Around the Grounds

An End of Season Summary

English Clubs Championship

National 1: The last two seasons have seen the promotion battle very much a ‘one horse race’ as Hartpury and then Coventry romped to secure promotion by a wide margin; not so this time around.  Chinnor were the early season leaders but fell off the pace in mid-season as a group of 4 or 5 clubs fought for promotion.  Both Blackheath and Elthamians were very much in the mix going into the last quarter of the campaign, along with Ampthill, Rosslyn Pk and Rotherham.  In the end it became a battle between Elthamians and Ampthill and the early March clash between the two is probably what decided the issue with the Hertfordshire club taking the points and going on to clinch the title leaving the SE London club to think what might have been.  Blackheath’s challenge also fell away in the second half of the campaign where losses to the eventual winners, plus Rosslyn Pk who finished third, and a couple of mid-table sides saw them drift off the pace to eventually finish fourth.

At the foot of the table Loughborough Students, Esher & Caldy struggled throughout, although the battle for survival wasn’t lost until the final weekends and the final places weren’t decided until the last day.  Loughborough faced an uphill struggle against  champions Ampthill and lost out heavily, Esher were reliant on other results and did what was needed but couldn’t recreate Loughborough’s escape act of last season, whilst for Caldy and Cambridge, their fate was in their own hands. In the end Caldy fell to last day defeat at fellow strugglers Moseley and relegation, whilst a Cambridge win saw them live to fight another season

National 2(South): O Redingensians or Rams as they became shortly after the season started, pretty much took the division by the scruff of the neck very early on and had built a big enough advantage by the mid-season point to ride out any slip ups in the second half of the campaign as they coasted to take the title in early April.  The chasing pack consisted of four clubs, who themselves had a significant cushion over the mid-table melee.  Both Canterbury and Tonbridge Juddians were in that chasing group, with Canterbury very much leading the chase from the mid-season point, whilst TJ’s were largely at the tail end of the group at the halfway stage.  Both clubs kept their form as first Taunton and then Henley stuttered with TJs very much coming up on the rails.  Whilst they never really got close enough to really challenge, they were always in with a shout and in the end finished third, having kept their county rivals always looking over their shoulder and just a point shy of their total.  Canterbury, having taken the playoff place, went on to meet London 2(N) club Chester who had finished behind Hull Ionians, with Canterbury taking the tie 19-10 to join Blackheath and Elthamians in National 1 next season.

At the foot of the table there was a group of three clubs that pretty much struggled throughout and by the time the season went into the last quarter Guernsey, Ldn Irish WG and Birmingham & Solihull (B&S) had noticeably fallen adrift of the field. Having narrowly avoided the drop last season Ldn Irish WG were relegated in the latter part of March, with Guernsey joining them in early April with B&S’s relegation confirmed a week later following defeat by the league champions.

London & SE Premier: The promotion battle had no county involvement and was a three way battle from pretty much the season mid-point, with Sutton & Epsom (S&E), Westcliff and Wimbledon competing for the promotion places in a battle that wasn’t decided until the final weekend.  Each of the clubs appeared unable to take the advantage as they all slipped up against mid-table opposition, in the end it was Tring that decided the issue, Having beaten both S&E and Westcliff on the run in, they then torpedoed Wimbledon’s hopes of an immediate return to National 2, leaving S&E as the league champions and Westcliff to go on to face Barnstaple in the promotion playoff, a match which they went on to win convincingly

For the counties clubs, promising starts somewhat faded and both clubs ended in mid-table, with Sidcup as they did last season, slipping down the table and flirting with the relegation battle.  After a promising first season in the division last year, Tunbridge Wells might have expected a better campaign this time around but it was their propensity to lose to sides below them and beat sides above them that saw them hovering on the edge of the danger zone for a large part the season, and whilst other results never really saw them in danger it probably made for an uncomfortable campaign. That said, the end of March saw the relegation issues sorted, with Shelford, who endured a torrid campaign having their relegation confirmed in mid-February, they will drop into Ldn 1 (N) along with the two clubs promoted from that division last term, in Brentwood and Chingford.

