Maidstone Rugby U12’s Match Report

Sponsored by Father Christmas and Frosty the Snowman

(a.k.a. Adrian and Paul)

Sunday 17th December 2006

Game 1        Tonbridge Judds 20 - Maidstone 5
Game 2        Maidstone 0 – Sevenoaks 15

A cold but bright day at Tonbridge was well attended by Players and Supporters alike. A full turn out from the boys was well received, however despite turning up Meggison did not take an active part due to forgetting his gum shield. (New Years resolution No.1  - remember all your kit!)

In addition before taking part in any games Jeffery managed to get his feet soaked, and had to borrow a pair of oversize socks in order not to go down with frostbite (New Years resolution No.2  - we’re here to play rugby not go paddling in Midwinter).

Game 1 – Tonbridge Judds 20 Maidstone 5
Maidstone took the field full of confidence with a settled pack although new positions were being tried out in the back line. Weatherburn moved up to fly, Summersett and Clark in the centres, Teague and Chilcott on the wings and Shuter at full back. Despite some good defensive work as usual from Maidstone and a good solid performance from the pack, it was Tonbridge who took early advantage to score with some penetrating back line runs and individual skill. A very dodgy try was also awarded after a period of rucking and mauling forced Maidstone back over their own line, and despite Weatherburn having his arms under the ball the referee awarded a try. A few minor changes were made at half time, and Maidstone continually battled their way through the second half, often encamped in Tonbridge’s half. A good passage of play involving the whole team, led to a passing move through the back line, setting up a ruck on the Tonbridge line. Persistent forward pressure at the ruck, allowed Jeffery to steal the ball and dive over for a typical scrum half/poachers try. Maidstone hearts were lifted momentarily before Tonbridge scored again late in the half.

This was a good performance let own perhaps by lack of passing in the back line (New Years Resolution No.3 – pass the ball!) and disarray at times in defence (New Years resolution No.4 - know where you are supposed to be and stay there!)
 
Game 2  - Maidstone 0 Sevenoaks 15
Maidstone entered this game knowing that the Sevenoaks side had just stuffed Tonbridge like a Christmas Turkey. They had a big pack and so some big asks were made of the Maidstone players. In particular the front three of Etheridge, Eastwood and Mills did a magnificent job of disrupting the scrum and making Sevenoaks look very ordinary. It was only for the referee that alleviated their embarrassment at being shoved back time and time again. The remainder of the pack including Clarke in particular disrupted the line out, dominated the rucks and mauls, tackled across the park and carried the ball well in the loose.

Again it was the failure to penetrate in the back line effectively and defensive gaps that let us down on only a couple of occasions, which led to tries being scored. Again a rather suspect refereeing decision led to Sevenoaks scoring a late try despite being bundled into touch.

Despite two defeats the Maidstone side had much to be proud of, playing aggressive rugby and taking on sides with a continued fighting spirit to the final whistle.

Clarke was awarded the Man of the Match for raising his game and doing all that was asked of him.

Ps. Thanks to the front row for “egging” me on during his minor altercation with a Sevenoaks supporter, after I pointed out to the referee that he “might like to let our Scrum half touch the ball occasionally or even let it come out of the scrum before the Sevenoaks scrum half tackled him”. The Maidstone players suggestion that I should “hit him” though was not such a good idea !! thanks anyway Guys - Paul

Pps - Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!

Team
Etheridge, Eastwood, Mills, Parrot, Oakley, Clarke, Childs, Lee-Alder, Jeffery, Summersett, Chilcott, Shuter, Clark, Teague, Meggison, Weatherburn.

Paul Jeffery
U12 Coaching staff