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The MaidstoneRugby Newsletter - End of Season 2011-12 Chairman’s End of Season Report

In my last report I said I believed that this Whole Club Seal of Approval note anyone who does not set-up payment, season would be a renaissance period for or has not paid by the date specified, will Off the field, we are only the 8th club in the club following some particularly hard be excluded from selection and/or will the South East to have achieved the highly times both on and off the field. In many ways not be able to access the facilities and prestigious ‘Whole Club Seal of Approval’ this prediction has come true. Any club’s services that membership provides. award. This accolade recognises the club’s success has to be built on a solid foundation effort and commitment to provide all of commitment, self-belief and hard work. members with a safe, well organised and Community Contact Coupling this with the continued dedication enjoyable environment in which to learn and and efforts of club officers, coaches, support We also continue to develop our play rugby. In achieving this, I would formally staff and volunteers puts us in a strong community links with a number of school like to thank Wendy Pound, whose hard work position to achieve even more next season. Outreach Coaching Initiatives and have and dedication were significant factors. now formalised links with the New Line Resurgence Learning Academy to provide coaching DD Day looms support and to develop an ‘academy’ From a playing perspective, we have won At the end of last season, we also introduced to feed players into the senior club. more rugby games at 1st XV level than a Direct Debit System (Capital First) to enable We now hope to replicate this model for some considerable time. We finished us to streamline our payment procedure and with other schools to help provide a a credible 4th in our league (rueing what make it more effective. Subscriptions are our sustainable pipeline of future players. might have been had we won our first three financial life-blood, and cover a multitude games) and narrowly lost a national Senior of costs to provide the environment we Vase semi-final to the eventual winners.A Youth Rugby have all come to expect. This includes good deal of the credit for this resurgence is facilities, training, ground maintenance, and We have recently appointed Ian Wilkinson due to Director of Rugby and Head Coach, physiotherapy support to name but a few. as the new Chair and he has already made Andy Foley. Andy has worked tirelessly Our old Standing Order system made it very an impact as he builds on the work of former to recruit new players, develop ‘up and difficult to track and monitor payments and Chair Sean McGuire. I would also like thank coming’ young players, whilst recognising we estimate that (for whatever reason) we the efforts of Des Diamond, Club Coaching that there is ‘no substitute for experience’ have lost up to a third of our income by the Co-ordinator and wish him well in his new by utilising the skills of older players, who still non-payment of subscriptions. This equates role as President of Blackheath. Also, special have the ability to play at this level. The result to thousands of pounds; particularly galling thanks to Charlotte Walker, our tireless is that the 1st XV are once again a force to when, for a good deal of the time, running Welfare Safeguarding Officer for making sure be reckoned with while the Mustangs and the Club is a hand to mouth existence. Some that all our coaches are registered. Thanks 3rd XV are creating the right environment to of you have already transferred to the new also go to our army of dedicated youth develop players for 1st XV rugby. In addition, system and we expect that by the beginning coaches, who turn up each week, come we remain one of a very small number of of the season, all (both playing and non- rain or shine, to pass on their knowledge and clubs who regularly field five sides and our playing, who have a bank account) will wisdom to their charges. In particular, special Veterans side remain the back-bone of the have done so. Full details will be provided mention goes to Alan Crosbie outgoing club in terms of their patronage and unerring shortly regarding when and how this will be Junior Fixtures Secretary and ofttimes ‘de passion for the game, an example to us all. facilitated – so watch this space. Please facto’ Chair for his stalwart contribution. Chairman’s End of Season Report

[ [ Suffice to say thatthe youth section contribution. Bob Beney, our President has So onwards and upwards and are the future of the club and nothing also put in a huge amount of time and effort here’s to continued success in gives me greater pleasure on a Sunday ‘behind the scenes’ as well as being the the forthcoming season. morning than seeing a sea of youngsters club schmoozer, raconteur and figurehead. playing the game that we all love. Lastly, I would like to say a huge thank you I am also eternally grateful to our army of for the continued support of the officers, our Committee Matters volunteers, who do so much of the often sponsors, spectators and players who, as a unseen work that keeps the club running whole, make Rugby Club such a The club committee continues to grow so efficiently. This includes those that special place to play or be involved with. and we have now welcomed Ben Court give their time free to help improve the as Treasurer, who takes over from Dave physical infrastructure of the club, those And just to concentrate all our thoughts in Coleman. Duncan McClintock and Mike who sell programmes, run raffles, provide readiness for next season, I will leave you Laurenson, take up respective roles as catering and keep the score board ticking with the following quote to ponder: AG joint online and membership secretaries to over on match days – you know who replace the hitherto role of Alan Hayward. “If everyone is moving forward together, then you are, so take a well-deserved bow. success takes care of itself.” (Henry Ford)

Shaun Neaves As new blood comes in, we also say goodbye (but hopefully not farewell) to the old as the end of this season marks the departure of Shaun Neaves, who has taken up a 1st XV Coaching position at near neighbours, Aylesford.

They complement the excellent work Many of you will know Shaun but you may carried out by existing officers. In particular, not be aware that he has been involved I would like to thank my Deputy Chair, Bob with the club as player, administrator and Hayton for his relentless work in gaining coach for over 30 years. He is a larger much needed sponsorship (amongst a than life character in the true sense of huge amount of other things) to enable a the word and whilst he will be missed, we club of our size to continue to develop and wish him every success in his new role. provide the things that many of us take for granted. I was also particularly pleased to On behalf of the club would I like see Carol McKenzie get the recognition to thank him sincerely for all his she deserves when she won the Bernard dedicated years of service. Hinks award for most significant non-playing The President’s Page

I can echo everything our Chairman Andy the former scheduled to be completed Golding has said. He sums up the season so in the coming months. Just have a look well. It is a pleasure and honour to be part of next time you are in, You will be pleasantly Maidstone. Of course, what he omitted to surprised. Improvements to the building say, and I have great pleasure in doing so, is will continue during the coming months. that so many of these achievements would not have been possible without his personal Serves You Right... input. He has organised and run the club so I particularly want to mention Carol and well, introduced new faces and, with Wendy Marilyn for their sterling efforts in keeping Pound, achieved the Whole Club Seal of everyone fed and watered, often in Approval to mention but a few successes. difficult and testing circumstances. They do a wonderful job and we are very Working Together grateful. Just thank them when you can. I am very happy to report our continued The old stand showing the ravages of time and mindless vandalism. ‘working together’ with Mote Cricket Club. Another Lick of Paint... Our members have so much in common, especially the desire to see our facilities Outside, you will probably have seen by now improve to back up the wonderful playing that the ‘old stand’ has disappeared. I am surfaces we both possess. New, improved looking into obtaining a new one and would facilities will happen eventually but it will dearly like to get it in for the forthcoming take time and, meanwhile, the ‘show’ season. This would enhance the whole must go on. More about that elsewhere. playing area as well as giving much needed shelter for spectators as well as our young ones on Sundays during inclement weather. A Lick of Paint and... I have several possible funding sources We now have a newly painted clubhouse. but nothing is guaranteed. The cost of a It started with Francis Talbot decorating portable stand is in region of £10,000 plus. the kitchen hatch and then both toilets, Alf Johnson amazing what a lick of paint can do. In the meantime, I have decided to repaint Lastly, I must mention my old friend Following this has been the far larger task the existing posts, using some of the former Alfie Johnson who passed away at of the main club room and annex, made donations originally set aside for new ones, end of May. Alf was larger than life, possible by Mote CC President, Micky Back, with the balance going towards the new you always knew he was around as and Julian Debnam in particular. New stand. This will be made possible with the not only could you hear him but he lighting has been added by Luke Day and kind help of Tony and Jake Butcher from was always doing things for the club. Julian has also ‘created’ an extra changing Glosrose whose ‘cherry picker’ will facilitate He was a worker and club man to the room on the balcony. We are indebted the high level painting. Any further donations core, he loved Maidstone man and to him for that. Other improvements have for this project will be gratefully received. boy. He will be very sadly missed. BB been made to the bar and cellar with Ups & Downs Bob Hayton’s Annual Report on What happened where in Rugby

