs at Level 6 and above, but also the commencement of the National Cup competitions for a large proportion of the county’s sides at Level 7 and below. In fact due to the structure of the competition and the requirement to even out the draw, the vast majority of the county’s club had byes in the cup competitions and a welcome week off.

National 1: It would be fair to say that Blackheath’s result last week was a bit of an upset and they were looking to get back in the winning habit with a trip to Manchester ’s Sedgely Pk. A strange name for a club that has in fact never played in Sedgely Pk itself and was formed in a ‘temperance bar’ of all places. Sedgely Park was one of only two sides that Blackheath did the double over last season and their winning run in Manchester continued with a 17-28 result.

National 2(S): City club Canterbury were hosting sixth placed Worthing who having lost to Southend last week were looking to get back to winning ways to close the gap on the top four clubs. Canterbury were looking to recover from a disappointing loss at Shelford and won’t be happy with a 20-38 home defeat. Meanwhile, Combe were also coming off the back of a heavy loss to Richmond and an away trip to second placed Ealing was probably not really what they needed to restore some confidence and the 47-10 defeat was probably to be expected.

National 3(SE): Having registered their second win in the division Gravesend were looking to build on that result as they travelled to play Basingstoke who had lost convincingly to a Tring side that sit below Gravesend in the table. It would appear that Gravesend’s confidence has been restored and they are now executing some of their opportunities as the were convincing 17-34 winners to move to a mid-table position.

Basingstoke (14) v Gravesend (10) 17-34

London 1(S): There were some tasty match ups in this division this week with the pick of the bunch being the clash of the top two sides. TJs having recorded their 50th consecutive league win the previous week travelled to Balmoral Ave to take on a Beckenham side that are notoriously hard to beat on home turf. However, the match up does not appear to have been as close as could have been expected with the home side going down to their first defeat by a substantial score 20-53 and TJs moving 6 points clear at the top of the table. The Crabble saw the battle of the 4th & 5th pace sides as Dover took on Haywards Heath, with both sides looking to benefit from any slip up by 3rd placed L Irish who faced 6th placed Chichester. In what appears to have been a day for away sides, Haywards Heath were narrow victors over Dover by 18-23, whilst L Irish and Chichester fought out a 15-15 draw. At the bottom end of the table a win for Thanet or Chobham could lift either side several places up the table, and a convincing 38-0 result moves Thanet up to tenth in the table. Bottom club T Wells hosted ninth placed Hove and at the moment Wells can’t seem to buy a win as they went down 7-31 and remain anchored to the foot of the table. Elsewhere S & E lost narrowly (10-13) to Cobham in what was very much a local derby, whilst Wimbledon hosted Portsmouth in what was another close match with the visitors taking the honours (16-22).

London 1(N): Sidcup were looking to get back to winning ways after two narrow defeats and the visit of bottom side Letchworth was probably just what they needed as they ran in a convincing 53-10 win. Colfes hosted Ruislip who had a very similar record and were two places below them in the table, although the 38-5 scoreline wouldn’t appear to demonstrate that. Both sides now occupy places in the top five of the division.

Intermediate Cup: Only two Kent sides were involved in the first round of the Intermediate Cup with D&B travelling to Essex to take on Canvey Island who are currently sitting 5th in Ldn 2(NE), it would appear that after a good start to the season D&B are beginning to falter as they went down 16-3 to the Essex side. In the other fixture Dunstonians took on a KCSOB currently sitting in mid table in Ldn 2(SW) and who almost ended up in our own division but for the level transfer system, Dunstonians are currently winless in the league but this resounding 54-21 result will no doubt restore some confidence in the side.

Senior Vase: Cranbrook were the county’s sole representative in this round of the Senior Vase and travelled to Hampshire to take on a Petersfield side currently sitting in 6th position in the SW equivalent division. Cranbrook’s inconsistent start to the season continues as they went down 22-15 in what appears to have been a competitive contest.

Junior Vase: Early September had seen a significant number of clubs across the region participate in a Preliminary Rd of this competition; unfortunately the county’s sides didn’t fair too well, with Askeans, Brockleians, Erith, Old Wills & Orpington all falling at the first hurdle. In the First rd proper, a currently undefeated Lordswood should have the Law Society from Surrey 2 but the opposition conceded and they were granted a walk-over. HSBC were due to travel to Old Blues who are currently top and undefeated in Surrey 1, but conceded giving the Surrey side a walk-over. The county’s other representatives in Rd 1 and sole survivor of the Preliminary Rd was an also undefeated Shooters Hill who hosted Mitcham from Surrey 3, this looks to have been a tight contest with the home side progressing to the next round by a 2-point margin in a 24-22 scoreline.

National 1: After last week’s narrow loss to Tynedale, Blackheath were looking to get back to winning ways and tenth placed Stourbridge proved more than a match for them at The Rectory field territory with the Kent side losing out by 2 points 31-33, and sees them drop to 4th in the division.

National 2(S): After last week’s defeat to Worthing, Shelford were looking for a positive result on home turf against the city club placed five places above them in the table; whist Canterbury were keen to put together another winning performance, Shelford proved the stronger of the sides recording a 26-7 win. Westcombe Park’s improved performances over the last couple of weeks, and with their first win under their belts should have given them confidence as they hosted Richmond, but it was the visitors who went home the happier with a 6-34 victory. Both Kent sides now sit in the lower half of the table.

National 3(SE): Gravesend are convinced that they can compete at this level and have been competitive for large periods of their matches, but according to their own reports have been lacking in execution of the opportunities they create. Would this week’s fixture on home soil show an improvement? In fact a convincing 34-7 win over the Civil Service certainly seems to appear so and the club move three places up in the divisional standings.

London 1(S): There is a definite top & bottom half beginning to form in this division and both Tunbridge Wells and Thanet find themselves at the wrong end of the wrong half and desperately in need of positive results to stay in touch with the rest of the division. Wells were away at Chichester who are sitting in the top half of the table and 49-3 win was probably the expected outcome. Meanwhile fellow strugglers Thanet were away at tenth placed Cobham and lost out by a 2-point margin in a close battle (19-17). Second placed Beckenham were away to third from bottom Chobham and continued their good run with a resounding 48=point win. The pick of the fixtures was at The Slade where TJs took on Dover, running out 35-22 winners against last season’s runners-up and completing 50 consecutive league games without a loss. And remain top of the division. Elsewhere, Haywards Heath beat Wimbledon 26-13 and Portsmouth lost by 3 points to Ldn Irish (24-27).

