MAIDSTONE DEVELOPMENT FESTIVAL

MAIDSTONE ‘DEVELOPMENT’ FESTIVAL

This was a chance for our new signings and boys finding their feet in rugby to get some competitive rugby. To see so many lads make a contribution was great and to come away unbeaten over the day shows that our squad is getting stronger. By next year we want to be in a position where a number of the players are interchangeable and this is starting to look a possibility.

GAME 1 – Cranbrook – Drew 2-2. Cranbrook fielded a mixed side against what was very much a Sidcup B team. At times all the players were in the ruck / maul and at other times they were all in the backs but that was to be expected. What wasn’t expected was the way Josh Spunner tackled his big opposite winger every time he ran at him or the way Bruno ran like a tank or the try scored by our new mystery centre who has apparently played in the pack before! A blindside sneak meant that Sidcup came away with a deserved draw.

GAME 2 – Aylesford – Drew 1-1. Having dominated the first half Sidcup hung on for a draw and it was pleasing to see Charlie and Alex getting their second game and Jess scoring his first try. He caught the ball at a lineout and drove over and I can see him scoring a lot more of these over the next few years!

FINAL – Maidstone – Drew 1-1. This was a tougher game against the Maidstone A team and the team selected dominated throughout in the scrums and with better decisions from everyone and a bit more fitness from the forwards we should have won. The weather was wet and windy so it was good to see that we are developing a pack that will be a match for anyone as our backs (when they pass!) have always had the ability to be one of the best lines around.

The key to this season is building towards full size pitches next season and what I would call proper rugby. To this end we need to build a SQUAD of players as we will be up to 15 a side and to this end going on tour is a great way of building team spirit. I would urge any new players or those who haven’t committed yet to make every effort to attend.

Please make every effort to attend on Wednesday and Sunday.