Despite the sun in their faces and against the ever present Sheppey wind, Maidstone started the stronger of the two sides and applied much of the first half pressure.  With the forwards winning good quality ball they were able to release their backline on several occasions but were guilty of delaying the movement of the ball to take advantage several overlap opportunities.  Sheppey were always a threat and their support play within the forwards was extremely good and their defence sound and it wasn't until well into the second quarter of the game after a concerted period of pressure that Maidstone opened their account.   after a sustained period in the Sheppey 22m they were able to finally move the ball quickly for winger Richard Weston to touchdown in the left hand corner.  Maidstone continued to apply pressure until the interval but with only a 5-point advantage for their efforts.

 

The second half saw Maidstone playing with the elements but against the slope, but they made a formidable start and following some quickly recycled ball, Chris Lindley was able to break several tackles to cross Sheppeys line close to the post for Keith Coomber to convert.  The remainder of the match was far more evenly balanced with Sheppey exerting pressure of their own, although without really threatening Maidstone's line.  Sheppey finally got on the scoreboard when some lapse defense allowed them to break from midfield, with their support runners quicker to the breakdown than the Maidstone defence they were able to recycle the ball to touchdown in the right hand corner with the final play of the match.

 

Maidstone will be happy with a sound performance although they will probably be kicking themselves that the winning margin wasn't more comfortable through some wasted opportunities.