TWRUFC 1st XV 53 vs Maidstone 5

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Match Report

This was an emphatic victory for the Wanderers against Maidstone in front of a large home crowd. Although the game started with an early try for the visitors within 2 minutes of the kick off, this became their only score during the game.

A period of play in the midfield saw Thanet advance and gain a penalty deep into Maidstone’s half. This was taken quickly by Tom Walton who released Henry Mirams who levelled the score at 5 all. The conversion by Walton gave Thanet the lead 7-5. The lead was then extended by Walton with a penalty after 20 minutes. Maidstone had an opportunity to draw nearer Thanet’s score when they were awarded a penalty straight from the kick off, but the kick was unsuccessful.

 Wanderers’ second try came after a period of possession and phases resulting in Finley Hickmott scoring and the conversion by Walton took the score out to 17-5. Another converted try saw Thanet draw further ahead. This time the ball was passed across the field and Thompson shipped the ball to Ben Cannon for him to score.

Mirams was heavily involved in Thanet’s next try when once again Wanderers used the full width of the pitch for Marius Thompson to run in the fourth and bonus point try for Thanet. This gave the home side a substantial lead at 29-5 after 35 minutes. As the half came to a close Ben Cannon was shown a yellow card.

Maidstone started the second half well, but despite being a man down good defence by Thanet ensured that the visitors were unable to score. In response Gil Smith made a smart break 10 minutes into the half freeing Thompson to score his second try of the game with another conversion leaving Maidstone trailling by 36-5.

With Thanet back up to a full complement a Mirams charge down saw the home side work the ball from midfield and Cannon reacted to the ball fastest and scored his second try of the game. Walton was on target with the conversion giving Thanet a  43-5 lead.

As the game reached the hour mark Thanet moved the ball well and Tom Walton benefited from the move to score a try. Although the conversion was missed it was now 48-5 to the home side. As the game entered the last 6 minutes Thanet once again used a cross field move for Harrison Quittenden to score Wanderers eighth try of the afternoon to make the final score 53-5.

This was a well balanced performance by Thanet that saw them dominate the game. Retention of the ball and good defence when required stopped Maidstone gaining a foothold in the match. Wanderers are currently sitting second in the league table; and this result will give them confidence for their next game away to Old Alleynians 2nd XV.

Tries:

Conversions:

Penalties: None

Drop Goals: None