London 1(N): Having been knocked off top spot following last week’s defeat to Brentwood, Sidcup were on the road again to Bury St Edmunds where, given their respective league positions they should have expected to get back to winning ways, but this wasn’t the case as they lost out 24-21, Colfes on the other hand travelled to Essex to take on a Westcliff side that had inherited top spot thanks to Sidcup’s loss and their own win at Colchester. This was always going to be a tough match and Westcliff ran out 39-20 winners to retain top spot.

London 2(SE): Near neighbours Aylesford hosted an East Grinstead side that topped the table but that had been less convincing in their last two matches, Aylesford on the other hand had put together two consecutive wins and on home turf were comfortable bonus point winners (31-19) to knock the ‘G Force’ off the top of the table. Second placed Elthamians capitalised on their travels to Deal with a convincing 34-3 win to go top. Maidstone were looking to get back to winning ways as they hosted Lewes at The Mote and despite leading at half-time, went down 15-28.. The most attractive fixture looked like being OMW v Sevenoaks with the visitors running out resounding winners 39-8 to move into second place in the division. Brighton hosted a winless and pointless PJF and as expected were easy 24-3 winners. Old Dunstonians were looking to record their first win against a Warllingham side that is also struggling, but ceded home advantage when they switched their home fixture to an away game to accommodate their social calendar, as well as handing over home advantage they also handed over the points, going down 29-14.

London 3(SE): Charlton Pk against Horsham looked a straightforward result although the Sussex side had recorded a good win against higher placed Heathfield the previous week, in the end the Kent side proved to strong running out 37-12 winners. Bottom side Crawley recorded their first win against ninth placed Bromley with a solid 29-15 victory and also capitalise on Dartfordian’s 45-14 loss at to top placed Crowborough. Medway made the trip to Eastbourne and came away with a 20-13 defeat. Third placed Folkestone hosted mid-table Park House and recorded a resounding 67-5 thumping to move to 2nd in the standings. Heathfield & W were looking to get back to winning ways at home and a Cranbrook side that appears very inconsistent were no match on the day, going down 46-.

Kent 1: A home fixture against eleventh placed OGs was just what Ashford needed after their one point defeat to Lordswood, especially as OGs had leaked a total of 74 points in the last two matches. In the end it was a closer match than might have been expected with the home side scraping home 21-15. Beccs v Sheppey was a mid-table battle that wasn’t as close as one might of expected with Sheppey running out convincing 3-34 winners. After a 48-point win last week a resurgent Anchorians side took on the still undeafeated HSBC and came out on top in a closely contested match 23-20. The remaining fixtures should have gone according to form, with Sittingbourne defeating NAG (37-15), Vigo getting the better of Old Olavians (32-7) and table toppers Lordswood despatching bottom side Whitstable by a lower score than they probably expected (10-38), to now stand as the only undefeated side in the division.

Kent 2: With only 11 sides in this division, someone always gets a week off from league rugby; this week was sixth placed Brockleians turn. At the start of the weekend both Guys and Shooters Hill had 100% records in this division, with 20 points from their four matches so far. This really turned out to be a day for the home sides; Guys despatched eighth placed Erith (52-12), whilst Shooters defeated seventh placed Bexley (30-3) Elsewhere third placed Orpington nulled Old Wills (30-0) , whilst fourth placed Kings Coll did the same to Askeans (48-0), The real interest was in the basement battle between Southwark & Foots Cray, with both looking for their first win and Southwark looking for their historic first ever win in the Kent leagues in their debut season. A 25-14 victory for the home side will probably be looked back on with some pleasant memories for some time to come; no doubt there was a real buzz in the clubhouse for the rest of the evening.

National1: By the end of Saturday afternoon at least one undefeated record had disappeared with perhaps the key result being the outcome of Blackheath’s long trip to the 3rd placed Northumberland club Tynedale, where their hosts had suffered only 5 home defeats in the last four seasons. Blackheath have made their best start for some years and ran in 9 tries against Otley last week but this was an altogether different match and in a tight battle the home side were narrow victors by 22-21 (although according to the RFU they won 17-19 and are still top of the table)!

National 2 (S): Both fixtures in this division should have been expected to go with their positions in the table, despite two recent losses, 9th placed Canterbury should have been expected to prevail over a Hinckley side yet to record a win, the match ran to form with the city club clear winners (29-12) Despite their poor start to the season, Westcombe Park’s trip to Lydney might not have been as easy to predict after their encouraging performance in a narrow loss to league leaders Henley last week, although they appeared to make hard work of it, scraping home 20-21 although I’m sure they won’t be complaining. Both results lifted each side a couple of places in the division.

National 3 (SE): In Nat 3(SE) despite to heavy reverses, Gravesend were looking to get their season back on track and restore some confidence against a Staines side that had lost convincingly to Bracknell the week before. However, their poor run continues as they went down 22-16 and find themselves still very much at the wrong end of the table.

London 1 (S): Balmoral Ave is not an easy place to win at, and second placed Beckenham hosted a Cobham side that has not made the same impact on the division as the previous two seasons as the result demonstrated as they went down to a 30-12 defeat. Dover hosted a Chobham side that had yet to record a win and were in the same position as they left The Crabble having been defeated 23-6. Portsmouth were too strong for a Wells side that is languishing at the wrong end of the table (3-16) and fellow strugglers Thanet were looking to capitalise on the poor form of bottom side Sutton & Epsom as they made the long trip to Cheam but came out on the wrong side of a 30-12 scoreline. League leaders TJs continued their long unbeaten run with a probably predictable but close win over Wimbledon (12-16).

