Sat 11 Oct 2025
A day to remember began with a burst of energy as the Aylesford Bulls’ mini mascot charged onto the pitch, setting the tone for a thrilling derby showdown. The electric atmosphere at the Jack Williams Ground was matched by the Bulls’ determination, as they claimed the spoils in a pulsating clash against local rivals Maidstone.
While motivation is never in short supply when Maidstone visit the Jack Williams Ground, Bulls had the added incentive of securing a first league win of the season.
Maidstone by contrast were in fine form and sat third coming into the fixture.
Bulls set the tone early on, with a dominant scrum and equally powerful running from centre James Alexander.
Early pressure soon resulted in a penalty, with centre Fin Ashdown-Denney on hand to put Bulls 3-0 up.
In a seesawing encounter Stones were soon in the ascendancy, trundling over in the corner for a converted try.
Decent attacking phases in the opposition 22 culminated in a fine line from flanker Joe Berry, who dived over for his first Bulls try.
Bulls suffered a blow when Darren Jalink was sent to the bin for an infringement at the ruck.
They weathered the storm well and were piling on the pressure when some quality Maidstone interplay deep within their half led to a remarkable length-of-the-field score.
Experienced full back Chester Clough then produced a beautifully weighted pass to put winger Christian Dolley over in the corner. Ashdown-Denney’s kick regained the lead for Bulls.
Stones hit back with a penalty, but it was Dolley again who showed lightning pace to slalom down the flank for Bulls’ third try. The conversion was missed but it was enough to send Bulls into the break-up 22-17.
Maidstone were first out of the blocks in the second period, jinking over in corner and converting for a two-point lead.
Bulls eight Charlie Pullen crashed over to push the hosts back in front, before some neat phase play opened space out wide for Dolley to complete his hat trick. Ashdown-Denney was on hand to slot a tricky kick.
Maidstone pushed until the last, puncturing a solid Bulls defence underneath the posts with seven minutes to play.
But Bulls clung on for a well-earned 36-31 bonus-point win.
Bulls travel to Old Alleynians on Saturday as they look to continue the climb up the league.
While motivation is never in short supply when Maidstone visit the Jack Williams Ground, Bulls had the added incentive of securing a first league win of the season.
Maidstone by contrast were in fine form and sat third coming into the fixture.
Bulls set the tone early on, with a dominant scrum and equally powerful running from centre James Alexander.
Early pressure soon resulted in a penalty, with centre Fin Ashdown-Denney on hand to put Bulls 3-0 up.
In a seesawing encounter Stones were soon in the ascendancy, trundling over in the corner for a converted try.
Decent attacking phases in the opposition 22 culminated in a fine line from flanker Joe Berry, who dived over for his first Bulls try.
Bulls suffered a blow when Darren Jalink was sent to the bin for an infringement at the ruck.
They weathered the storm well and were piling on the pressure when some quality Maidstone interplay deep within their half led to a remarkable length-of-the-field score.
Experienced full back Chester Clough then produced a beautifully weighted pass to put winger Christian Dolley over in the corner. Ashdown-Denney’s kick regained the lead for Bulls.
Stones hit back with a penalty, but it was Dolley again who showed lightning pace to slalom down the flank for Bulls’ third try. The conversion was missed but it was enough to send Bulls into the break-up 22-17.
Maidstone were first out of the blocks in the second period, jinking over in corner and converting for a two-point lead.
Bulls eight Charlie Pullen crashed over to push the hosts back in front, before some neat phase play opened space out wide for Dolley to complete his hat trick. Ashdown-Denney was on hand to slot a tricky kick.
Maidstone pushed until the last, puncturing a solid Bulls defence underneath the posts with seven minutes to play.
But Bulls clung on for a well-earned 36-31 bonus-point win.
Bulls travel to Old Alleynians on Saturday as they look to continue the climb up the league.
