A return to league action saw Edenbridge run out 19-17 winners over Maidstone in a scrappy and poor game. Weather conditions were awful with heavy rain beginning during the warm up and continuing during the game. The wet ball though did not excuse the lack of handling skills displayed by both teams. All too often the ball was spilled in the tackle and passes were dropped by Edenbridge.

The game began with Edenbridge seemingly on top but all too soon Maidstone scored the first of their 3 unanswered first half tries. ‘Bridge were made to look clueless for most the opening 40 minutes; trying to force plays and finding themselves isolated or to spill the ball. In contrast, Maidstone played good, simple rugby and reaped the rewards.

17-0 down at half time ‘Bridge began the second half the only way they good; solid ruck ball from the restart to allow the ball to go out wide and use Norris’ pace to carve their way up the pitch for Edmonds to score and Gary Stevens to add the conversion.

From that score ‘Bridge didn’t look back and continued in a similar vein. The second try came through a good break up the right hand side of the pitch through Weaver who off-loaded from the tackle to Mitchell to fall over the line with the ball. Again Stevens added two more to the tally. 14-17 down.

With 10 minutes to go, ‘Bridge found themselves with a penalty on the Maidstone 10 metre line. After consultation it was decided to go for the lineout where they had dominated all match. Though not immediate it did lead to a try for Norris with another offload out of the tackle on the try line.

19-17 up, ‘Bridge now looked to eat down the time, kicking Maidstone back into their half. The final whistle came with Maidstone not having troubled the Edenbridge line for the second 40. Man of the match was awarded to Weaver.

Edenbridge

Scorers:

Tries: Edmonds, Mitchell, Norris

Cons: Stevens, G (2)

Pens:

Team:

15. Perry, S; 14. Snelling, J; 13. Norris, C; 12. Stevens, G; 11. Allwood, D (rep. Caskey, R); 10. Edmonds, J; 9. MacGrath, B; 1. Stevens, B; 2. Mitchell, D (capt.); 3. Battle, G; 4. Barnes, T; 5. Jageurs, C; 6. Batchelor, S (rep. Moody, T); 7. Weaver, B; 8. Smith, T