Weekly Roundup 2nd Jan 2010

 

RESULTS

Team	Opposition	H/A		Competition
1st	T Wells	A	Lost 29-10	London 1 South
2nd (Mustangs)	Sevenoaks II	H	Lost 6-33	Invicta Cup
3rd	No Fixture
4th	Weavering	A	Drew 20-20	Mid Kent A
5th	No Fixture
Vets	Gravesend Swans	A	Lost 19-5	Friendly

A frustrating week-end in some respects, although getting 3 postponed fixtures played was probably the most important acheivement, as a fixture back-log is bad news all round and there could be plenty more bad weather before the season is out. In that respect, It was a great shame that the Kent Cup Match vs Gravesend could not be played today despite our best endeavours, as both clubs were "up for it" and both clubs were keen to get the game off their fixture list. Unfortunately, conditions actually deteriorated as the day progressed although a period of sunshine gave cause to hope that the thaw would be sufficient to allow play. In the end, it was the snow laying on the pitches that really did for us.

Three illness/injury drop-outs yesterday morning disrupted the First Team's rhythym for the important fixture vs Tunbridge Wells and despite generating numerous scoring opportunities, Maidstone were unable to take advantage of theirs whilst Wells put their opportunities away when it mattered. Outstanding performance from Matt Iles at number 8, including Maidstone's only try, was cause for encouragement, and Sam Bailey certainly enjoyed himself playing at blind-side flanker after Nick Sargent sustained a rib injury.

A combination of 3rd team and Mustangs regulars took on Sevenoaks II in the Invicta Cup but despite giving a good account of themselves,they found that a much younger Sevenoaks were just too pacy and inventive to be subdued.  In an unusual incident, the Sevenoaks team were bemused on one occasion to find themselves being marched back 10 yards at a penalty owing to dissent coming from one of the Sevenoaks supporters on the touch-line but it was a good point well made by the referee.  The perpetrator of the offence was one of Sevenoak's most respected elder statesmen, who  immediately saw the funny side and then graciously apologised to the ref in the bar afterwards, much to the amusement of his comrades. 

The 4th team was once again a mix and match side for the game vs Weavering, a fixture which has been responsible for lots of one way traffic in recent years. Not so this year, when Maidstone took the game to Weavering and were leading 17-3 at half time thanks to tries from Andy West, Dai Price and David Ruaux - only to take the foot off the gas in the 2nd half and submit to a somewhat disappointing draw in this neighbourly fixture. (photos on Gallery, courtesy of Bob Hayton)  Of course, if our rather rotund goal-kicker had not missed 2 conversions from in front of the posts, it would have been a very different outcome, but he redeemed himself by completing a 10k sponsored charity run in Regents Park the next day, so its lucky he was being sponsored per kilometre run rather than per tries converted.

The vets had no fixture on the card but raised a team to play Gravesend 5ths, where a game of rugby was in such demand that Gravesnd had around 30 players lined up. When Will Arnold went off injured, Gravesend lent one of their multitude to Maidstone, only to see him sustain a double fracture of his leg for his trouble. What a way to start his new year.  Commiserations to the player in question and thanks to Gravesend for a gritty but good-natured fixture, in which Maidstone's only try came from music connoiseur of impeccable good taste, Bobby Keynes. Good to see Paul Kelly back in action for the first time, following a punch that broke his eye-socket 6 or 8 weeks ago at Ashford.

Court and Social  

Thanks to all who turned up at the club on 19th December to take part in the Christmas festivities, despite the cancellation of all the fixtures. As usual, it was a very sociable occasion and a good atmosphere, despite the inevitably lower numbers than for a match day. Thanks also for the various compliments that came the way of the band - and yes, there will be some AC-DC in the repertoire for next time but mercifully, no Slade.

The heating will be full on for the next social occasion, which is the Club Quiz Challenge on saturday 23rd Jan. Each of the 6 senior teams in the club will be entering at least one table of 8 to challenge for the coveted accolade of brainiest team, and it is hoped that some of the junior parents will also get tables together to take on the seniors. See flyer   Wives and Girlfriends are of course extremely welcome to take part,( unless anyone is dating Gail Trimble)

And lastly in a sensational announcement on Facebook, Martin Maytum has set myriad hearts a-fluttering by declaring that he thinks he will get married this year, although there are no obvious candidates capable of fettering such a free spirit. Carol McKenzie from amongst our lovely bar-staff, was quick to throw her hat into the ring but has already had second thoughts, so a more serious contender will be needed if this great bastion of bachelor-hood is to fall at last.  Personally, I dont think he could do much better than the gorgeous Polish Tour Guide he befriended on the Vets tour of Warsaw a couple of years ago, so you've got some serious competition girls.

RE

Team	Opposition	H/A		Competition
1st	Sidcup	H	Sat 2:15	London 1 South
2nd (Mustangs)	Gravesend II	H	Sat 2:15	Invicta League
3rd	Folkestone II	A	Sat 2:15	Invicta II
4th	Lordswood II	H	Sat 2:15	Mid Kent A
5th	Lordswood III	A	Sat 2:15	Mid Kent C
Vets	Footscray III	H	Sat 2:15	Friendly

 

Click on a link below for previous weekly round ups

12th December

5th December

28th November

21st November

14th November

November 7th

October 31st

October 24th

October 17th

October 10th

October 3rd

September 26th

September 19th

September 12th

September 5th