London 1 (N): In Ldn 1 (N) the early season league leaders Sidcup, made the short trip through the tunnel to 12th placed Brentwood where a 22-19 defeat knocked them off the top of the table. Meanwhile, after two consecutive defeats 7th placed Colfes were looking to get back to winning ways against second from bottom Letchworth and ran out convincing winners (30-5)

London 2 (SE): With no 100% records to protect in this division, the pick of the fixtures this week was our own trip to 2nd placed Old Elthamians , where the SE London side looking to make amends for last week’s upset against Ayleford. Elthaminas coped with the wet conditions much better against a Maidstone side that just never got going and ran out convincing 50-15 winners. Both Sevenoaks and D&B were looking to bounce back from last week’s reverses but it was Sevenoaks who took the points (30-14). Despite some spirited performances, Dunstonians were finding their first win hard to come by, and this week’s trip to top of the table East Grinstead didn’t make the task any easier, although they gave a good account of themselves, going down 10-3. Having upset the formbook last week, Aylesford travelled to 4th placed Lewes who narrowly defeated Dunstonians last week and recorded a 10-17 win (17 appears to be their lucky number.) Elsewhere in the division, 8th placed Brighton were looking to capitalise on last week’s hard fought draw with East Grinstead, with a trip to Warlingham, two places below them, and it was the south coast club that took the points (19-30). Meanwhile a South London battle saw basement side PJF trying to get their first point of the season against an OMW side that had recorded two consecutive wins after their poor opening day result. OMW ran out 19-30 winners leaving PJF still at the foot of the table without a point.

London 3 (SE): In London 3 Charlton Pk were looking to keep the pressure on league leaders Crowborough. The two sides were just a ‘stones throw’ apart with Charlton Pk away grinding out a 13-13 draw at Park House, with Crowborough just over the road taking on Bromley in an equally close match that saw them 20-23 winners and able to move clear at the top of the table. With a number of players returning from injury, Folkestone travelled to bottom side Darts in confident mood and ran out 35-14 winners. In mid-table a positive result for Cranbrook against Eastbourne (20-16) saw them move up a place. Finally, Medway were at home to Crawley and were too strong for the Sussex side, running out 25-0 winners

Kent 1: Two of the three sides yet to taste defeat in Kent 1 met to decide who would top the table at the end of the day, as one of the preseason favourites Lordswood met resurgent Ashford in what was a tight encounter, with Lordswood winners 12-11 and moving to the top of the division.. Elsewhere, also undefeated, third placed HSBC were up against 5th placed Vigo in an equally tight match, running out 26-24 winners. Sittingbourne should have been expected to outgun OGs and ran out 23-6 winners After last week’s heavy defeat Sheppey were looking to restore some confidence against bottom side Whitstable who are in danger of becoming the division’s ‘whipping boys’, especially after the 53-5 thumping they received. In the mid table battles, NAG were against an Anchorians side that has had an inconsistent start to the season but seems to have got the show back on the road as the dished out a 0-48 thrashing, and Olavians were taking on a Beccs side that had recorded its first win the week before with a convincing performance against Whitstable and that shot of confidence saw Beccs run out 19-6 winners.

Kent 2: The fixture of interest here was between two of the division’s undefeated sides in Shooters Hill and Old Wills, in the end Shooter were convincing 33-7 winners. Meanwhile Guys were posting a big score against the once mighty Askeans 42-0. In the remaining fixtures Brockleians edged Southwark Lancers by the odd point (20-19), Erith went down 14-19 to Orpington and Footscray lost out to Kings Coll by a point (14-15).

Early trends across all the divisions seem to indicate that whilst no teams seem to be pulling clear at the top of the divisions; there is real evidence that some clubs are beginning to find themselves in danger of coming adrift at the foot of the tables.

Scott Mitchell, errant Kiwi, Master of Mayhem, New Zealand’s best dressed male, noted Ovine expert (sheep to the uneducated) and South Island Naked Water-ski Champion is back in the country. Oh, and he was quite a good rugby player as well.

The committee has made enquiries with both the Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office to find out who issued him a return visa, with the request that disciplinary action be taken against the offending civil servant. Additionally, a letter of protest has been sent to New Zealand House on the grounds that they have failed to provide adequate notice to allow appropriate precautions to be taken (6-9 months would have been acceptable).

Despite the short notice of his visit, word seems to have spread and some precautions are already being taken; Topps Pizza have made arrangements for additional security including screens across the front of their premises to prevent their regular customers being offended. Apparently Drakes Ale House took a more pragmatic view of his return and felt it was alright as long as Garret Hines wasn’t coming as well.

Needless to say Scott is a bit of a character and will be dropping into the club on Saturday (2nd Oct) after having watched the 1st XV match at Old Elthamians, what the plans are beyond that is anyone’s guess. So hang around the clubhouse on Saturday after the matches, there is the possibility of the best spontaneous cabaret you’ve seen in a long while, as Darfield’s (the earthquake capital of NZ) favourite son makes a one night only appearance!!!

PS; We are assured that he will be having an extended interview with 'The Rabbi'!!

PPS: Lock up your daughters!!!!!!!

The significant increase in young players at Maidstone Rugby as part of last year’s Maidstone Tag Rugby initiative has been widely welcomed by all, but has created a desperate shortage of space at the County Town Club. As a result the club’s youngest players are regularly asked to play at the public Mote Park , although with only 2 pitches available they often end up on open ground. This has at times created significant health and safety issues!

In order to provide a clean and safe environment for the younger players the club was committed to creating space inside the grounds for training, matches and hosting other clubs. This was seen as the only way to be sure the ground is free of hazards and to ensure toilet facilities are available for our youngest members close to the clubhouse and within the confines of The Mote.

A project long talked about within the club has now finally come to fruition with the waste ground adjacent to the 1st XV pitch being turned into useable space which will create up to 3 pitches for tag rugby. The driving forces behind the project have been Youth Chairman Darren Mitchell and Tag Rugby Coordinator Nick Williams. Whilst the project has been long on the club’s list of projects, 2009’s successful launch of Maidstone Tag Rugby brand has been the catalyst for action.

The scope of the project was not to be underestimated, apart from the mass of bramble and nettles there was a lot of unseen debris as the area has been used as a dumping ground by both the rugby and cricket clubs for decades. Concrete slabs and ironwork needed to be removed before the foundations can be laid for useable pitches.