London 1 (South):  What a nail-biter this division was, with just a single point separating four clubs going into the last month of the campaign; and the promotion battle literally going down to the wire with both Medway and Sevenoaks involved.  Brighton and Medway had set the early pace but both clubs had wobbles and Sevenoaks and Camberley were able to maintain station. In the end both of the early season leaders potentially saw their hopes dashed in the home straight, as first Brighton stumbled and Medway’s challenge dissolved with three defeats in the closing stages of the campaign.  The final day saw Sevenoaks take the title, but it was a gritty comeback on the last weekend by Brighton at fellow challengers Camberley, that saw them snatch the runners up spot and the promotion playoff place against Colchester, an encounter which in windy conditions saw them again came from behind to take the promotion place.

At the bottom of the table Hove anchored the division and were relegated by mid-February, and they were joined by Chobham at the end of March with Tottonians the other side to join them after the likes of Havant and Chichester, who both had poor first halves to their campaigns, moved clear of danger.  Of the county’s other representatives; Dartfordians enjoyed a solid first half to the campaign before flirting with the drop zone in the third quarter of the season, eventually finishing eleventh, whilst Westcombe Pk, who might have been expected to challenge for promotion were never quite on the pace as they finished in mid-table.

London 2(South East): In a division dominated by Kent clubs, it was Beckenham that took the title at the end of March, last season they were in the running but showed greater consistency this time round to finish clear of Horsham in the playoff spot.  Very much like last term, the battle for the playoff place was fought between several clubs, although the closing weekends saw that crystallise to a battle between Horsham and Charlton Park as both O Colfeians and Haywards Heath dropped away, with the Horsham securing the runner-up spot on the final weekend.  At the bottom end of the table both of the relegation places were finalised on the same weekend with Aylesford dropping straight back down to London 3 along with bottom club Heathfield & Waldron.   For the rest of the county’s clubs it was mid-table mediocrity with Gravesend in the top half of the table whilst Maidstone, Dover, D&B and Thanet all struggled at some point through the campaign.

London 3(South East):  Crowborough were the only Sussex club in the top half of a division dominated by Kent clubs last season; always one of the front runners this time around they had built a healthy lead by the season mid-point, going on to secure promotion and the league title at the end of March. It was Kent clubs that provide the competition with Beccehamians and Vigo always in the hunt with Folkestone recovering from a very poor start to the campaign to be in with an outside chance in the closing stages of the season. In the end it was Beccehamians that secured the promotion spot on the last day of the campaign, from Folkestone who will no doubt look back at their awful start to the season, and Vigo who finished fourth.

Of the rest, Pulborough never quite strung together the consistency to sustain their challenge.  At the bottom end of the table Hellingly’s withdrawal meant there would be just two relegation places this term, with any of the bottom half of the table likely to be dragged into the struggle.  In the end Lewes were relegated in mid-March, and as Park House lifted themselves clear of danger it was between Hastings & Bexhill and Bromley as to who would fill the other spot.  The matter was decided on the penultimate weekend as the same match Beccehamians secured their promotion and Hastings were consigned to relegation.

Shepherd Neame Kent 1:  Ashford took the league title at something of a canter, strengthened by returning players they proved to have too much firepower for the competition.  Anchorians put in a good season to take the playoff spot against Crawley, which they subsequently won, although a slight wobble in the closing stages could have seen them caught by Cranbrook who very much came up on the rails in the in the final weeks of the campaign to finish fourth.  O Gravesendians for long periods looked like potential challengers but fell away in the second half of the season and finished in fifth place.  At the bottom, the withdrawal of RBS meant just the one relegation place and in many ways it was a formality as Sheppey suffered a horrendous season to finish well adrift at the bottom and drop to the Kent 1.  There was very much a top and bottom section to this division with Foots Cray, Whitstable and New Ash Green very much the bottom half of the table with a 18-point separation between them and the top section occupied by the promotion chasers and mid-table, Kings College Hosp and HSBC.

Shepherd Neame Kent 2:  It was newcomers Cliffe Crusaders that were the pace setters, taking top spot early in the campaign and going on to take the title in their debut season in the leagues.  The battle for the other promotion place was really between three clubs with Sittingbourne falling away leaving Faversham and Lordswood to battle it out in a contest that went to the final two weekends of the campaign as the top three clubs were pitted against each other, with Faversham eventually taking the promotion place. At the bottom of the table Askean anchored the table from Greenwich, with Dartford Valley the other club in what was a clearly delineated bottom three in the table.

