All-round display has the crowd purring
MAIDSTONE CS RUGBY
A sparkling display saw Maidstone beat second-placed CS Rugby last Saturday. The game was won by the pack, led by man-of-the-match Matt Iles but the growing teamwork of the whole side shone. The visitors arrived at The Mote with six wins out of seven in London 1 South but Maidstone’s brand of rugby had the crowd purring and they will soon be rising from eighth place if they maintain these levels. Maidstone started at a high tempo and led on the quarter-hour, a move to the left taking play deep into the 22 before the pack took over, Nathan Simpson with the touchdown. CS Rugby won back possession and slick handling released full-back Houston to score, Hodgson adding the extras for 7-5. With the visitors increasingly dominant, Maidstone had to show their defensive qualities with their try-line under attack for 10 minutes. Having weathered the storm, Craig Webb’s pushover try and Brendan Trudgen’s conversion gave the hosts a 12-7 lead at half-time. Maidstone held the visitors at bay at the start of the second half before regaining control. A penalty was punted to touch, deep in the CS Rugby 22, to set up a catch-anddrive attempt on the line. It was held up but a series of individual drives paid off with replacement prop Jack O’Connell getting the touchdown and Trudgen converting for 19-7. Maidstone continued to grow in authority, gaining field position through the boot of Trudgen and the combination of backs and forwards. CS Rugby started to take more risks and paid the price when Matt Moore intercepted and went through for a try. Trudgen converted for 26-7. With Maidstone’s pack commanding in the tight exchanges, CS Rugby looked to their backline to get back in the game. They moved the ball wide at speed and eventually a poor chip kick by Maidstone gave them the chance to score a late try. Maidstone visit mid-table rivals Cobham tomorrow (Saturday). Maidstone: Williams, Pankhurst, Simpson, A Knight, Massey, B Knight, Stimson, Iles, Morosan, Trudgen, Clarke, Webb, Cooke, Moore, Beech. Replacements: Lamb, O’Connell, Manu.