After last weeks disappointing outing against Old Dartfordian’ Vets, Maidstone Vets bounced back with a tenacious display that, on another day, would have brought greater reward.

After losing the toss, Maidstone were puzzlingly asked to swap ends by a canny Hastings skipper – a decision that was to reap rewards in the second half. Maidstone also leant two players to the Hastings side so that all 17 of their players got a full game.

From the kick off the game was keenly fought with plenty of running rugby being played. Maidstone nearly opened the scoring from a running move that began from within their own 22 and it was only tenacious defence from Hastings backs that prevented them crossing the line in the corner. Hastings had a similar break that was quashed by Hughes and Bailey at the other end and in general the tackling all game from Maidstone was of a much higher standard than the week before.

Midway through the first half Hastings opened the scoring with a converted try from a flowing backs move. However Maidstone came straight back with some consistent forwards pressure and Steve Vincent picked up from 5 yards out beating several tackles to go over. The game continued to flow with both teams having scoring opportunities up to the end of the half but the score remained 7 – 5.

Maidstone began the second half with the wind against and the low autumnal sun in their eyes, conditions that Hastings began to exploit, with some well-placed kicks. One such kick bounced awkwardly in Maidstone’ 22 and it was Sam Bailey who gathered for Hastings to go over for their second converted try, Sam being one of the leant Maidstone players (and on senior debut as well!).

Hastings continued to apply pressure and at the scrum their heavier pack began to take its toll. Midway through the half they crossed for their third converted try after a nifty break from their centres opened a hole in the Maidstone defence.

Although 22 – 5 down, Maidstone rallied for the remainder of the half and maintained constant pressure which was rewarded with a well deserved try with Glynn Richards going over after a fluent handling move involving backs and forwards. Dave Hughes converted with an excellent kick from the touchline to make the final score Hastings and Bexhill Vets 21 – 12 Maidstone Vets.

Maidstone Vets continue their away days with a visit to Ashford next week, which is always a keenly fought contest.

Team

Forwards: Schoolage, Weston, Norton, Bailey, Brooker, Newman, Vincent, Richards

Backs: Foden, Walker, King, Linley, McKeon, Tucker, Hughes

Tries:                Vincent, Richards
Conversion:       Hughe