Fundraising for the project has been completely in house in terms of the Tag Rugby group, in particular the U6’s, and also involved a trip to Canterbury to participate in the KM sponsored Dragons Den where they were awarded £450. Local company Weller Landscapes & Contractors have also pitched in by conducting the physical clearance and conversion of the site (see photos). The next phase is planned to include a fenced barrier along the top of the banking and also a storage ISO/pavilion to provide valuable shelter for players and parents, as well as a first aid station for those inevitable scrapes! Key to this is the continued support of local shoe shop and sponsor, The Golden Boot who are committed to maintaining their support of the Maidstone Tag Rugby initiative they embarked on in 2009.

Whilst they ground has been cleared, prepared and seeded, it is expected to be available for use before Xmas, so despite several years of waiting, all that is needed now is just a little patience before the benefits can be felt.

In National 1, Blackheath were looking to continue their unbeaten run in a home fixture against Otley; they got off to a blistering start and had the 4-try bonus point sewn up inside 20mins and ran out 55-26 winners to find themselves at the top of the table by the end of the afternoon.

The county’s National 2 sides saw city club Canterbury looking to recover from last week’s home defeat to Jersey with a trip to Old Albanians but went down by 43-24. Westcombe Park picked up their first points of the season and pushed ‘top of the table’ club Henley Hawks all the way but just lost out by 27-32.

In National 3 Gravesend were looking to get their season back on track after two successive defeats as they took on Bedfordshire side Ampthill but fell to another heavy defeat by 53-24 and find themselves in the bottom three of the table.

In London 1 (S) after a weekend of intra county fixtures, Beckenham’s trip to Thanet was the only county derby fixture with Beckenham taking the points with a 17-39 victory to move them to second in the table behind TJs. Dover had a convincing 14-32 win at Cobham while Tunbridge Wells went down heavily to Haywards Heath 42-3. The major battle though was TJ’s taking on Ldn Irish in a top of the table clash with the Kent side narrow victors 36-30 and now topping the table

In London 1 (N) both Sidcup and Colfes had very winnable matches against Eton Manor & Bury St Edmunds respectively. Sidcup made light work of their match, winning 38-10 but Colfes lost out to their hosts 22-17.

In London 2, from a club perspective our own fixture was probably the pick of the fixtures, with old rivals Sevenoaks the visitors, Maidstone put in a convincing performance with a 24-14 scoreline that should really have been more.. Old Elthamians were looking to keep up their early momentum against an Aylesford side still looking for their first points, but the home side upset the early season form book with a 17-8 win. Old Dunstonians hosted Lewes but lost out by 20-24. Elsewhere in the division Brighton fought out a 34 -34 draw against an East Grinstead side that have been rampant in their earlier matches. Warlingham took the points in 27-18 win against PJF to leave the Surrey side still looking for their first point of the season. D&B had a trip to OMW and were looking to continue their unbeaten start against a side that had recovered from its opening day defeat to the county town club but no result has yet been published by the RFU.

For London 3 the main attraction was the table top clash of Charlton Park against Heathfield & Waldron with the London club taking the points 12-5. There were two mid table clashes with Folkestone just edging Bromley 23-17 and Park House comfortable 32-12 winners against Dartfordians. Cranbrook had a visit to Crawley in a match that meant one of them would get their season off the mark; Cranbrook took the points with a 22- 15 scoreline

In the county leagues some of the early favourites are becoming clearer; in Kent 1 Ashford were taking on Sheppey and ran out resounding 51-14 winners, with second placed Lordswood visit to third placed Sittingbourne a much closer affair with the visitors taking the honours 12-20.. Fourth placed HSBC beat Olavians 13-20, whilst mid table Vigo defeated NAG 22-10 in their local derby. Whitstable’s trip to Beccs ensured that at least one of the clubs would move up the table, in the end it was Beccs, and in some style with a 44-5 scoreline. Anchorians got their season rolling with a convincing 51-14 scoreline against OGs.

In Kent 2 results ran with form, with the top three, Guys, Shooters Hill & Orpington all recording victories, with Orpington dishing out a 60-5 thumping of Askeans. O Williamsonians defeated Bexley and Kings Coll ground out a 25-25 draw with Brockleians.

Despite our own disappointing result at D & B, there was still a lot of rugby played by the counties clubs this weekend. In National 1, Blackheath maintained their good start returning from their road trip to basement side Redruth with the points. Not so good for the county’s remaining National League sides, with Cantebury’s winning start to the season brought to an end by Jersey, Westcombe Park’s poor start to the season continued with a 41-18 away defeat to Dings Crusaders. In National 3 Gravesend lost 37-17 away at Dorking.

The London 1 divisions saw most of Kent’s sides pitched against each other; in the big local derby, TJ’s continued their winning run with a 29-7 win at Tunbridge Wells. Dover comprehensively defeated Thanet by 39-8 and Beckenham faced the only non-county opposition inflicting a 22-15 defeat on Sutton & Epsom who now sit at the foot of the table. In London 1 (Nth) Sidcup narrowly defeated Old Colfeians by 23-26.

In London 2 all the matches were again all Kent affairs and apart from our own result, Elthamians comprehensively beat Dunstonians by 31-6 in the battle of the ‘Old Boys’. Meanwhile, Sevenoaks took the points with a 22-14 win over Aylesford. In London 3, Bromley lost out to Park House in their local derby by a 0-9 scoreline, Cranbrook went down to their second consecutive defeat by 14-32 to Sussex side Crowborough. Dartfordians were comprehensively outpointed at home by Charlton Pk with a 6-38 scoreline, finally Medway took the points against Folkestone by 17-11.

In Kent 1 it would appear that home advantage was not that great with Vigo taking the win at OGs (5-26) and Sittingbourne narrowly defeating Sheppey (13-15) at The Ditch; Ashford had a comfortable win at Whitstable (15-44). Those home sides that did win were HSBC who defeated Beccs (25-14), Lordswood who beat Anchorians (27-12) and NAG who just scrapped home against Olavians (27-24). Ashford & Lordswood look to be very much the early candidates for the top of the table.

In Kent 2 it was very much a day for the away sides, with all of the matches being away wins, Askeans went down heavily to Shooters Hill (7-43), Brockleians lost at home to Guys Hosp (12-30, Erith lost out to Bexley (5-11), and Footscray went down to Orpington (0-10). Finally, Southwark Lancers first ever home league fixture saw them lose out by 3-20 to Kings Coll Hosp.