There was a lot of rugby played elsewhere very competitive tussle for the promotion whose challenge faded after the mid season in Kent and, fortunately, this time, unlike the playoff position with Ampthill. A late charge point. Basingstoke also challenged but it previous season, we did not see the 2011- into contention in the second half of the was two newly promoted sides who finally 2012 season winding up with a lot of fixtures season by Bishops Stortford coincided with competed for the title. Channel Islanders compressed into the final weeks due to early season favourites Dorking falling off the Guernsey proved difficult to beat, especially an extended period of winter weather. pace. In the end the drama went down to at home. Elthamians were always in the mix the last day of the regular league campaign and a mid March victory over Chichester In National 1, Blackheath finished just off in what became a straight fight between won them the advantage. Of the remaining the pace of the promotion battle but, after TJs and Ampthill at The Slade. The final day county sides, finished in mid- a club record-breaking run of consecutive fixture between the two ended in an 8-8 table after an inconsistent season. also wins, finished a creditable third. It says a lot draw giving TJs the playoff spot against were not able to continue the momentum about the competitive nature of this division Nat 3(SW) runners up Chinnor on points of previous campaigns and at times flirted that in terms of losses suffered by the side, difference. finished in lower mid with the relegation zone. Thanet have most were by less than a single score. table following an inconsistent season that hovered close to relegation for a couple of National 2 (S) saw the county’s sole was disrupted very early on with a long injury seasons, but this time around were unable representative, Westcombe Park, have a list that tested the depth of their squad. to pull themselves clear of danger and torrid season and early losses compounded drop down a division along with bottom Kent’s interest in 1 was divided clubs Sutton & Epsom and Portsmouth. by points deduction saw them installed between both the north and south as the relegation favourites very early on. divisions. Following the quirks of promotion In London 2 (SE) ’s G-Force Having avoided relegation in a last day and relegation a couple of seasons ago, were the runaway champions, with the shoot-out with last season, when Sidcup and O Colfeians were level play-off position hotly contested between and despite a spirited fight in the closing transferred to London 2 (North), similar three of the county’s clubs. Newly stages of the season, there was no twists at the end of last season allowed promoted Charlton Park were in the hunt avoiding the drop this time around. Sidcup to return and compete in 2 (South). for the majority of the season along with In National 3(SE), after the bitter pill of last Colfes continued to compete in the division Aylesford and O Dunstonians. The matter day relegation last time around, Canterbury north of the Thames but finished fifth from wasn’t decided until close to the end of hit the ground running and had pretty bottom which was a disappointing outcome the season and a good run by Brighton in much guaranteed their promotion by the given their pre-season target of a top the closing quarter of the season added half way stage, having opened a 15-point four spot. They never really showed the to the contest. In the end the battle went margin in a long unbeaten run. This was consistency to challenge for promotion. right up to the final weekend with Charlton to last until mid-march when they were Park taking second place from Aylesford on In London 1 (S) the pace-setters were points difference and by just two points; slim defeated by promotion chasing Ampthill side Chichester, who were always there or at Merton Lane. Newly promoted TJ’s also margins! In the playoff against London 2(SW) thereabouts, although critical losses in March club Wimbledon the Kent side just fell short, had a good season and were hot on the against other contenders saw them just city club’s heels until just after the mid going down 18-6 to the SW London side, who miss out on promotion. Amongst the early return to London 1 at the first attempt.[ season point and, whilst hopes of winning contenders for the play-off spot were Sidcup, the division faded, they were involved in a Ups & Downs

[ had a poor season by their kicked on to finish fifth. Sheppey and Park Having mentioned earlier, those standards and languished in lower mid House started the season well but tailed off who look slightly further than just county table but just looked to be doing enough significantly in the second half and along rugby will have noticed that there are a to keep clear of the relegation zone. At with Sussex side found themselves number of 2nd XVs (and in some cases 3rd the foot of the table OMW struggled all flirting with the drop zone; with XVs) competing in that division. They do season and drop down a division along withdrawing from the league in mid-march, soon an ‘honours only’ basis and promotion with Tunbridge Wells who were relegated it was another Sussex side in who is only available to club 1st XV sides. On last season and look to be in free-fall as took relegation to the county leagues. that basis Pulborough take the automatic they now drop another division. Deal & promotion place. The battle for the playoff Betteshanger looked like a side struggling all ‘Always the bridesmaid but never the bride’; position against Vigo was contested season, but a rally in the last few matches well not this season, as Anchorians finally between Seaford and , with the saved their season and they remain in the found the consistency that has eluded them latter taking the place despite suffering division for another campaign next year. over the previous few seasons and secured a points deduction early in the season. promotion and the title with a couple The battle at the top of London 3(SE) was of weeks to spare. Vigo and Dartfordians From the outset there were really only always tight but Crowborough who had lost were the main challengers with Vigo, despite two sides in the battle for the title, out on the last day of last season looked the a mid season wobble going through to the although Brockleians were always on the title favourites from early in the campaign. play-off against Sussex club Burgess Hill. fringes. The main players though, were Folkestone were hot on their heels in the Dartfordians finished third followed by newly Kings College Hospital and Southwark first half of the season, but as has been promoted Shooters Hill who were always Lancers, both of whom had challenged the case in previous campaigns, it was on the fringe of the promotion race. Last last year. KCH took the title with the their inconsistent form in the second half season’s Kent 2 champions Guys Hospital Lancers close on their heels. In mid table, of the season that let them down. Having withdrew in the last quarter of the season Askeans had their best season for quite finished fourth last time round Medway and, with NAG, will feature next season some time, whilst at the foot of the division appear to have built on that foundation in Kent 2, although with & Bexhill Erith’s withdrawal left Bexley propping and were the other side in the mix; from creating a 13th club in the division, and up the rest of the county’s senior sides. the point where they beat Crowborough the withdrawal of Kent 2 club Erith from at home they kicked on to take the the leagues, exactly what is happening In the RFU knockout competitions not all the second spot and promotion to London 2. in terms of relegation to, and promotion Kent sides seem to enter these days. Of the entries in the Intermediate Cup, Aylesford Maidstone were the next of the county’s from Kent 2 was still unclear as the season and Charlton Pk both got beyond Round 2. clubs and will be regretting an indifferent finished. However; with next season’s Aylesford and Charlton had tough draws in start to the season, but ended up still fixture programme already published it is the third round, with Aylesford up against involved in three competitions in the apparent that Kent 1 will contain only 10 Romford & Gidea Park from Ldn 2(NE) and closing months of the season. Bromley clubs next season, largely due to no Kent who they had beaten last year on the way always hovered in mid table whilst Ashford sides being relegated from the London to Twickenham. Disappointingly, Deal & were always competitive but struggled to and SE divisions. Kent 2 will also consist of 10 Betteshanger, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge get out of the lower half of the table until clubs with Ash and Valley joining Wells conceded their first fixtures.[ just past the season mid-point and then the county leagues for next season. Ups & Downs