RFU Cup Competitions:

Intermediate Cup: Seven of the county’s clubs entered the competition with varying degrees of success as Aylesford, Beckenham, Dover and Maidstone all fell at the first hurdle.  The remaining sides all made good inroads into the regional competition in reaching the semi-final stage.  Inevitably at least one would exit at that point and whislt Gravesend went out to fellow Kent club O Colfeians, Charlton Park, who have a good recent record in this competition, were unlucky to lose out Letchworth 20-21 with a converted penalty that was the last kick of the match.  The final saw Colfes always in control to take the regional trophy 12-34 and progress to face Gloucestershire club Matson in the national semi-final.  In a match that proved to be a game of two distinct halves, Colfes roared to an 18-0 lead at the interval before losing out 18-19 at the close, having seen a long range penalty attempt ricochet off the posts in the dying minutes.  In the national final Colfe’s conquerors Matson lost out 32-26 to a well drilled Kenilworth outfit.

Senior Vase:  Only three of the county’s eligible entered this year’s competition, with both Folkestone and O Dunstonians exiting in the first round, Bromley, whose recent record in this competition has been good, fell at the next hurdle as they lost out to Portsmouth, who would go on to take the regional title against Chelmsford, but eventually fall to Devon club Honiton in the national semi-final, who then went on to take the national trophy against Northallerton in a very tight 29-27 contest.

Junior Vase:  In what is the largest of the RFU Cup competitions, this season saw just six Kent clubs enter a tournament that suffered badly with walkovers in the opening rounds. Bexley exited in the first round with Greenwich and Sittingbourne progressing, although Sittingbourne with some good fortune despite losing their fixture against London Media.  In a second round racked with walkovers that saw only five of the sixteen scheduled matches take place, Greenwich exited leaving Anchorians, Ashford, New Ash Green and Sittingbourne to progress.  New Ash Green departed in the third round with Sittingbourne going out in the  quarter-finals along with a much fancied Ashford side who lost out to Reeds Weybridge who would eventually go on to take the regional title on their way to Twickenham.  Anchorians made the regional semi-finals, but suffered a heavy 68-0 defeat at Hitchin, who were then comfortably beaten by Reeds Weybridge who went on to defeat O Cryptians in the national semi-final.  Reeds went on to take the national title in a rather one sided contest against Yorkshire club Thornensians 42-5.

Shepherd Neame Kent Cup Competitions

Kent Cup:  Just six of the nine eligible clubs entering a tournament that saw only one fixture played prior to a repeat of last year’s final between Sidcup & O Elthamians. Elthamians started quickly held the early advantage, pushing out to a 17-3 lead in the first quarter before Sidcup began to get into their stride and pegged them back to a 17-15 scoreline at the half-time interval.  Elthamians started quickly again in the second half, extending their lead to 24-15 before a succession of three Elthamians tries and a penalty in the middle period of the half took the score out to 48-15, ensuring there would be no repeat of last year’s result where Sidcup took the trophy in the dying minutes.  It wasn’t until the final 10 minutes and with a man advantage that Sidcup were able to respond with two converted tries of their own before a final flourish by Elthamians to lift the Kent Cup for the first time in their history with a 55-29 scoreline.

Kent Shield: Now in its third season, this competition for teams at Levels 7 & 8 saw less than half the available clubs enter, and again a competition littered with walkovers.  Of the round one fixtures only one was played as part of the preseason preparations. Of the semi-finals, only Charlton Park’s match against Aylesford took place, with Gravesend benefiting from a walkover in the other and reaching the final without ever having to put their boots on.  The final was always a close encounter with Charlton Pk holding a narrow 8-6 advantage at the interval and with the lead change hands during the second half.  In the end in a contest where there was little to separate the two sides, it was Gravesend who held off some late Charlton Park pressure to take the trophy 23-26

Kent Plate: Entry into the Plate is for losers of their first fixture in either the Cup or Shield competitions; and ended with a Canterbury v Westcombe Pk final without a ball ever being kicked.  Nonetheless, the final proved an enthralling and high scoring encounter in which the advantage swung back and forth with the lead changing hands on five occasions.  In what was always a close contest it was Canterbury’s Pilgrims that lifted the trophy with a 31-39 scoreline. 