I wasn't going to introduce myself as most of you have known me for years, but I like seeing my name in lights, so here goes....I'm Jim Walker, and I'm cycling from London to Paris on the 15th -18th September in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity who have been of great support to myself, Charlotte and my family since my diagnosis of Cancer in November 09.

Following an operation to remove my kidney in December, I'm now happy to say I've been given the six months all clear, and am looking forward to making it a year in a few months' time. Training is going well, and so far we've completed many training rides, including the London to Brighton Bike Ride with friends joining various rides we've done throughout the summer, including players from the club such as Ian Davis. The support from friends has been fantastic, so thank you everyone.

We have planned a longer route than people would normally take for a London to Paris ride, as we decided the supported rides people normally do are too easy and take too much of the money you raise to cover the costs of accommodation etc. Instead, we've have worked tirelessly to secure corporate sponsorship to cover the additional costs of the ride (equipment, overnight accommodation, ferry crossing from Portsmouth etc), funding any additional costs ourselves. This means that every penny donated goes to Macmillan, which is where it should go!

The planned route for the ride is:

• 15/092010: London – Portsmouth - 73miles
• 16/09/2010: Cherbourg – Courseulles-sur-Mer - 90miles
• 17/09/2010: Courseulles-sur-Mer – Breteuil - 90miles
• 18/09/2010: Breteuil – Paris - 75 miles

This is where your part comes in - We'd be eternally grateful if you could sponsor us - every penny will go to a fantastically deserving cause!

The just giving donation page is accessible following this link of you would like to sponsor them: http://www.justgiving.com/2men3kidneys

Alternatively, I can bring a sponsorship form to the club on my return of people would prefer to do it that way!

In addition, you can catch up with news from the Facebook page, "two men, three kidneys", which gives details, pictures, videos and regular updates of how Nathan and I are doing including the ups, the downs, and the dramas of the two of us, and our journey to Paris!

The last weekend saw the first full round of fixtures for the county’s club’s, in National League 1, Blackheath continued their good start and followed up their win a Ldn Scottish with a home 34-17 win over Rosslyn Park. League 2 South saw the Westcombe Park’s poor start continue as they went down to city club Canterbury 12-29. Gravesend’s joy after last week’s late win over Nth Walsham was soon ended, when their first home fixture at national level saw them on the end of a 7-50 point defeat by Hertford.

In London 1 (Sth) TJs continued their winning streak with a resounding 72-17 win over Hove. After an impressive opening match against Sutton & Epsom, Dover came down to earth at Beckenham where they were on the wrong end of the 21-6 scoreline, and after opening day defeats, Tunbridge Wells earned their first points of the season in a 27-27 draw with Chobham and Thanet Wdrs recovered from a 50-point defeat to Ldn Irish last week to defeat Wimbledon 18-3. In London 1 (Nth) Old Colfeians drew 12-12 with Eton Manor and Sidcup squeaked home by a point over visitors Colchester (24-23)

In London 2 (SE) it was very much a day for the travelling Kent sides, we have made an encouraging start with a 40-6 win away at OMW; Sevenoaks came out on top of a 32-41 scoreline away at O Dunstonians and O Elthamians ran out 8-39 winners on their trip to the coast at Brighton. Near neighbours Aylesford were the only losing Kent side, going down by 26-7 to visitors Deal & Betteshanger.

In London 3 (SE) Charlton Park overcame Eastbourne 14-3, the the remaining Kent clubs all facing each other. Dartfordians went down 19-22 to visitors Bromley and Medway had a good win at Park House by 20-3. Both of our preseason opposition clubs were facing each other, with Cranbrook not having the firepower up front to compete with Folkestone, losing out by 25-0.

In the Kent leagues there were wins for Ashford, Sheppey, Sittingbourne and HSBC, also Lordswood’s resurgence continues with a convincing 45-10 victory at Vigo. The match between Old Olavians & Old Gravesendians was abandoned at half time with the score at 0-0 following an injury to the referee.

In Kent 2.the third draw of the day for Kent sides was between Bexley & Askeans with a 20-20 score line. The remaining matches were all home wins for Old Wills, Orpington, Shooters Hill and Guy Hosp, who gave newcomers Southwark Lancers are sharp introduction to league rugby with a resounding 61-5 victory.

So with the first full competitive weekend of the season now complete there is little to be read into the results, except that by the end of the month it will be interesting to see what impact the introduction of bonus points has had, with an average of 9 bonus points per division amassed on the first full day of the season.

Although the club had its first serious encounter of the 2010/11 season with a victory in the Kent Cup last Saturday, the league campaign for the club doesn’t start until this weekend (11th) when we visit Surrey based OMW. That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a lot of serious rugby going on already. In the National Leagues, Blackheath, Canterbury, Westcombe Pk & Gravesend all started their campaigns with Combe being the only side not to register a win.

In London 1(S) TJ’s got off to a winning start at Chichester (17-28), Beckenham defeated Wimbledon (16-23) and Dover had a convincing victory at Sutton & Epsom (15-42). Tunbridge wells went down to visitors Cobham (0-24) and Thanet suffered a heavy defeat away at Ldn Irish (51-5). Sidcup and O Colfeians are encountering different opposition this season, having been “level transferred” to L1(N), both recorded opening day wins with Colfes winning at Brentwood (10-23) and Sidcup defeating Stevenage (21-27).

With the bonus point system now in operation for league rugby, the tables should start to reflect some interesting trends by the end of the month.

Following the impact of the weather on last season’s competition, plus the lack of spare weekends for clubs at London 1 level and above, the weekends of 28/29th Aug & 4th Sept saw unusually early first round fixtures for this seasons Kent Cup take place. Last season’s champions Gravesend had their place booked in the second round when they were drawn away against Deal & Betteshanger, no date could be agreed for the fixture, and as a result it was conceded by D&B. On Sat 28th Beckenham travelled to Bromley and came away with a convincing 46-0 win to now face Sevenoaks in the next round. Canterbury played host to Old Colfeians, and after having lost a couple of preseason fixtures on top of an early exit from the competition last season knew they would have to be “on their game” against a Colfes side that is always competitive in early season, in the end the home side prevailed by 46-20, and progress to face Charlton Park. Sunday 29th saw the Sidcup v Tunbridge Wells fixture played at Blackheath’s Well Hall ground, with Sidcup now plying their trade in L1(N), this would probably be the only meeting between these sides this season and Sidcup took the honours by 28-14 and now face Westcombe Park in round 2.

