13 Jan 07: 

Folkestone Fossils 0 v 43 Maidstone Veterans XV

A Hat trick for centre – Chris Lindley in the opening quarter gave Maidstone an unassailable lead in this fixture.  Playing against the slope, drizzle and a strong wind Maidstone took control of this game very early on.  From the kick off they exerted early pressure and kept the ball in hand with good support running. It was this on the shoulder support that gave Lindley the opportunity to open his account close to the posts for Keith Coomber to convert.  His second followed shortly after where with little or no room he was able to hug the left touchline to cross in the corner.  A third try shortly after really put the game beyond the Fossils.  Maidstone finally put another name on the score sheet when following some sweeping play that had twice seen the ball move width of the pitch full back Keith Coomber was able to join the line in support to cross close to the posts for a try that he also converted.

ith a half time lead of 24 points, Maidstone should have made more of the advantage of playing with the slope and the elements.  To their credit Fossils never gave up and realising that they needed to keep the ball in hand were able to mount some attacks of their own.  Maidstone’s defence held firm and when they put themselves in the opposition 22m they knew they were capable of scoring.  Lindley again crossed in a trademark run from close range, followed by Bob Hayton who was quick to pounce on Fossil’s lack of control in a defensive lineout.  Maidstone’s final score came from Richard Weston with a jinking run from just outside the Fossils 22m.  Coomber converted 2 of the 3 scores for Maidstone to run out convincing winners by 43 unanswered points.