[ Aylesford again dug deep to disappoint In the Plate competition, Medway and TJs Maidstone are destined not to take the their Essex rivals but fell at the next hurdle to won through to the final. Playing with the trophy. Yet again we fell just short, going fellow Ldn 2(SE) side East Grinstead, who had wind Medway lead 8-3 at the interval but down to an S&E Dodos side that has won put Charlton Park out in the previous round. a strong second half performance with the the title five times in recent years.BH elements saw TJs score two converted tries In the Senior Vase the Kent hopes were and three penalties to take the trophy 18- carried by Folkestone and Maidstone, with 26 despite a late rally by the host club. London & SE Promotion & Relegation Summary the only competition coming from Ldn 3 (NE). Unluckily both county sides were drawn The Vase competition saw Anchorians cap National 2 (S) Promoted: Old Albanians & Richmond(PO) against each other in the regional semi- a fine season as they registered a third win Relegated: Westcombe Pk, Hertford and Barnes final with MFC going on to face Newmarket of this year’s campaign over Dartfordians to National 3 (SE) who had defeated Norwich for a place take the trophy 20-9 to accompany the Promoted: Canterbury in the National Semi-Finals. Following two Kent 1 title they secured a month earlier. Relegated: Luton, Havant and Bracknell 50-point hauls in the previous rounds, the London 1 (N) regional final was a tight affair but Maidstone The final of the Salver competition Promoted: Thurrock always looked to have enough control to demonstrated the difference between Kent Relegated: Braintree, Hammersmith & Fulham, see the game out and moved on to host divisions 1 & 2 and it showed as a Cranbrook North Walsham Somerset club Wells in the national semi-final. side despite an indifferent season ran riot London 1 (S) Unfortunately a couple of key unavailabilities against Brockleians who had performed well Promoted: Guernsey and (PO) Relegated: Sutton & Epsom, and left us just a bit short and we lost out 8-14. in Kent 2 this season. Playing some expansive rugby in poor conditions, the Wealden side Portsmouth In the RFU Junior Vase, almost all of the took the trophy with 56 points for 10 against. London 2 (SE) Promoted: East Grinstead county’s sides fell, or withdrew at the first Relegated: Old Mid-Whitgiftians and Tunbridge Wells hurdle, with only Brockleians advancing but In the regional Evergreen Cup, the closing London 2 (SW) eventually falling to Chipstead in Round 3. stages saw familiar faces in the line up, as Sutton & Epsom again made the final Promoted: Gosport & Fareham and Wimbledon (PO) Relegated: Bognor and Twickenham In the county competitions some different from the western half of the draw. In the London 3 (SE) clubs appeared in the finals. The eastern region Maidstone came up against Promoted: Crowborough, Medway competition was not as predictable as in Blackheath in what was a repeat of the Relegated: Crawley, Eastbourne the past; this year it was Canterbury’s turn as previous season’s final, only to fall short London 3 (SW) they completed a league and cup double, again. Strangely, however, Blackheath Promoted: Old Alleynians, Sandown & Shanklin rounding off a successful season with a 22- turned up for the match knowing that Relegated: Andover, Alton and O Freemens 14 win over Westcombe Park. With Combe they would be unable to field a side on Shepherd Neame Kent Division 1 limited by restrictions imposed on National the scheduled date of the final. With the Promoted: Gillingham Anchorians and Vigo (PO) League sides in the county competition, organisers unsurprisingly not prepared Relegated: Guys Hospital (wdr), New Ash Green. they were unable to upset a Canterbury to rearrange what is quite an event at Shepherd Neame Kent Division 2 side not subject to the same limitations Croydon, MFC were back in. It does Promoted: Kings College Hospital, Southwark Lancers and who had swept all before them this seem that, whilst always competitive in Sussex 1 season at both 1st and 2nd XV level. the closing stages of this competition, Promoted: Pulborough Senior Rugby Head Coach Andy Foley Reflects on Encouraging Signs on the Pitch

The 2011-2012 season was always going to be about re building and, looking back over events, I firmly believe that was largely achieved. The coaching team had a new look, with Hayden Mitchell taking over from Shaun Neaves as forwards coach, allowing Shaun to take on more responsibility across the club for the scrum. 1st XV After a very vibrant pre-season, we were full of expectation for the coming campaign and pretty confident that we would be in the mix for promotion. Unfortunately a run of injuries, player unavailability and downright tardiness meant we got off to the worse possible start, losing our first three games, Maidstone attack the Wells line in a hotly contested national semi-final essentially ruling us out of the promotion race. It wasn’t until mid-October that we most grateful and we will be striving eyeing up the 12 shirt. Elsewhere on finally started putting together some great to go that extra round this year. the pitch, Matt Iles chanced his arm at rugby and our eventual 4th place position fly half and looked like he had played sees us rue our awful start. I firmly believe, A Little Recognition there all his life, whilst youngsters Sam though, that Crowborough and Medway Luke Debnam claimed this season’s Bernard Ellis, Ollie Newton, Dan Eastwood and the promoted clubs, both had the edge Hinks ‘player of the year award’ for his solid Ally Moss really came of age. on us over the course of the campaign. tight-head performances, whilst Lee ‘Cyprus’ The Cup Run Thomson claimed the ‘players player’ award Talking of age, there were notable for the 2nd time running. Cyprus has been performances by the Charlton brothers The cup run was exciting, and great immense this season and I am pleased to in 1st XV shirts and also Richie Parker who performances against Harlow and Folkestone say he has committed to us for another provided the grit that so very nearly turned saw us in a home semi-final against Somerset season despite a number of approaches Wells over. Fin Davis managed the team club Wells for a chance to compete at from other teams in higher divisions. Hayden with particular precision and is planning Twickenham. Again unavailability and injury Mitchell starred in the 2nd row, and Andy to stay on for the coming campaign. [ made things hard for us, but after a great Bacon toiled away with equal endeavour. performance we were unlucky not to pave the way to a Twickenham final, just losing out In the back division Neil ‘The Train’ Graves by 6 points. The club that day was fantastic, scored with regular ease, but I know for the with great support and enthusiasm for the coming season Mark ‘Bulldog’ Dorman, an 1st XV. Players and support staff alike were equally exciting and powerful runner, is Senior Rugby The Season from a Skippers Perspective