The following weekend saw the final 1st round fixture, with L2SE side, Old Dunstonians hosting L3SE Medway at their Wickham Way ground. Medway are very much a side on an upward curve and after last season’s encouraging performances will be looking to be in the promotion places this year. However, on the day they were no match for the side from the division above, losing out by 30-5.

With all round 1 matches now completed the draw for the second round is as follows:

• Aylesford v Tonbridge Juddians*
• Westcombe Park v Sidcup
• Sevenoaks v Beckenham
• Old Elthamians v Blackheath*
• Canterburyv Charlton Park
• Old Dunstonians v Folkestone
• Thanet Wdrs v Gravesend

Kent RFU had ruled that any 2nd round fixtures that were not dependent on 1st round results(*) could also be played in pre-season. In the event the only teams to take advantage of this, were ourselves and Dartfordians, in a match played at The Mote on 4th Sept. The result of the match against a competitive Dartfordians side was a 32-12 win for the Mote Park club who are the first to book a place in the 3rd round, which has to be played before 6th February next year.

That Maidstone Rugby Shirt Gets Everywhere!!Whilst the rest of the squad were just getting stuck into pre-season training, senior squad player Euan Caborn was departing for sunnier climes as part of the World Challenge. The expedition was for a month duration to Tanzania and involved climbing 3 mountains including Mt Kilimanjaro. The ascent up Kilimanjaro to 4 days with 2 days to descend, but unfortunately injury prevented Euan reaching the summit just 3 hrs from Uhuru Peak.

That Maidstone Rugby Shirt Gets Everywhere!!

Not one to leave unfinished business; Euan is already planning an independent expedition to return to Tanzania in 2012 where he plans to conquer the 5895m high Mt Kilimanjaro plus the 4566m active volcano Mount Meru.

Details of the World Challenge can be found here: http://www.world-challenge.co.uk/

Members may have noticed from the last edition of the club’s newsletter that the introduction of bonus points for league rugby below National League level was being examined by the RFU. A decision has now been reached and the system will now be adopted for all adult league and cup rugby (where applicable) for the coming season.

Teams will be awarded one additional bonus point for either scoring four tries or losing by seven points or less. The RFU hopes that the introduction of the system will work at the grassroots levels of the sport to increase competitiveness for the full 80 minutes of a match.

Currently, it is not known if this will affect the points system in the Invicta or Mid-Kent Leagues although it is thought unlikely.

Work and various negotiations have been going on behind the scenes with the club’s sponsors to continue their valuable support for the 2010/11 season. Brachers LLP, Aylesford Newsprint, have renewed their commitment to the club as Official Club Sponsors for the coming season, with Brachers taking on the Primary Sponsor role. Wales based company, Plastics Sorting Ltd has come on board as Official Club Sponsors, also Britelite, Glosrose, Horwath Clark Whitehill, & ABB Ltd have continued their support and committed as Club Sponsors, with news expected shortly from Sibley Pares. In addition the Village Hotel is expected to maintain some level of support for the club, which will include use of their extensive leisure facilities for winter fitness sessions. Despite the difficult economic climate, communications are on-going with other potential sponsors and advertisers and local company L&G Forest Products Ltd have made a commitment which will come into effect in the New Year and continue for the 2011/12 season. In addition, the club’s link up with P.A.R Marketing has also commenced to sell pitch side advertising on the club’s behalf.

The club would always welcome additional support to maintain the standard of community grassroots sport that it provides, if you or your company may be interested in supporting high standard, community based sport then please contact Bob Hayton in the first instance.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has issued updated refereeing directives that are to be implemented at all levels of the game. Their aim is to ensure that there is an equal contest for possession and to allow the game to flow more freely. To assist coaches, referees, players and spectators to understand how these law clarifications affect the game, the RFU has assembled a resource of explanations (click link below) and supporting video examples on the RFU website. The information highlights key infringement areas to help develop a common understanding for the 2010/11 season.

http://www.rfu.com/TakingPart/Coach/IRB_Law_Directives.aspx

With pre-season training now in full swing, and the season’s fixtures announced (see fixtures page), the coaching staff have arranged a number of pre-season matches to allow them to take a look at how the squad is progressing and try out a few combinations.

The first of these fixtures is in a fortnight’s time on 14th Aug at The Mote v Folkestone from L3SE; this is followed by an evening fixture on Tues 24th Aug away at Medway (L3SE), followed in quick succession on the 28th Aug by a visit to Cranbrook who are newly promoted to L3SE from Kent 1.

With the Kent Cup starting earlier this year with the club having a bye in Round 1, being as our Round 2 fixture is not dependant on the outcome of a Round 1 match, there will be a home Kent Cup Rd 2 match played on 4th Sept with the visitors being Dartfordians (L3SE).

The season then starts in earnest on 11th Sept with an away match at OMW and then Deal & Betteshanger the following week, before we host Sevenoaks in the first home league fixture of the season on the 25th Sept.

The draw for the coming season’s national competitions at level 7 has been announced with Maidstone receiving a Bye in the first round of the Intermediate Cup on 16th Oct. Very much like the Kent Cup, the first round is very much a preliminary round, with only 5 fixtures in order to balance the draw for the competition at the Round 2 stage. Only two Kent sides have been drawn in Round 1, with Deal & Betteshanger away at Canvey Island (L2NE) and Old Dunstonians hosting KCS Old Boys (L2SW); whilst fellow L2SE club this season, Brighton take on Gosport & Fareham in what is very much a south coast battle.

In the Senior Vase, Wealden club Cranbrook were unlucky in being drawn to play Hampshire side Petersfield in the only fixture at the Round 1 stage, with the winners drawn to face Horsham in Round 2. In the rest of the Round 2 draw Kent sides are drawn as follows: Darfordians away to the Bank of England, Charlton Park hosting Old Alleynians, Folkestone v Heathfield & Waldron, Medway to host London S Africa and finally Bromley away at Teddington.

