Kent Under 16 Ten’s Tournament

Beckenham RFC – 24 September 2006

Maidstone Under 16 rugby team opened their campaign with a visit to Beckenham RFC and won The Plate Competition, led by the captain Mallett, with an emphatic win over New Ash Green by 29-12 points.

There was concern in the squad at the start of the tournament as only 13 players were available, when teams were entitled to bring 16 players.  This meant the squad would have to work hard on a very hot day.  The rugby was hard and competitive, but Maidstone did not step back throughout the tournament.  The squad beat Bromley 5-0, with a try from Dolan. A hard and physical game was played against Ashford with Maidstone taking the lead with a bulldozing try from Stark.  Ashford came back strongly and were the eventual winners by 19-5.  Blackheath were too strong for Maidstone, but the forwards held their own and also drove back the Blackheath forwards in both the loose and the set pieces. The final score was 31-0 to Blackheath.

The team finished 3rd in the group stage and were credited with a bye in the quarter final of the plate.  As the tournament unfolded Maidstone soon realised that they were to play their local rivals Aylesford in the semi final of the Plate.  Maidstone won by 12-5 with tries from Mallett and Stark. Francis converted one try.  This now set up the encounter with New Ash Green.  By now the weary legs as well as the aches and pains started to disappear as thee prospect of winning a trophy was there for the taking.  Tries were scored by Mallett, Dolan, Stark, Parbutt and Marsh, with Francis kicking two conversions.  It was a well deserved victory.

With players missing the 13 players played as a team and performed as a complete squad, with support and encouragement from everyone.  The forwards dominated all their games with some excellent lineout work from Finch, scavenging from Rookledge and various combinations from Dolan, Francis, Young and Stark totally dominant in the front row.  This is the best the backs have played for a long time.  Mallett controlled the base of the scrum with intelligent play and good ball to Kenton who played exceptionally well at fly half. Strong running from Shepherd and debutante Marsh produced some very good ball handling skills which meant Turner had plenty of opportunity to use his pace to break through the opposition’s defence.  Egginton and  Nicholson made some excellent tackles and made ground at every opportunity.

Finally thanks to Dolan (Jnr) who provided invaluable support to the coaches and the squad throughout the tournament as well as the parents who, well, where would we be without their support on the touchline. Thank you.

This is a great start to the season and will no doubt create selection problems for the coaches next week.  That is good news for the club.  Well done lads, thoroughly deserved.