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Maidstone Rugby Club off the mark with victory over Southwark Lancers

05:00, 06 October 2022

Maidstone have their first win of the season in Kent 2 after beating Southwark Lancers 28-12 at The Mote on Saturday.

Man-of-the-match Mikey Grice scored twice in an outstanding performance at No.9.

Action from Maidstone's victory over Southwark Lancers Picture: Phil Hadfield
Action from Maidstone's victory over Southwark Lancers Picture: Phil Hadfield

Grice played a little chip through the defensive line and caught the ball under the posts for one try, and his other effort came after grabbing the ball round the edge of the breakdown.

Josh Hoare and Josh Wilton completed Maidstone’s try count, while Wilton made all four conversions.

“We were very pleased,” said director of rugby Steve Oram.

“We had a very young side out, particularly in the pack.

“We got off to a flying start, we were 14-0 up after 15 minutes.

“Obviously, people say we could have pressed on and maybe got into the 40s but we’re still a young side learning our craft.

“We went three tries up and took our foot off the gas a little.

Maidstone are off the mark in Kent 2 after beating Southwark Lancers Picture: Charlie Williams
Maidstone are off the mark in Kent 2 after beating Southwark Lancers Picture: Charlie Williams

“To be fair to Southwark, they changed their game plan after half-time and got back into it but, overall, we’re really pleased with the win and it’s a good confidence-booster.”

Maidstone face a big challenge when they visit Canterbury 2nds this Saturday.

Injuries and unavailability for the rearranged fixture have severely hit selection.

Oram wasn’t in favour of higher-level clubs’ 2nd XVs joining the league but Maidstone can only do their best.

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t keen for second teams to come into the league but they’re in now and we’ll get on with it,” he said.

“Looking at the results so far, it’s quite obvious they’re going to be a problem for us ordinary - if I can use that term - clubs in the league.

“We’ll go there and do our best but we’re missing 14 players.

Man-of-the-match Mikey Grice goes through for one of his two tries Picture: Phil Hadfield
Man-of-the-match Mikey Grice goes through for one of his two tries Picture: Phil Hadfield

“We’ve got a number missing where it’s a rearranged game and seven or eight injuries.

“It’s going to be tough but we’ll take it as a learning curve.

“I think we have the pack to be competitive but we are very youthful in the backline this weekend and that could be the difference between the two sides.”

Canterbury 1sts are without a game but Oram can’t see an influx of players into the 2nds.

He said: “Why would you want to risk your 1st XV tighthead in a game against Maidstone when he might get injured and be out for three or four weeks?

“Having coached at Canterbury, I know the guys there and I can’t see them putting a load of first-teamers in there.

“If they did, you’d have to pick me up off the floor.”

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