Sat 23 Mar 2024
A derby day win over Maidstone saw Aylesford Bulls secure bragging rights for another year and fifth place in Counties 2.
On a boggy day at The Mote ice cold hail made way for blue skies which by half time were dyed inky grey in an apt metaphor for a promising game which fizzled out.
Bulls and Maidstone have passed each other time and time again over the past few years, rising and falling between the leagues, with Aylesford currently enjoying a spell of dominance over their rivals.
That context led to a fierce start to Saturday’s match with Bulls mounting repeat raids on Maidstone’s try line only to be denied by strong, and at times slightly too vigorous, defending. Maidstone’s eight was eventually sent to the bin for an accumulation of high shots.
Bulls’ physical winger Christian Dolley was twice bundled into touch having crossed the line, before a drive over score was held up and Barmaby Brown was cruelly denied by the touch judge having scooped the ball up spectacularly and sprinted 60 metres.
Harry Sievewright, ever-reliable in the tight, would eventually break the deadlock after 20 minutes of sustained pressure, bundling over from metres out. The kick was nudged wide but captain Ben Pass was soon on hand to dot down from the back of a trundling maul.
Brown would get his score before the half was out, galloping down the right wing past several would-be tacklers and under the posts for a great individual try. The extras were added by Fin Ashdown-Denney to bring a one-sided 40 minutes to an end at 0-17.
The second half descended into something of a slugfest, Maidstone’s returning captain Will Fox shored up a creaking scrum and brought some leadership, while Bulls defended well, especially in their own 22.
Maidstone eventually swung the ball wide and broke through for a converted score before an extended final play eventually led to a penalty, which was kicked to secure the home side a potentially crucial bonus point.
Bulls have a week off for Easter before welcoming Gillingham Anchorians to the Jack Williams Ground on April 6 for what will be a tough test with 11th place Anchs battling with Maidstone to stay up.