[ The 2nd XV had their best season for a the age of 20, I am very excited about Mustangs XV while and got quite worried at one stage what he will bring to Maidstone. Well what a year. It has been a bit of a when promotion looked like it might be on Richard Weston has agreed to be the coach roller coaster season and only our own the cards. Duncan McClintock marshalled for the Mustangs XV and Jacques Vanvuuren inconsistencies that kept us from challenging the Mustangs fantastically and I hope also joins the coaching team from Sutton for promotion. I would like to thank Peter he recovers quickly from the shoulder Valence School where he is a teacher. Barford for all his help in the early part of the injury he sustained against Blackheath. season, setting a structure to work from. Youngster Lewis Fagg made a significant On the player front for the new season, contribution to the Mustangs this season and we welcome Willie Brown to the club. Thanks also to Shaun Neaves for all his justifiably took their players player award. Willie is from Burnside in Canterbury NZ and hard work, stepping in to help coach and has also represented Canterbury Maori manage the team. He pulled the team in previous seasons, He is a 10, 12, 15 and together and steered us on the right course. goal kicker, and will undoubtedly add We had greater consistency with players some experience to our young back line. this year and a relatively settled team, with Towards the end of last season prop some outstanding performances from the Ben Williams returned to the club after likes of Mike Blacker, Damian Grabb, Chris spells at Hartpury College and Chester Tomlin and Jonjo Burke at the back end of playing National 3 rugby. Ben has made the season. I would like to congratulate Lewis an immediate impact within the 1st XV Fagg for his performances and attitude. and I have offered him the captaincy He was always at training, injury permitting, for next season a role he has been keen and put his body on the line on a Saturday. to take on, we expect great things. We played our part as a senior squad with I would also like to express my thanks the majority of us playing for the 1st XV at to outgoing Club Captain Matt some stage during the season and with Sam Plowman who organised so many Ellis, Ali Moss and Dan Eastwood all getting things off the field, including the games with the firsts the future looks bright. David Lloyd sponsorship initiative. I am standing down this year and I am Mustangs’ opening try against Medway My hope for next season is to see Maidstone grateful for all the help and support I Rugby start climbing up the leagues, and received over the last two years. I wish So a new season is approaching and I am regain our status as one of the premier the incoming skipper and manager all the pleased to say that Lee Evans has agreed to clubs in the southeast. I know many people best, I’m sure they will be more than up to become the new forwards player/coach. I across the club are also working to the same the job and will to push the team forward have known Lee for many years and he has goal, but if you are not…. please help out. as competition for places increases. some exciting and forward thinking ideas All the best. AF We must build on our recent success and about the game. take that into pre-season and beyond. Having watched Lee make his premiership debut for Northampton back in 2001 at See you all at the bar. Chunky Senior Rugby The Season from a Skippers Perspective

The 3rd XV to the club and the game is David Tugwell (Tuggy), who this season celebrated 35 The 2011/12 season has been a season of years of playing at Maidstone FC. big change for all the teams at Maidstone Rugby, especially for the 3rd XV. Effectively League results are a key indicator of a side’s we were a new side this season and we’ve progress and development. This season we have had some very big boots to fill. have turned a few embarrassing defeats into competitive losses and have also Having fulfilled a particularly challenging seen what might have been competitive league, to finish in mid-table has been losses turned into impressive victories. a great achievement for us. Our finish is perhaps not quite up to the same If the development of this season continues standard as the fearsome reputation left into next season, I suspect that it will be a by our predecessors ‘The Dream Team’ very exciting one to be a part of. Quinny but in a league where there has been a massive gulf between some of the sides, it is a position worthy of merit.

As stated on the website, our team objectives have been about more than just winning, they have been to introduce new and aspiring talent to a competitive senior environment. This is, and always will be, a work in progress and yet this season has seen a number of players, of varying ages, abilities and experience play, develop and advance quickly up the club, having started senior rugby with the 3rd team. Our player of the season, David Ruaux, is a prime example of a developing player. His ability and training has seen him progress to fulfill a role regularly in the 2nd team and to score a total of 15 tries this season.

For other players, the 3rd XV represents a more long-standing commitment, enabling them demonstrate their experience whilst fulfilling crucial roles for the side to build upon. A prime example of such dedication Senior Rugby The Season from a Skippers Perspective

The 4th XV progressed, increasingly effective. At the end of a long and torrid season, it is Ultimately and despite rumours of its easy to forget that the 4th team started off imminent demise, a strong body of opinion in great shape, setting out to be a haven was voiced in favour of keeping the for good players who just want to turn 4th team going, based on a hard-core up and play good rugby on a Saturday, of players who enjoy playing together without all the bother of getting cold and every week. So it looks as though the muddy training on a Thursday night. 4th team will continue for another year - great news inasmuch as that, without Three good wins and a draw in the first the 4ths, too many players would four games appeared to vindicate have no team to play for and would this policy, until the 2nds and 3rds cast simply not get a game each week. envious eyes upon the players who were appearing in 4th team shirts. The It will require support from the 5th team result was that it soon became obvious and a decent recruitment drive but, that we couldn’t select both a 3rd and above all, what we need now is a likely a 4th team at the same time. The Vets skipper to lead the 4ths into battle for stepped in to play some of the 4th team another year. Watch this space. RE fixtures (receiving some sound thrashings for their trouble) but the gaps could not be plugged. Our overall playing record looks pretty ordinary, therefore, with 6 wins, 1 draw, 8 losses, 4 forfeits and 1 walk-over, which earned a 3rd from bottom league placing. Despite that, however, there were some memorable games, with wins against Leigh, Medway IV, and East Peckham standing out as well as a 10-10 draw with Folkestone III.

Whilst there were several candidates for ‘player of the year’ not least the Smith brothers, Jason and Andy, the accolade went to Matt Cooper, who turned up in October and proved himself to be reliable, keen to learn and, as the season The 5th XV Maidstone Veterans and by half time and were losing by two tries. This resulted in a bit of a talking-to and, Things have been pretty productive down The Vets had a difficult start to the season, three tries later, we won the ‘tournoi’. A in the 5ths this season, having recruited not just with teams bombing fixtures at great achievement as, by the end of the over a dozen players to the club many the last minute but also being asked to game, it was mainly a Sevenoaks team. complete novices to the game. provide the backbone for the B team. A few good performances against much It seems our unique mixture of abilities, younger teams ensued with a couple training and playing together has really of victories but also a few defeats. kicked in this last season, seeing fantastic numbers at training and always managing As the season wore on we started to play to get a team out on a Saturday. our usual teams and with our open, flowing ‘attack-from-anywhere’ style of play we A respectable mid-table finish was our managed to record some good wins. reward for all the hard work the guys have put in but this can be improved on, After a break from the snow and frosty considering that our season included three weather, came our annual match against draws and a couple of blatant stitch-ups. The the Extra Bs. This fixture gets harder each inclusion of Dan Cummings (who was unable year (not because we are getting older to play through injury) to our training sessions but because the Extra Bs are getting was a real asset to the team, especially the better). In a game that could have gone forwards. Hopefully we can continue the either way, a drop goal from our very own good work Dan has started into next season. ‘Johnny Wilkinson wanna-be’ Mick Walker was the difference between the teams. Ian Davis has kindly agreed to do some work with our backs in preparation for After the Christmas break, the team settled 2012/13 so, all being well, we should be back into winning ways, with five on the trot, in for another enjoyable season and, of which two or three games stand out: Our Dorset tour was a roaring success. We who knows, we might even discover/ a hard-won victory against Lordswood came a close second against Puddletown, develop a few players capable of and, one of the best games I witnessed, a and drank the bar dry afterwards. Our playing higher up the club in the future. home win against an Ashford side including Sunday game against Ellingham and a handful of 1st and 2nd team players. Ringwood brought the same result as Wishing you all a pleasant break and good In the end, a fine display of ‘in yer face’ Saturday, the only difference being Paul luck for next season to all MFC teams. IA rugby separated the men from the boys. Erhart scoring and converting his own try!