In the Junior Vase life is much more complicated with a Preliminary Round and still having Byes in Rounds 1 & 2. Only Erith, Old Wills & Orpington ended up being drawn in the Prelims, with Erith visiting Old Emanuel, Old Wills hosting Streatham & Croydon and Orpington away at Mitcham. Lordswood & HSBC have a Bye in Round 1 and Ashford, Anchorians, Beccehamians, Vigo, Sheppey, Whitstable and Sittingbourne have Byes in Round 2.

Whilst the draws for the Intermediate Cup & Senior Vase are simple enough, if you can understand the draw for the Junior Vase then you are a better man than the author of this missive. For full details and your own attempt at deciphering the draws go to http://rfulondon.com/

Readers should note that the competition formats have changed since the club last participated (5 seasons ago) and is now conducted as divisional competitions with the winner of each divisional final progressing to the national semi-finals for the chance to compete for the trophy at Twickenham.

With second row, a full back and kicking all being introduced this coming session the Under 11's have had 3 early summer sessions to make a start on developing new skills and remembering a few from last year.

Ex 1st XV player and regular 3rd team 'evergreen' John Hogarth kindly joined two of the sessions and quickly helped harness the boy’s excitement at being allowed to kick with some great core skills that we will be able to build on.

The last session ended with a lunch time trip to our sponsors The Tandoor Mahal Indian restaurant for a buffet lunch. With the parents 'disappearing' to local pubs, shops and coffee houses 17 boys and the coaches enjoyed an excellent lunch and swapped stories over lemonade or two!!

The manager of the restaurant has been so impressed with the behaviour of the boys and their enjoyment of the food on our visits that they are looking to continue with their sponsorship support of the team and club for this coming season.

Be sure to mention the club if you visit the Tandoor Mahal

Following a senior squad players meeting on Tuesday 22nd June, Thursday 24th June saw the squad’s preparation for the new season commence under the direction of DoR Andy Golding, new head coach Andy Foley and his coaching team, along with new club captain John O’Brien. With preseason training starting earlier this year the numbers were encouraging with more expected in the next few sessions, especially from the U18 age group who have been incorporated into senior training for the past 3-4 seasons. Tuesday’s sessions are primarily based around core & aerobic fitness with Thursdays likely to become more skills based the season approaches. Alongside Shaun Neaves' Saturday set piece stamina sessions, and with the Veterans XV also training at the club plus the 4th & 5th XV squads Thursday training on Bearsted Green now in its 3rd week, preparations for the coming season are beginning to get into gear.

Maidstone Rugby’s AGM held on Thursday 17th June saw a number of changes to the club’s hierarchy ratified by the membership. Amongst the changes was Trevor Langley standing down after a 3-year term as President and handing over the reins to long standing club member and familiar face of Bob Beney. Although handing over after his tenure as President of the club Trevor will remain on the committee in his capacity as Development Chairman to maintain the liaison with The Mote C.C in respect of the continued moves towards the formation of the Mote Sports Foundation. Also standing down was Chairman Wendy Pound, who has served on the committee in a number of appointments for the past 11 years, the last four as Chairman. Taking up the responsibility to head the committee as the new Chairman will be Andy Golding who provides continuity through his involvement in a number of ongoing strategic projects at the club.

On the teams captaincy front there are changes across the senior XVs; John O’Brien takes on the role as Club Captain from Mark Ryan who is standing down due pressure of work and imminent family duties. Duncan McClintock assumes the responsibility of Mustangs XV skipper with Mike Laurenson stepping into the 3rd XV captaincy role. Tom Clarke takes over from Steve Quinn as 5th XV captain and Richard Weston is the new Veterans XV skipper following Steve Vincent’s injury enforced retirement from playing.

Photos: Left. New Club President - Bob Beney Centre. New Club Chairman - Andy Golding Right. New Club Captain - John O’Brien

With an earlier start to the competition this season, largely to try and avoid the inevitable fixtures logjam that is created by league postponements due to inclement weather in mid-season; the draw has thrown up some interesting early fixtures. The first round does not include all clubs but has thrown quite a few of the so called big guns in early. Defending champions Nat 3(SE) Gravesend travel to Deal to take on D&B Lions, with Nat 2(S) city club Canterbury host O Colfeians & Sidcup v Tunbridge Wells probably being the pick of the other ties. For both Sidcup & Colfes it will be their last fixture south of the Thames for sometime having been level transfered in the league to L1(N). Maidstone has a bye to round 2 where we have a home tie against Dartfordians.

The second round sees some interesting ties, with O Elthamians facing Blackheath in a repeat of last season’s semi final tie. Near neighbours Aylesford are pitted against big spending TJs, and Sevenoaks face the winners of the round 1 fixture of Bromley v Beckenham. The last of the national league clubs, Westcombe Park will host the winners of the battle between Sicup and Tunbridge Wells

The full draw for Rounds 1 & 2 is listed below:

Round 1:

1. Bromley v Beckenham
2. Deal & Betteshanger v Gravesend
3. Old Dunstonians v Medway
4. Sidcup v Tunbridge Wells
5. Canterbury v Old Colfeians

Round 2:

1. Aylesford v TonbridgeJuddians
2. Westcombe Park v Sidcup or Tunbridge Wells
3. Sevenoaks v Bromley or Beckenham
4. Maidstone v Dartfordians
5. Old Elthamians v Blackheath
6. Canterbury or Old Colfeians v Charlton park
7. Old Dunstonians or Medway v Folkestone
8. Thanet Wdrs v Deal or Gravesend

With the 1st XV fixtures for the coming season now announced, the following opportunities for Matchball Sponsorship are now available:

25th Sept v Sevenoaks RFC
9th Oct v Lewes RFC
20th Oct v Warlingham RFC
20th Nov v Brighton RFC
11th Dec v Aylesford RFC
18th Dec v Deal & Betteshanger RFC
15th jan v Old Elthamians RFC
29th Jan v East Grinstead RFC
19th Feb v Purley John Fisher RFC
12th Mar v Old Dunstonians RFC
9th Apr v Old Mid Whitgiftians RFC

Opportunities for matchball sponsorship in RFU Intermediate Cup & Shepherd Neame Kent Cup competitions will be announced as they become available. Anyone interested in taking any of the opportunities available please contact Bob Hayton.

