Maidstone 3rd XV 15
Folkstone 2nd XV 19
The Folkstone boys arrived early looking like they had lost their childminders and their teddies. Some looked like they were just out of nappies. In contrast, the Maidstone team arrived late by public transport where their bus passes came in very handy, and they were flush with cash having been down the post office on pension day.
The youngsters got off to a flying start, scoring in the first minute following some defensive errors, and it seemed that the youth, enthusiasm and no lack of pace were going to put Maidstone to the sword. However, Maidstone had other ideas and resorted to 8 man rugby, to physically dominate their opponents. A 60 metre driving maul made Folkstone appreciate that there is more than one way of playing rugby, and they concede a penalty in front of the post which Banfield duly slotted.
Maidstone dominance in the scrum was also evident and a trundling drive close to the line saw Maidstone score a pushover try and take the lead.
A further defensive error right on half time allowed Folkstone to break up the middle to score under the posts to make the half time score 12 – 8 to the youngsters and Maidstone knew that they had to starve the free running Folkstone backs and tighten up their tackling if they were to have any chance of competing in the second half.
Maidstone set out their stall in the second half by keeping the ball tight, driving the fringes and trying to bully the Folkstone youth into submission. A series of driving mauls drove them to the Folkstone line and a final push allowed Mac to ground the ball for his second try of the season to give Maidstone the lead.
Folkstone then tried to run everything and only last gasp tackling by Major, Banfield, Moore and notably Jacques on the elusive Folkstone no 15 kept the youngsters at bay. Finally, their pressure told and an overlap allowed the centre to show and go to score under the posts.
With just under 10 to go a niggly incident meant that Maidstone lost both Baxter and Plowman to the bin. However, they galvanised themselves for one last push and were camped in the Folkstone 22. A bruising driving maul saw them drive over the line and seemingly ground the ball only for the referee to deem it held up. Two 5 metre scrums then ensued, and whether it was fatigue or determination by Folkstone, Maidstone squandered both chances and Folkstone held out for the win.
With a little better decision making and fewer defensive errors it could have been a win, but congratulations to Folkstone Academy nee kindergarten on a tough hard fought win. Look forward to the return when it is pissing down and there is three inches of mud.
Nice to see John Sargeant and John Hogarth back on the field.Well done to the forwards for battling so hard. They say you cannot teach old dogs new tricks but I am sure we will master the pick and drive under the tutelage of Matt Plowman, if he is not banned!!
Man of match: Mac, again; great work horse and team player.