Kent Vase: It would appear that there is much more enthusiasm for the county cup competitions amongst the junior clubs with 23 entering the Vase competition and out of the 19 fixtures up to the final only five were conceded to walkovers, which is a credit to all the clubs concerned. To mention all the matches would be impossible, but some of the fixtures of note were the efforts of league debutants Cliffe Crusaders who made it to the quarter-finals before falling to eventual finalists Kings College; and non-league Ash, Ashford Barbarians and Swanley who all went out in the opening round. Their participation in the competition is most welcome, and without wishing to be political, their willingness to compete perhaps an example to some of the senior clubs. The semi-finals saw Kent 2 club Bexley concede to Kings College whilst the other semi also resulted in a walkover with Ashford being given the concession by O Gravesendians.  The final saw Ashford always in control to complete a successful season with an 18-3 victory to lift the trophy.

Kent Salver: Only four clubs failed to transfer to the Salver through conceding their fixtures and pleasingly the competition progressed through three rounds with only one further walkover.  The semi-finals saw Cranbrook fall 19-27 to Southwark Lancers, whilst in the other Faversham were 29-7 victors against Sittingbourne.  In the final Faversham took a slender 7-5 advantage into the interval but it was Southwark who looked like picking up the trophy having moved into a 7-15 lead, but the ‘castaways’ came back with two further scores to eventually lift the Salver with a narrow 17-15 win.

National 1

Promoted: Ampthill.

Relegated: Esher, Loughborough Students and Caldy

National 2 (S)

Promoted: Rams and Canterbury (Playoff v Chester (Nat 2N))

Relegated: Ldn Irish WG, Guernsey and Birmingham & Solihull

London & SE Premier

Promoted: Sutton & Epsom and Westcliff (Playoff v Barnstaple (SW Prem))

Relegated: Shelford, Brentwood and Chingford

London 1 (N)

Promoted: Rochford Hundred

Runners Up: Colchester                        

Relegated: Diss, Luton and Fullerians 

London 1 (S)                                         

Promoted: Sevenoaks and Brighton (Playoff v Colchester (Ldn 1(N))

Relegated: Hove, Chobham and Tottonians

London 2 (SE)

Promoted: Beckenham and Horsham (playoff v Farnham (L2SW))

Relegated: Aylesford Bulls and Heathfield & Waldron

London 2 (SW)

Promoted: KCS OB

Runners Up: Farnham

Relegated:  Effingham & Leatherhead and Gosport & Fareham

London 3 (SE)

Promoted: Crowborough and Beccehamians

Relegated: Lewes and Hastings & Bexhill (Hellingly – withdrew)

London 3 (SW)

Promoted: Winchester and Battersea Ironsides

Relegated: Teddington, Petersfield and O Whitgiftian

Shepherd Neame Kent Division 1

Promoted:  Ashford and Gillingham Anchorians (playoff v Crawley (Sussex1))

Relegated: Sheppey (RBS - withdrew)

Shepherd Neame Kent Division 2

Promoted: Cliffe Crusaders and Faversham

Sussex 1

Promoted: Uckfield

Runners Up: Crawley

Note: Promotion/relegation between Kent Div 1 & 2 does not take account of potential restructuring during the closed season.

The club is pleased to announce the start of the Youth Academy at Maidctone FC. These changes are being introduced as part of the One Year Look ahead plan from Director of Rugby, Pete Barford.

Academy Coach

Under the direction of of the D.o.R. the club is pleaseed to announce the appointment of Mick Walker as the Academy Coach for next season. 

The Academy will be formed of players from next season's U16s, U17s and U18s, based on what Pete has seen last season in terms of potential, character and attitude. 'In the future, I believe that it should be the case that every player from the relevant age groups should aspire to be part of the Academy' said Pete. 'The formation of an Academy will allow youth players to build together, establish new relationships and be coached outside of the 'comfort' of their own age group'. As for his choice to kick start the future, Pete said 'Mick was an obvious choice to me and having spoken a number of times to him about his passion to coach again, Mick showed the enthusiasm required plus he has the credentials to deliver the role'. Mick has an extensive and varied CV, with notable success with the Army U21s, who were undefeated for three years under his tenure, periods at North Walsham in National League and then Sheppey. He was also involved in the development of the successful Aylesford Ladies team and more recently the all conquering Mustangs team from two seasons ago, which now forms the core of the current 1st Team. 