Friday 11th June saw club members and their wives/girlfriends gathering at club sponsors The Village Hotel for the traditional Annual Ball. Thanks to the organisation of Amanda Maddaford a great time was had by all. The ball provides the opportunity to bring the season to a natural conclusion and allows players to repay the tolerance of their better halves for the time their sport consumes during the playing season, and it was good to see quite a range of ages attending from some of the senior club’s younger players, to those whose wish to “cut a dash” on the dance floor is about as energetic as they get!

The 2009/10 end of season edition of the newsletter is now available online on the newsletter page of the website. As has previously been reported, it had been intended that both a printed version and the online version would run alongside each other for this season. However, a number of issues have contrived to create a circumstance where this edition was delayed; as a consequence the decision was taken to produce solely the online version to prevent further delay as we run into the build up to the 2010/11 season. The most visible and immediate benefit is that this and future editions are now available in full colour.

We hope you enjoy reading it and feedback and suggestions for future content would be gratefully received.

The club’s AGM is just one week away; this is an important part of the club calendar as it is where the club's status and future is discussed and in some cases voted upon, and we need everybody involved to help Maidstone Rugby continue to grow. Whilst the Football World Cup is an obvious distraction (even though the ball’s the wrong shape!!), all club members are encouraged to attend this important meeting which sees a number of issues for the membership to discuss and be briefed upon as well as an opportunity to have your say. Your vote will only count if you are present!

With the new season still three months away the London 2 (SE) fixture list for the 1st XV has been announced by the English Clubs Championship. Following a number of level transfers at London & SE League level, this season will see a mix of old adversaries and also some new faces to The Mote, back on the fixture card are local rivals Sevenoaks, along with some familiar opposition from seasons past in the form of Aylesford, Lewes, Old Elthamians, Old Mid-Whitgiftians, Purley John Fisher and newly promoted East Grinstead & Brighton, who won the RFU’s Senior Vase at Twickenham last season.

New visitors to The Mote for league fixtures are Warlingham, Deal & Betteshanger and also Old Dunstonians.

Full details of the 1st XV other senior team’s fixture lists will be posted on the Men’s Rugby fixtures tab in due course as dates are finalised.

Note: As a consequence of relegations & promotions, the level transfer system has meant that for the 2010/11 season Old Colfeians & Sidcup will be competing in London 1 (N).

For the past few seasons we have invited supporters to sponsor 1st XV shirts and the matchball. This can be done by individuals, couples, friends or businesses. Your name doesn't actually appear on the shirt but you are listed as the sponsor of that particular shirt number on the team selection page of the matchday programme for the duration of the season. Additionally, your name is listed on the poster display of shirt sponsors in the clubhouse. There are 18 1st XV match and shirts available for the 2010/11 season.

In the case of matchball sponsorship your name appears in the matchday programme for the fixture of your choice plus also on the matchball sponsors display in the clubhouse. There are 11 opportunities for home league fixtures available plus also any home fixtures in the Kent cup and RFU Intermediate Cup.

If you or your company may be interested in taking one or more of these opportunities then please contact Bob Hayton in the first instance.

Are you intending to go to the Middlesex 7s? If you, here is an opportunity to book your tickets and also benefit the club.

Simply click on the link below to book your tickets through the club’s unique Middlesex 7s URL link. Adult tickets start at £20 with children under 15 going free (Children must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of 2 children per adult). For every adult ticket booked through the club’s URL booking facility, the club will receive £10

The 2010 competition sees another very strong line-up of teams competing in the most famous rugby charity event in the world. This season’s event sees a mix of national, GP, representative and invitational sides with the following teams already confirmed: England, Scotland, Wales, London Wasps, London Irish, Saracens, Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers, Leeds Carnegie, British Army and Samurai, with other invitational sides expected to be announced soon.

This is a great opportunity to generate revenue for the club as well as having a great time at the Middlesex 7’s which is one of the most enjoyable days in the sporting calendar in addition to being a great precursor to the 2010/11 rugby season.

https://www.middlesexrugbysevens.com/affiliate/MaidstoneFootballClu/107

The traditional Vice Presidents lunch that normally marks the end of the season was held on Sunday the 16th May at what has become its traditional venue of Bearsted Golf Club. Over 65 were in attendance for what was Trevor Langley’s last formal function as the club’s President, and it was good to see a mix of both the new and long standing Vice Presidents in attendance.

The President provided a resume of the major points of the past season, not just from a playing perspective, but also in respect of both club structure and infrastructure development.

It is intended that the next Vice Presidents lunch will be early in the 2010/11 season when we formally say welcome to the incoming President, Bob Beney.

Further details on this will be disseminated through the Member Handbook and club website.

Photos: 1. General 2. President, Trevor Langley addresses the VPs.

If you want a club blazer and missed out first time around, then now is the time to act.

Several of you have asked about getting more blazers made. Get yourself down to M&S immediately and get sized up (42R etc) and let Bob Hayton know you want one with your deposit (£50). We need close to 20 to make it a viable project.

Many other clubs have commented favorably on how good they look and the Veterans XV were voted the smartest team to have toured the Isle of Wight for as long as they could remember.

The Clarence Harding Eye Injury – Club Statement

The Police have completed a thorough investigation of the gouging claim on the Gravesend player, Clarence Harding, the outcome of which is that they believe there is insufficient evidence of a criminal act to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Maidstone Rugby Club has cooperated fully with the police, and the Rugby Football Union in the investigation into this incident in the Kent Cup game on 17th January 2010 played at Maidstone.

We have been guided by these bodies at every step and have not commented on the incident, at their suggestion and from the suggestion of our own independent advisors.

We understand that the RFU intends to conduct their own enquiry and we will continue to co-operate fully with them.

We have been presented with no evidence by any of these bodies, nor from the limited enquiries we conducted before the police became involved, to lead us to believe this was anything but a tragic accident. We will continue to subscribe to this view until evidence is presented to us to contradict this.

We recognise the enormity of the injury for Clarence, both in the short and long-term and the impact this will have on his life. We offer him our deepest sympathy.

We have always supported disciplinary action by the Kent RFU when any of our players have been found guilty of misconduct on the field and would continue to do so should evidence be found to implicate one or more of our players in this specific incident. Equally, we stand by our players in the belief that none of them contributed to this incident.