Maidstone Evergreens 17
Charlton Park Evergreens 7
In a re match from last season, a very similar game saw a similar result, with Maidstone very much knowing they had been in a game. Conditions were not good and the game had to be played in Mote Park owing to the club pitches being water logged. The wind was strong and both teams knew that they had to take advantage of this to be successful.
Maidstone started with the wind, but committed defence from Park left them continually frustrated, and in fact it was Park who threatened to score first from counter attacks. However, Maidstone pressure did tell and Steve Matthews picked up a dropped ball and sauntered over from 15m to open the score. Mike Laurenson converted to give Maidstone a 7 point lead. Shortly after, Laurenson bulldozed over for a try under the posts, but inexplicably missed the conversion. Despite pressurising the Charlton Park 22 Maidstone could not add to their score and turned round only 12 points up facing a potentially torrid second half into the wind.
Despite the elements Maidstone won ball from the kick off and a flowing move of passes, dummys and support play almost resulted in a score. Park scrambled in defence, turned the ball over and broke out, giving their winger a one on one opportunity against Darren Banfield at full back. Normally known for his attacking qualities, Darren rose to the challenge and made the tackle that kept Park out.
Park did get on the score board when their flanker charged down a clearance over the try line and then secured the touch down. The conversion made it a five point gap with plenty of time on the clock.
Park kept up the pressure through good kicking, keeping Maidstone penned in their 22, but stout defence and good set piece ball kept them at bay. With 5 minutes remaining Maidstone forced a line out near the Park goal line. Good ball to the backs saw Banfield crash up the middle, committing up 2 defenders. He had the awareness to off load to John Hogarth on the loop, who scuttled over to secure the win. Laurenson slotted the conversion to see Maidstone progress to the semi final stage.
A tough match, and many thanks to Charlton Park for coming down in such poor conditions and playing in a really positive spirit.
