RUGBY
GRAVESEND MAIDSTONE
Maidstone won a pulsating game against relegation rivals Gravesend to move off the bottom of London 1 South on Saturday.
The victory ended a run of seven straight defeats and was thoroughly deserved as the clubs swapped places at the foot of the table.
Just a third win of the season will give the County Town club confidence. They may have left it too late to get out of trouble but if the side can stay fit, they could take some scalps in the last seven games.
Gravesend made the sharper start and led with a converted try from their winger but Maidstone put points on the board when a poor clearance was smothered by Jack Leech, who held on to score.
That closed the gap to two points and from the next attack, Maidstone were in front.
Rory Beech’s high kick wrongfooted the Gravesend defence, leading to a converted try for hooker Max Guerro.
The next score came from a lineout on the opposition 10-metre line which was driven over for Adam Knight to get the touchdown.
Maidstone lost Ben Knight and Ed Oram to injuries and their 17-7 lead was reduced to three points by a converted score after half-time.
The visitors were quick to respond with a turnover initiated by Danny Baker earning a penalty that was kicked to the corner.
The resulting catch-and-drive was initially repelled but quick ball from the breakdown allowed Lewis Stimpson to sprint to the corner.
He was thwarted by a high tackle but a penalty try was awarded as Maidstone claimed a four-try bonus point and, with a further penalty, a 27-14 lead.
Gravesend hit back with a converted try but a longrange penalty from Beech gave Maidstone a nine-point advantage at 30-21. The lead was soon extended as quick hands led to a second try for man-of-the-match Leech, with Beech adding the extras for 37-21.
Undeterred, Gravesend’s No.9 scored in the corner after a series of pick-and-goes.
Maidstone are without a fixture this weekend and return at home to Thurrock on February 17. Maidstone: Gibbens, Guerro, Goode, A Knight, Massey, B Knight, Stimpson, Iles, Morosan, Beech, Antoniou, Oram, Webb, Pearson, Leech. Replacements: Baker, Bramwell, Perry.
Maidstone Mustangs beat Cliffe Crusaders 10-5 in a top-of-the-table Invicta League match.
Scott Clarke broke the deadlock in the right corner as leaders went ahead during the second half.
Lewis Fagg completed an excellent performance with a fine solo run from near the halfway line.
Cliffe replied from the final play of the match.