Maidstone 3rd XV 14 Sidcup 3rd XV 20
Following their mauling from Beckenham, Maidstone were hoping for a game against a genuine 3rd team, though they themselves had to draft in 4 players from the 4ths. As it turned out Sidcup were as listed and the boys from the 4th team stepped up to make this a tightrope game for the full 80 minutes.
An early try under the posts created by Sidcup’s quick backline, brought back reminders of the previous week, but Maidstone responded well, with some good driving play, re cycling the ball and giving their own talented backs a go at Sidcup. However, despite good pressure, Maidstone could not break through a solid Sidcup defence.
Loose ball from a ruck allowed Sidcup to move the ball wide and saw their winger touch down in the corner for a 12 nil lead which did not really reflect the play. Maidstone hit back and were awarded a couple of penalties at the ruck, and the big boot of Banfield slotted one to claw back the score. From a line out stolen by new boy Mark Wilding, the tapped ball went straight to hooker, Mike Hill, who set off on one of his trade mark gallops, knocking over defenders and shrugging off tackles. He was brought down close to the try line but the Bok, Jacques, picked up and tried to force himself over. Just when it looked like he would be held up, fly half John Hogarth drove in to force him over the line and secure the try. 12-8 and Maidstone now had their tails up and believed that they could win the game. A late Sidcup penalty for off side gave them a 7 point lead on the half.
The second half saw Maidstone using their backline and Chris Leggat, James Sullivan and Eugene Moore frequently posed the Sidcup defence problems, threatening to break through and score. The pack were working hard to make the breakdown and re cycle – a real team effort. Pressure from a driving maul took Maidstone to within 5m and a resultant scrum saw them break off and drive over the line only to be held up. The pressure did tell and Banfield slotted 2 penalties to make it a one point game.
Sidcup roused themselves and regularly looked threatening but Maidstone held firm. Hogarth stripped a ball 3m out to clear, and then put in a fifty yard kick which bounced into touch to relieve pressure. With 5 minutes to go Sicup did break through. A series of attacks saw Maidstone stretched and they went over in the corner. With the conversion missed there was still time for one last effort. Maidstone managed to regain the ball from kick off. They moved it wide and winger Stuart Bates scythed inside the Sidcup defence. With the line begging he some how lost control of the ball and the chance was gone.
An enjoyable , hard fought match, where both teams played with commitment, skill, enthusiasm and to the spirit of the game. Credit to the referee as well for his control and for allowing the game to flow.
Maidstone’s new boys West, Hogg, Wilder, Smissen and Lobos made great contributions in the tight and in open play, showing that they have the ability to perform at this level, and I am sure we will see a lot more of them. Thanks to Dom Baxter for stepping up to scrum half, and doing a great job in borrowed size 10 boots. Also, to James Sullivan, who offered to come away and play despite being on the bench for the 2nd team.
Man of the match was difficult. Banfield had some storming runs from full back. Hogarth was his usual sublime self at fly half (not sure what sublime means but I am sure it applies to Hogy). Mike Hill gets my vote for his all round performance, particularly his contribution around the park-well played Michael.
