Sun 23 Feb 2025, 14:30
A large squad of 23 Aylesford Vets took the short trip to Medway, and then the long hike to the furthest pitch possible to play in the Spitfire vets Bowl semi-final.
We started with the wind & slope in our favour, and a bright start, attack after attack ultimately came to nothing as Medway competed at every breakdown and did enough to frustrate every promising build up. Penalties and turnovers kept the scores level, Eventually a pick and drive from Liam Corbett broke the deadlock with Jason Clarke adding the crucial extra 2 points.
A half time lead of 7 points looked under par as Medway came out firing and pinned us in our own 22 from the off. Wave after wave of attacks and penalties meant we had to retreat to the 5 metre line for the entire half. But that line in the sand was held firm, somehow, by the entire squad, rotating as necessary, and throwing themselves at every Medway missile as it was launched. Eventually, through guts and guile we managed to haul ourselves out of the 22, but the pressure finally broke the defence, and with 2 minutes left Medway were able to touchdown in the corner. The difficult kick strayed wide, and with yet another surge from Medway, the game was still in the balance. Finally we turned the ball over and kicked it dead. The relief & joy was huge, we'd been properly tested and passed with flying colours. Commiserations to Medway, who will always be a tough opponent. Now onto Finals day on Sunday 13th April at Maidstone.
We started with the wind & slope in our favour, and a bright start, attack after attack ultimately came to nothing as Medway competed at every breakdown and did enough to frustrate every promising build up. Penalties and turnovers kept the scores level, Eventually a pick and drive from Liam Corbett broke the deadlock with Jason Clarke adding the crucial extra 2 points.
A half time lead of 7 points looked under par as Medway came out firing and pinned us in our own 22 from the off. Wave after wave of attacks and penalties meant we had to retreat to the 5 metre line for the entire half. But that line in the sand was held firm, somehow, by the entire squad, rotating as necessary, and throwing themselves at every Medway missile as it was launched. Eventually, through guts and guile we managed to haul ourselves out of the 22, but the pressure finally broke the defence, and with 2 minutes left Medway were able to touchdown in the corner. The difficult kick strayed wide, and with yet another surge from Medway, the game was still in the balance. Finally we turned the ball over and kicked it dead. The relief & joy was huge, we'd been properly tested and passed with flying colours. Commiserations to Medway, who will always be a tough opponent. Now onto Finals day on Sunday 13th April at Maidstone.