Then, Sevenoaks invited us to play in a I am standing down as skipper at 3-way competition, with Dutch side Delfte the end of the season due to injury being the other team. After dispatching and Steve Vincent is taking over for the men from Sevenoaks we took on Delfte his second stint, I wish him all the best. RW President’s XV - IPF his time at there. In addition to playing Maidstone Ladies university rugby he represented ‘Sapper The new season effectively starts in August Charlotte Goodbody makes a persuasive Rugby’, probably the most successful of with a pre-season fixture in the middle case for the ladies. the corps’ sides in the Army, and also went of the month at Rochford Hundred. onto represent the Army at U23, ‘A’ and LADIES, ARE YOU FEELING STRESSED, ANGRY, However, it really starts in earnest on the 25th FRUSTRATED? then full representative level, travelling to August when the 1st XV will take on a SA three times with the squad. He always WANT TO TRY & RELEASE SOME OF THAT TENSION President’s Invitation XV to raise funds for AND GET FIT? turned out for us when home on leave the RFU’s Injured Player Foundation. although, sadly, registration issues sometimes GREAT! st Tom Hughes, who had recently returned limited his appearances with the 1 XV. THEN MAIDSTONE RFC NEEDS YOUR HELP TO GET WOMEN’S RUGBY BACK IN OUR TOWN from an operational tour in Afghanistan, Like many reading this article, I was not unfortunately suffered a serious injury After many hard months of trying to promote aware of the IPF until they stepped forward during the past season, while playing in a Girls/Ladies Rugby at the club and with the following Tom’s injury. They do an enormous Mustangs XV fixture at Old Dunstonians. help of our eye catching high-heeled boot, amount for injured players and it is for that things have certainly started to pay off. Whilst immediate reason that MFC has designated IPF as the IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PLAYING, EMAIL ME AT assistance provided club’s nominated charity for 2012/13 season. by club physio Anna [email protected] The 1st XV will carry the RFU IPF logo on Rooke was of the their shirts throughout next season to help Our Ladies Team started training at the highest order, the raise the profile. Additionally the club will end of February with Club Captain Matt extent of Tom’s participate in and run fund-raising events. Plowman taking on the role of coach. injury required an Former First Team Coach Shaun Neaves operation, followed While kicking off our regularly lent a helping hand and we would by a long period home campaign the like to thank them for taking up their time to of rehabilitation. President’s XV fixture help us. None of the ladies involved have also starts the IPF fund-raising and I am any previous rugby experience so this was This is where the RFU’s IPF came into play. pleased to say that, in addition to pledges a totally new challenge for us all. We now The support provided by the Foundation has made by a number of our sponsors, have 11 players who are committed to been excellent and they continue to provide sports broadcaster ESPN has also agreed turning up every week no matter what the support for Tom as his recovery continues. to lend its weight to the cause, for weather or coaches throw at them. which the club is extremely grateful. For those that don’t know Tom, he is a Although the season has ended we made product of the club’s youth system where Work is well underway for the event the decision to carry on with our training and he was coached by his father Dave and, in addition, there will also be a have been able to do so with the help of in the squad that was one of the most ‘Grand Draw’ with a number of excellent two of our first team players. successful in the county during the 1990s. rugby or sports related prizes. We are all looking forward to next season He went on to university at Loughborough, Please make the effort to support and welcome anyone who would like to join sponsored by the Royal Engineers during this very worthwhile cause. BB in making this a success. CG Coaching Co-ordinator I have secured one-off funding to Fixtures Secretary’s Notes support the cost of coaching courses. Since starting in post in April 2011, a number Last season (2011-12) was a difficult one of important goals have been achieved. Outstanding Tasks in Kent, with more league games being Completed Tasks A number of key activities remain to forfeited than I can ever remember be completed as detailed below: and with around eight teams dropping Sent first group email on 25th April and have out of the junior league structure. subsequently sent out 24 group emails since • Set up an in-club ‘Coaching then, with many individual ones as well. Children’ course in September. Its hard to pinpoint why this might have been, but its possible that the change • Offer 1 on 1 coaching These provide information which in League boundaries may have had observations and feedback. signposts coaches to up and coming something to do with it – meaning that courses e.g. CPD courses on Continuity • Achieve more qualification many teams found themselves having and Ruck/Maul. They also provide: advancement and CPD attendance. to travel further than in previous years. • Articles of coaching interest. • Deliver one or two open There were also some badly matched • Occasional reviews (4 to date) of coaching evenings. divisions, where some of the teams should coaching behaviours observed on • Continue, through email clearly have been playing at a higher level, Sunday mornings and enhanced and personal interaction, to which meant that other teams in the division guidance on observed practice. provide further development could look forward to regular thrashings. I have established a ‘Coaches List’ showing opportunities for all our coaches. On top of that, the economic situation names and details of coaches attached to • Write further reviews for cannot have helped, with many each age group. This is a living document, it general consumption. players being forced to work on a is continually updated and records present Saturday if work was available. • Post all reviews in Coaches Corner coaching status as well as suggested future on the website for future reference. Maidstone faced the same situation as development needs. The list also formed the other clubs but despite the challenges, basis for all send outs and helped record • Respond to requests from coaches. managed to complete the season with CRB status of all coaches - the latter is now What More is Needed? six teams still functioning, although for the ably managed by Charlotte Walker. first time, we had been forced to forfeit More feedback on email content. Assisted with the provision of senior around 9 or 10 fixtures across the club. coach/player support as requested. More responses from coaches to Whilst our initial reaction was that we email requests such as surveys. Established a Club Scrum Coach with should plan for a contraction next season nominated apostles, available for all Feedback on reviews. to five teams, a more optimistic view has appropriate coaches/age groups. prevailed and we have decided to carry Advice on what I can provide to on with a full complement of six teams. A successful Rugby-Ready course help meet coaches needs. DD With five out of six skippers already in place was run in August 2011 with 15 for next season, there is every reason to MFC coaches in attendance. suppose that given a fair wind and a decent Club Shop recruitment drive during the summer, we to come along and resume their playing Firstly a big thank you to the membership should be able to fulfil another season with careers. We need to adopt a similar of all sections of the club for their support six sides. We still need to find a 4th team approach again this summer and all and purchases via the club shop during skipper, although there are a couple of members and club officials need to the season. In conjunction with our Team volunteers for vice-captain and, above all, be on the lookout for players at every and Sportswear Partner, Samurai, the ‘Club we need to make sure that selection works opportunity. Be pro-active and, when you Brand’ is now well established and the effectively next season so that players are speak to someone, try to get their names personalisation of garments has been a properly distributed amongst the various and telephone numbers so that it’s easy popular innovation. teams to the benefit of the whole club. for us to encourage them to come to the club. Above all, when you see a new We are always looking to expand the range One significant rule change that could face at the club, or a face that you don’t of garments and welcome any suggestions. have an effect on the way clubs approach recognize, introduce yourself and find out selection is that unless teams cancel games a bit about them. Players stay where they from the bottom up, the league results (and their WAGS and children) are made to will not count for the teams that do play feel welcome. See you in September. RE e.g. if a club forfeits their 3rd team game but their 4th team plays, the 4th team result will not count as a league fixture. Hopefully, this should help to combat the anomaly that prevails from time to time where, for example, a club fields a 3rd team that is stronger than its 2nd team. In order to try and address our biggest issue As for the divisions, all five of our sides will with regards to the procurement periods and play in the same divisions as last year (whilst delivery of bespoke garments ESPECIALLY the Vets have elected to carry on playing JUNIOR PLAYING SHIRTS & HOODIES, we will friendlies). However, the composition of again be arranging an order so that these those divisions will look quite different, with will hopefully be available in September Aylesford II and Ash 1sts disappearing from towards the start of the season. Invicta III where they were like cuckoos in the nest, 1sts disappearing from Please note that the shop will continue to Dragon Fire 5 but alas, both the winners and stock Junior playing shirts but by pre-ordering runners up of Early Bird 6 West staying put for you are guaranteeing your requirement. next season (Medway V and Weavering). We are currently awaiting confirmation of Three or four seasons ago we proved the new prices from Samurai (the current that, given a real effort to recruit during increases are due to the rise in cotton prices) the summer, new players can be found in but it is anticipated that the cost for next Rugby Football - A caring, sharing sort of game season for BOTH junior playing shirts and [ the most unlikely places and encouraged where real men aren’t afraid to show their feelings Club Shop

