TWRUFC Colts 81 vs Maidstone 0

19th Jan 2025, KO 12:00

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Match Report: Thanet Wanderers vs. Maidstone (Rescheduled Game)

The much-anticipated cup game between Thanet Wanderers and Maidstone was on this week after last week's match was called off due to poor weather conditions although surprisingly other games were able to be played on unplayable pitches.

The further break meaning too many players hadn’t played much rugby, and excitement was high as everyone returned to the pitch for some post-Christmas rugby action.

Although the pitch at Saint Peter's Recreational Ground was again far from frozen, the cold conditions kept both players and spectators on their toes throughout the match as everyone struggled to stay warm.

From the first whistle, Thanet looked like the stronger team and they wasted no time asserting their dominance over Maidstone. The opening minutes saw some slick handling and creative attacking play, but a long outrageous pass from Ellis Plumridge just failed to find its mark. However, Freddie Durrant pounced on the loose ball, made a break in open space, rounding his man to score under the posts. James made the easy conversion to give Thanet an early 7-0 lead.

Thanet kept the pressure on, with a poor clearance kick from the Maidstone defense, putting the ball straight into the hands of Tom Gough, who gratefully took the donated try. The conversion was successful by James Murdock, and Thanet led 14-0. James then added a try shortly after, converting once again to make it 21-0.

The tries kept coming as Thanet moved the ball well across the field. A well-executed sequence practiced on Thursday, saw Noah Bull score in the corner, though the conversion was missed, making the score 26-0. Shortly thereafter, Noah Bull cut inside to add another try, taking Thanet to 31-0.

Thanet's attack was relentless, with Will Gedge breaking through the Maidstone defense and Finn delivering a perfect pass to Tom Gough for his second try. With the conversion, the score moved to 36-0. From there, Thanet kept the pressure on, and soon Noah scored his hat trick, making it 41-0. A well-placed conversion brought the score to 43-0. The winger not wanting to be left out of the scoring feast, Jem Harris added the final try of the half to make the tally, 48-0.

The second half was a similar blur of attacking brilliance, with Thanet crossing the line several times: After a break from Freddie, Ellis passed to Callum, who finished with ease in the corner. 53-0. An outstanding move involving Carl Hubert and Vinny, saw Alex ended with a score in the corner, making it 58-0.

Thanet were running riot, with Freddie making another break and evading the Maidstone defense for a solo try 65-0. Thanet weren’t slowing down or showing any mercy as points may be crucial later in the tournament. A final burst of tries brought the score to an astonishing 79-0, with Callum converting the last try to bring the final score to 81-0.

Thanet’s 81-0 victory was a display of rugby dominance. Their attacking play was sharp, fast, and clinical, leaving Maidstone with little to show for their efforts. However, Maidstone never give up throughout the game and even though well behind they still gave it their all and due respect to them for that. Aa they did show on occasions how well they can play.

With 30 players putting their hands up for selection, Thanet now faces the challenge of managing a squad full of talent as they look ahead to their next matches in the competition. If players aren’t training they won’t be getting selected.

With such a strong performance, Thanet looks to be a force to be reckoned with in this cup campaign.

Good to see Vinnie Jones back from injury and Tom Weller up watching and walking well again.