Maidstone 3rd XV 19
Canterbury 3rd XV 14
Never an easy place to play, and with Canterbury looking to go top of the league, a superb Maidstone performance saw them take the win and the away point. A sticky pitch suited Maidstone’s big pack and they dominated early exchanges, ably supported by some excellent handling by the backs. However, frustratingly every time they made ground an error or a penalty would nullify the good work. Eventually, persistent pressure saw a line out on the Canterbury line, which resulted in a catch and drive and Mac coming up with the score. Howson slotted to give a 7 point lead.
Canterbury did look threatening when they got the ball wide but great defence in the backs and with openside Chris Finch getting to the break down, they had few opportunities. Eventually they did manage a period of sustained pressure and their winger squeezed over in the corner. A topuchline conversion made it 7 each.
Strong runs from Arnold, Major, Baxter and Moore always kept the defence on their toes, and driving mauls from the pack were proving a successful strategy. A 5 metre scrum enabled them to bulldoze over the try line with scrum half Sean Charlton grabbing the score. The missed conversion looked like hurting Maidstone when Canterbury scored a dubious try which they did convert into a 2 point lead. This looked to be extended when their winger ran in from half way, but thinking quickly ( there is a first time for everything), Fishy tackled the referee who did not see the score and therefore could not give it. This break was a turning point, as up until then the team had become disjointed by the frustrations of the referee’s decisions. It would be hoped by now that the experience in the team could handle this perceived unfairness, but no, we bickered, moaned and bitched. Fortunately, self control returned, and the pack channelled their energies into winning more ball, once the scrums went uncontested.
With 10 minutes remaining Canterbury had a scrum on their own 5 metre line. They won the ball and fed to their 10 only for Tom Challis to charge down the kick. It spun around the in goal area and jez major dabbed it down for his easiest try ever. Howson slotted the 2 and now it was a case of controlling the ball. As always Maidstone made things difficult for themselves, and only two try saving tackles from Baxter and Moore allowed them to hold the lead. A series of 5 metre scrums threatened Maidstone, but great defence by Finch and mac particularly, kept them out. Mac made the turn over tackle which finally sealed the game and gave Maidstone a deserved win against fierce rivals.
A superb all round team performance from 1 to 16 which really makes the decision to move up to this league look a sound one. However, most of the lads are looking forward to the next Evergreen game where there are no young enthusiastic flyers to chase.
Great win boys.