[ hoodies will be : • Up to Medium Boys (34” chest) - £35.00 each • Large Boys (36”) to 5XL (54” chest) - £42.50 each

Both the playing shirts and hoodies are available in chest sizes from Baby @ 20” (!!) to 5XL (54”) in 2” chest size increments. The MFC umbrella. Bet you wished you had The Club Shop will only stock sizes from Junior one this summer. Well, now’s your chance. (28”) to Large (44”) – any other size must be ordered. Orders are subject to a £20 deposit per garment – for further details please contact Kevin Bailey : [email protected] or on 07764 245756 The range of goods available from the shop will continue to include : Club No. 1 Shirt - As worn by our top players • Club shorts and socks (junior & senior) before and after matches - always! • Ties Second hand shirts/boots • Umbrellas Sale of these items is used to raise additional • Club No 1 Shirts (special order – approx funds and additionally help anybody wishing 2/3 weeks - minimum order quantity applies) to participate on a more economically viable footing. • Club Jumpers (special order – minimum order quantity applies) If anybody has any second hand playing kit or boots in reasonable condition that • Match-day bags, Back-packs and Boot- bags (special order – approx 2/3 weeks) they wish to donate to the shop for sale, we would welcome any contributions. Items • Hoodies (special order – approximately can be accepted as soon as we resume our Yes, it’s good old Jorge-Angel back again to eight weeks - minimum order quantity tenure of the club house from Mote Cricket show off the fine club hoodie. Soft, warm and applies) Club in September. oh, so practical. • Junior Playing Shirts While this is more applicable to our Juniors Go see Kevin and buy one, or several • Hamilton Tops (given the rate they grow at!) any kit in you know you want to. • Tracksuits reasonable condition can be accepted. KB They fit ladies too. Junior Rugby Ian Wilkinson Takes Up the Poisoned Challis

When I was appointed as Youth Chair a years only two teams will mature. There are to help out with kit and frequently support couple of months ago, I didn’t have a no Under-18’s, Under-17’s or Under-14’s. the club via the bar. clue what I was stepping into. I had neither It’s easy to see what’s wrong, much harder Finally, the kids. I have to confess that experience of committee meetings – nor the to put things right - but we are taking steps to I’ve not had the chance yet to see all of expected etiquette and, to be honest, didn’t fix things. the older age groups in action but when realise the state that the Youth section was I’ve had the odd five minutes spare at a in. But I’m learning fast. We will be: tournament, I have seen some excellent I know this is supposed to be a rallying call; • Having regular coaching help from the play with an even better attitude. In the TAG “Maidstone Youth Section is brilliant, come senior players. section there are a number of kids showing and join us”. But it isn’t. • A new, streamlined seven-man unbelievable talent at such a young age committee and they always smile. The Youth Section has become fragmented; it’s become nine separate teams rather Coaches from different age groups will be I hope that I can call on support from all than the important part of the club that it encouraged to: sections of the club, once you’ve got over should be. There are lots of reasons for this • Meet up after training the shock of seeing me in a position of but pointing fingers now won’t help. We responsibility, to help make Maidstone Youth • Discuss what they need from the club need to mend this through closer integration and, hopefully, Rugby (and as a consequence Maidstone between sides. This may be in the form of Rugby Club) one of the top sides in Kent. IW joint training sessions for U-7’s and U-8’s, • Exchange ideas then put those requests/ thoughts/ideas to the committee. or coaches from the U-15’s and U-16’s having a chat and a pint after training and We will also be: exchanging ideas, joint social events, maybe • Encouraging coaches to use all resources even a youth section tour. But whatever available to their coaching skills it takes we need to develop a ‘one club’ • Appointing a schools liaison officer who ethos. will go into a number of schools to create The Youth Section should be the lifeblood links. of the club, each new season the first team But it’s not all doom and gloom. Our coach should have a dozen keen 19 year coaches, many of them level 1 qualified, olds, pushing for a first team place. They consistently provide excellent training should have a good few year’s quality sessions which improve the players’ skills rugby behind them; they should have been while keeping them interested. As well as this winning tournaments and county caps. quality coaching, there is an administrative At the first pre-season training session they burden that takes time but goes unnoticed should have the confidence and ability by many. to walk up to the coach and say “Hi, my name’s Jo Bloggs, I’m your new fly half.” As Our parents turn out in all weathers to things stand, at Maidstone over the next five support the teams, with impeccable Rugby Football - a game for Oiks but played by behaviour; they often put hands in pockets Gentlemen of all ages Junior Rugby A Few Coaches Report On The Progress Of Their Young Charges

The Under 6s Little Fund-raisers The Under 7s Firstly I would like to congratulate the U6s on They raised £65 doing a silly sock day for We have had a very enjoyable and an amazing season. Children In Need and £109 for Sport Relief, successful season with some real progress taking part in ‘How Many U6’s Passes in a made. Twelve started the season, concentrating on Mile’ (which worked out at four laps of a full their ball handling and teamwork skills and size rugby pitch. We started the Season with 24 players, making huge improvements in both. We’ve gained a few, lost a few before Christmas, had fun days, sunny days and quite a few Next season will see them start competing in and finished the season with a regular group rainy days but the team’s momentum has matches and training away with other clubs of 24, and generally had at least 20 each never dampened. We now number 25 with and, as their coach, I am confident they will week. a minimum of 20 attending every week. do well. Medway Festival The highlight of our season was undoubtedly being joint winners at the Medway Festival in October. This was our first match situation, and, under a blistering hot sun, our A team showed fantastic commitment and produced some great play both in attack and defence. We won all our group matches, which found us in the final against Sevenoaks. At full time it was four tries all and Sevenoaks wanted to call it a draw there and then. Sensing that we had the upper hand, we persuaded them to play five minutes of ‘Golden Try’ extra time. At the resumption, Sevenoaks The Power of the Pink Tutu A Bit of A Do rallied well, but our defence was excellent. The biggest struggle they have had this We finished the season with a Disco Party at We then came very close to scoring season has been keeping both hands on the clubhouse and all the Tag Section U6, U7 ourselves but after five minutes no one had the ball and making sure they have two tags and U8 received a Certificate and Trophy to scored, so we settled for being joint winners. on their belts. To help remind them of these show our appreciation of all their efforts this If I am not mistaken this makes us the most basic rules we brought in the use of the ‘Tutu’ season. The U6 and U8 squads also voted successful age group in the club this season. phrase and a ‘pink tutu’. The pink tutu was for their Player’s Player, Parent’s Player and (Sorry Russell, you’ll have to share that one too. Ed) waved in the air when Tag Rules were not Coach’s Player of the season. They each We attended other festivals, including being followed and it was amazing to see received a Glass Trophy and Goodie Bag Canterbury, Westcombe Park, Dover, and how the embarrassment that they may have from The Golden Boot presented to them by Aylesford and played well in most of our to put this on improved their skills. Ed Martin our sponsor. CG games, winning as many as we lost or drew. Junior Rugby

Strength in Depth have become habitual in recent matches. season, but we held on and took it back at The most encouraging thing was how well The forwards have tightened up but still lack them, fending them off again and again in every child has improved over the course size and a couple of key losses through the one of our last matches of the year. season, as well as an injury or two, have of the season, and how much they really We gained some new players – Sam Cowdry, often left us wanting on the pitch. enjoyed it. The fact that we were able to Ralph Newman, Keiron Yates and Ryan take two equal strength teams to the Dover That said, ALL of the boys have shown real Springett – and we lost a couple of ‘old Festival speaks volumes. This bodes very well heart and passion this year. We drew more troopers’ to circumstance. Hopefully those as we move up to the U8 next season. than we lost this season, but won less than that left may well be back sometime in the We have a strong reliable coaching team we lost, which basically translates as not a future. lot of winning. But the boys never once let consisting of myself and Stuart Carroll, with Next season we take another big step up as their heads go down and got soooo close help from Richard Watson and Richard a squad that some of our MGS contingent in many of those games because of that – Venning. My thanks go to them. We also have already flirted with - 15-a-side rugby on which is a hugely positive change. have some great parents who are there a full-size pitch - At last! week in week out, home or away, wet or dry, and I would also like to thank them for their With the performance of our running line in support. RE the backs and our defence across the team we have a real chance to take it to some of The Under 8s, 9s 10s & 11s the squads who have kept us pinned in the Plenty of work here for Mr. Wilkinson (Ed.) forwards on small pitches in the past. The Under 12s Bootneck Boot Camp In order to do that we need to be fit though It’s been a challenging year in our last tour of – which means that twice a week our duty as a Mini/Midi team, but we’ve come resident ex-Royal Marine, Miles Tempan, is through pretty much unscathed and stronger taking hour-long fitness sessions for the U13s- for our experiences. in-waiting. The boys walk away from every Early Success session knackered – but they love it and The boys got the season off to a great start keep coming back for more, once again at the Medway Festival - despite being Moments to Savour demonstrating what grit and backbone they out-gunned in the forwards by the likes of There were some highlights though – are developing. [ Blackheath and Aylesford we took home the comprehensively beating Blackheath mid- Shield after a 15-0 win over Medway B’s. season for the first time ever in six years of rugby. Narrowly losing out to a much As we moved through the season proper, our weakened Tunbridge Wells side a team who, backs started to show some real flair under in the past, would have dispatched us with the tutelage of Tuggy, Ian and Matt; finally ease and, finally, drawing with Aylesford managing to get the ball out wide and for the first timeat their own festival. (Ah, running some great supporting moves that schadenfreude. Ed) They’ve been beating us all Junior Rugby The Spoils Under 14s disappointing performance of the season. To lose to a Beckenham side they had We gave out a few awards this year, as At the end of last season my Touchline report handsomely beaten only a couple of usual, and it is right and proper to name thanked the players coaches and parents for months before was a real disappointment. them here: making it far more successful than expected. Could we surpass that this season? A Successful Tour... • Forwards Player of the Season - Jacob Hammond Two weeks after the Kent Cup, a squad • Backs Player of the Season - Ollie Jenkins of 22 went on tour to the Bournmouth & • Top Trainer - Ryan Ellesmere Poole Rugby Tournament. Some great performances were produced, including • Contact King - Jacob Hartfield wins over Essex champions Chelmsford, • Most Improved Player - Alfie Hayward Crawley and Bletchley together with an • Unsung Hero - Rory Morrison outstanding performance to draw 5-5 with . • Top Try Scorer - Jacob Arbury • Players Player - Ollie Jenkins and Success at Cranbrook Our performances prior to Christmas The last Saturday of the season was a great included impressive wins over Gravesend, And, of course, we have the Magnificent 7 day out at the invitation of Cranbrook OGs, TWs and Ashford. These were matched those boys who have been with us together with seven other teams including by hard-fought victories over Blackheath, through thick and thin since they two touring sides representing the French Cranbrook and Sidcup, together with a nail- were just 6 or 7 years old: Hasparren Rugby Club. The team again biting draw with Aylesford. The team didn’t produced excellent performances, beating have it all their own way, however, and • Lex Ayling, Heathfield (Sussex Champions) and losses to New Ash Green and Old Colfs kept • Ollie Jenkins, Cranbrook on the way to reaching the final the their firmly on the ground and gave the against Hasparren A. It’s worth mentioning • Jacob Hammond, coaches plenty to work on. at this point that the way the age groups • Alex Crosbie, Performances after the festive break work in France meant that Maidstone were • Rory Morrison, continued in the same vein, with notable effectively playing an under 15’s side and, wins over Folkestone, Dover, New Ash Green to their credit, they matched the French side • Ben Woodhams and (revenge for earlier in the season) and for most of the game but were eventually • Samuel Bannell. Beckenham. The second half of the season undone by two good set-piece moves from also meant the Kent Cup and our Tour. Hasparren. All awarded honorary Full Colours for Mini/ Kent Cup So, all in all, an excellent season and Midi rugby If there was one disappointment for this definitely surpassing last season, helped Well done again to ALL the boys – roll on season it was the Kent Cup. Whilst the by the hard work and maturing attitude of next season! AC team did reach the Bowl Final, I’m sure fantastic group of young men. They have they and the coaches would be the first responded so well to the challenge to to admit that they produced their most continually improve. The development of Junior Rugby Other News this squad is also down to the hard work and Sponsorship dedication of Steve Oakley assisted by his Towards the end of the season the club coaching team of Ray Long, Alex Craven briefed its sponsors on the plans and and Steve Skipp who have worked hard to preparation for next season which have make sure that the squad is getting fitter, been underway for some time. stronger and technically better in the way they play the game. In addition, following discussions that have A big thank you should also go to Steve been taking place over the past weeks, Buckland who administers the team Maidstone Rugby is pleased to announce finances, Andy Gardner who is Youth Team the continued support of all of its current Fixtures Secretary and Nick Ward, our sponsors. qualified referee, for all the hours they put in to help make Steve Oakley’s life a lot easier. Primary Sponsors Brachers LLP continues their Finally thank you to all the parents for their partnership with the ‘County Town Club’ patience, help and time spent in often whilst local companies Crowe Clark Whitehill, adverse weather watching and supporting Glosrose and L&G Forest Products Ltd have the team. AC maintained the level of support that they provide to the club as official sponsors. The Stats Orient Freight Group have increased their So to the end of season stats: support to the club and in addition we welcome national brand Hometyre as new Regular Season (excluding tournaments) official sponsors. • Played 16 • Won 13 Significant extra support is also being • Lost 3 provided by KH Electrical Services and also • Drawn 1 G Charlton & Sons whilst David Lloyd Fitness • Points Scored 588 (98 Tries / 49 Conversions maintains their significant ‘Benefit in Kind’ Kent Bowl Finalists arrangement with the club.

Cranbrook Tournament Finalists The club remains as one of official kit supplier The Awards Samurai Sportswear’s associated clubs and This season’s awards for achievement went has maintained its relationship with Surrey to the following team members: based Vivid Associates as its digital partner, whilst other sponsorship arrangements • Player of the Year - Sam Skipp with ABB Ltd, Alan Firmin Ltd, Britelite and • Most Improved Player - Matt Ward • Players’ Player - Oscar Newman Shepherd Neame are also set to continue for • Clubman of the Year - James Edwards the 2012/13 season. [ Other News

Pitchside Boards shirt number on the team selection page of recipient was Paul Ehrhart in recognition for The team running the sponsorship and the matchday programme for the duration his service to the club both on and off the advertising campaign has also been of the season. Additionally, your name is pitch over approaching five decades. In expanded with Dominic Baxter picking up listed on the poster display of shirt sponsors addition a Vice Presidencies was awarded the reins to drive pitchside board sales. in the clubhouse. There are 18 1st XV match to Carol McKenzie and Julian Debnam in This has led to an overhaul of the pricing and shirts available for the 2010/11 season. recognition of their contributions to the club. structure as well as the generation of a In the case of matchball sponsorship your The Awards number of new contacts and potential sales. name appears in the matchday programme The key awards for on pitch performance If you or your company may be interested in for the fixture of your choice plus also on the were The David Arnold Award for the supporting high standard, community based matchball sponsors display in the clubhouse. outstanding young player of the season and grassroots sport in some way, then in the first There are 11 opportunities for home league The Bernard Hinks Awards. The deserving instance please contact me (Bob Hayton fixtures available plus also any home recipients were as follows: fixtures in the Kent Cup and RFU Knockout M: 07979 501433) with the name of the • 1st XV Player – Luke Debnam company and the person we need to speak competitions. • Other XVs Player – Lewis Fagg to and we will do the rest. If you or your company may be interested in taking one or more of these opportunities • Non Player – Carol McKenzie then please contact Bob Hayton in the first • David Arnold Award – Sam Ellis instance. Within the other teams the Players’ Player Annual Club Dinner & Awards awards were as follows: Friday 27th April saw the annual club dinner • 1st XV – Lee Thomson take place, this time at a new the venue of • Mustangs XV – Lewis fagg Rianos, with a good turnout from across the • 3rd XV – David Ruaux playing side of the club. • 4th XV – Matt Cooper At the end of what was always seen as a transitional season it was time to recognise • 5th XV – Stephen Skipp and reward the efforts of those who have • Veterans XV (The Mike Sharples Plate) – Dave stood out across the club, both on the field Jackson of play and also behind the scenes. • Head Coaches Award – Mark Thurgood Shirt Number & Matchball Sponsorship Most notable was the Harry Green Award The Centenary Cup for the team of the For the past few seasons we have invited which recognises a significant contribution to season was awarded to the 1st XV who, supporters to sponsor 1st XV shirts and the the club over a sustained period of time, for despite a sluggish start to the season, went matchball. This can be done by individuals, this reason the Harry Green Memorial Cup is into the second half of the campaign with couples, friends or businesses. Your name not presented on an annual basis, although some real momentum to put together a solid doesn’t actually appear on the shirt but you this is the third consecutive year in which it end to the season and an excellent run in are listed as the sponsor of that particular has been awarded. This year’s well deserved the RFU Senior Vase. Other News

Departures Club Blazers and I know that our new Youth Chairman is also looking to re-aligne the youth section’s Finally, we said farewell to two players who Following the introduction of the updated shirts with the rest of the club colours. have represented Maidstone Rugby with club blazer, there still seems to be some Coincidentally, an exercise we undertook in great distinction during their time with the interest in producing another batch. the late ’80s. club; Hayden Mitchell, who stepped up to Currently eight or nine members are on take over the captaincy when injury forced a waiting list should there be enough Popular opinion felt that as the club moves Jim Walker’s retirement; and also Nick Cullen interest, but the project would need circa forward, we need to project a more modern who was having a great campaign until a 20 members to be interested to make image, an additional consideration was the dislocated shoulder prematurely brought his proceeding a viable option. This is because large area of white in the current shirts, which season to an end shortly after the New Year. the entire initial batch of material has been tends to lose its brilliance towards the end of used and another bolt of cloth would need the season. Obviously, all of those involved to be woven (i.e. enough for 20 blazers). were mindful of the fact that our colours needed to be maintained and also that of If any members, who have not yet seen Bob being able to display sponsors’ logos without Hayton to be placed on the waiting list, are masking any shirt design with large areas of interested in obtaining a blazer then please white background by doing so. contact Bob in the first instance. Once a viable number of members have expressed A number of design options were fielded to an interest the project can move forward. the senior players with the rationale behind them explained and, rather pleasingly, the younger generation settled upon a shirt that New 2012/13 1st XV Shirt is still very recognisable as being Maidstone, It only seems like a couple of years ago which will no doubt please the traditionalists that the club took the decision to update Lewis Fagg (above) & Luke Debnam receiving their among the older generation. awards from Club President Bob Beney the club shirts although, in reality, it was more of a ‘retro’ move which took the club shirts back to a design that was closer to traditional shirts of a few decades ago. There were common sense reasons for this approach in terms of the representation and visibility of sponsors logos but, looking around the county (never mind the country) it appears that Maidstone has remained very much a traditional club, certainly in terms of its playing strip. However, the coming season will see a redesigned shirt for the 1st XV which will in time trickle down through the senior sides Rugby Wit?

For all you FORWARDS out there. You’ll love this. then tolerance and compassion are the keys to Thus, when asked where they played, they forward play and the present euphemism was would reply “in the centre”. And they remain to WHY RUGBY HAS BACKS decided on. this day, parasites and scroungers who mostly At Last a Rational explanation of the Game. work as lawyers, accountants or used car The five-eighth plays next to the half-back It is largely unknown to players and followers dealers. and his role is essentially the same except that of the modern game that rugby started off when pressured, he usually panics and kicks You may ask, why wingers? The answer is purely as a contest for forwards in opposition the ball. Normally, he is somewhat taller and simple. Because these were players who in line-outs, scrums, rucks and mauls. This pitted slightly better built than the half-back and had very little ability and were the lowest eight men of statuesque physique, supreme hence his name. One-eighth less and he would in the backline pecking order, they were fitness and superior intelligence in packs have been a half-back, three-eighths more placed as far away from the ball as possible. against one another. In those days, the winner and he might well have qualified to become a Consequently, and because the inside backs was the pack that won the most set pieces. forward. were so diligent in their assigned role of The debasement of the game began when dropping the ball whenever they received backs were introduced. This occurred because it, the main contribution to the game made a major problem was where to locate the by the winger was not to get involved. Their next scrum or line-out. Selecting positions on instructions were to run away as quickly as the ground for these had become a constant possible whenever trouble appeared, and source of friction and even violence. to avoid tackles at all costs. The fact that the The problem was resolved by employing game was organised so that the wingers didn’t forward rejects, men of small stature and get to touch the ball led to an incessant flow limited intelligence, to run aimlessly around of complaints from them and eventually the within the field of play. Following a set piece, apt description “whingers” was applied. Even the ball would be thrown to one of them, who though the “h” dropped off over the years, the would establish the next location either by whingeing itself unfortunately has not. dropping it or by throwing it to another reject for dropping. Very occasionally, a third reject Lastly, the full-back. This was the position would receive the ball before it would be given to the worst handler, the person least dropped, and crowds would wildly cheer on able to accept or pass the ball, someone these rare occasions. Initially these additional who was always in the way. The name arose players were entirely disorganized but with the because the forwards would understandably passing of time they adopted set positions. become infuriated by the poor play invariably Don’t try that innocent look with me! demonstrated by that person, and call out For instance, take the half-back. He was usually “send that fool back”. He would then be one of the smallest and least intelligent of the relegated well out of everyone’s way to the backs whose role was simply to accept the ball The centres were opportunists who had no rear of the field. So there you have it. Let’s from a forward and to pass it on to one of the expertise but wanted to share in the glamour return to the glory days of a contest between other rejects who would drop it, providing the associated with forward packs. After repeated two packs of eight men of statuesque new location for the forwards to compete. He supplication to the forwards for a role in the physique, supreme fitness and superior could easily (given his general size) have been game they would be told to get out in the intelligence. The rest can go off to where they middle of the field and wait for instructions. called a quarter forward or a ball monkey but will be happier – playing soccer. (Zzzzzzz. Ed)