Discussions have taken place with the Head Coaches from the relevant age groups and the Youth Chairs about the introduction of the Academy and the concept has been positively received. 

An initial group of 25 players will be selected within the next week and a meeting held with them prior to the start of next season to discuss expectations.

School & University Liaisons

Separately, Pete has made two further appointments that close some loopholes he identified from his knowledge of the past and the time he has had during last season as both Youth Rugby Manager and covering for Director of Rugby.

Jamie Mills will become the University Players Liaison and will provide a link with all players going to university from the club. Jamie will be setting up a database covering future university players and also looking to capture information relating to those who are already at university. Pete commented 'We need to be spot on in the way we deal with those who go on to further their education and make them feel that they are still very much part of the club'. He added 'It also does not make any sense that someone as capable and successful in his time within the Youth Section as Jamie is no longer involved with the club'.

The final appointment is Gavin Allwright as Schools Liaison. Gavin has already done a lot of work with a number of schools over the last two seasons but his role will be a broader one based on the relationships with schools established last year by Pete. Pete commented ' Gavin is a big character and he is a smart thinker and we need to be smart when we deal with schools as opportunities for both contributing to player development and recruitment clearly exist'. Gavin will also continue to be part of the coaching set up for the Colts team next season.

The club is saddened to hear the news of the passing of Reg Dancer. The ex-player & long supporter of the club became unwell in December and has been in a care home since early March.

His friend Phil Giddings was with him on May 1^st and said that Reg was comfortable and at peace, ready to leave this world for the next.

Reg passed away shortly after.

Tributes have been pouring in for Reg over the past twenty-four hours, remembering him as an always friendly and welcoming character around the club. Known for his sing songs and front row grunt, he will be sorely missed by all those that were fortunate to have known him at the club.

The Club President Paul Ehrhart remembers Reg fondly. He said "Reg first played his rugby for Maldon Vikings and Chelmsford in Essex where he skippered a team in both clubs, and then joined Maidstone in 1973 as a prop forward for the B team; he then took over as skipper for a number of seasons, and then was a founder member of the Veterans team in 1985/6 season. All the time he played he could always be found after the game still in his muddy kit in the bar singing away much to the annoyance of the committee. He was a great tourist leading the singing, and his rendition of The One Eyed Trouser Snake or The Wife the Maid and I, will never be forgotten.  His dedication to the game showed when we went on tour to Canada, the fire alarm went off in the hotel at 4 in the morning and Reg was the only one outside carrying his kit bag, the fire wasn’t going to stop him playing!!!!!!!

A great character, a one off, never to be forgotten". 

On behalf of the club, we wish Margaret, the entire family and friends our deepest condolences.

The funeral will be held at the United Reformed Church, Week Street, ME14 1QU at 3.15pm on Friday 24th May. This will be followed by the wake at the clubhouse from 5pm onwards. Margaret has requested that any club members wishing to attend the funeral, does so wearing club blazers & ties.  

The ever popular "Fat Boys Training" returns for the summer, on Saturday June 1st at 11am on the Somme - and guess what?  You don't need to be fat to attend - or even a boy for that matter, but you do need to be 16 or over. 

Hosted by the never popular Shaun Neaves, you can be sure he will put you through considerable discomfort in the interests of making you a better, fitter and more committed rugby-player - and human-being (which are not entirely incompatible objectives).

He advises that you should bring water and boots and, in the interests of decency, clothing of some description.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting for Maidstone Rugby will take place at The Mote on Thurs 25^th  July 2019 at 8:00pm.

Minutes of the 2018 AGM and details of the agenda for this year’s meeting will be posted here in due course.

If any members have any points, topics or questions to be raised for discussion they should be submitted to the Hon Secretary in writing by Sunday 30^th June 2019 in order that appropriate actions and responses can be prepared.

Please make every effort to attend and have a say in the running of your club.

Firstly, I would like to thank both Andy Golding and Craig Tuffrey for the support I have had during last season. Andy, in particular, has given me an insight into the running of the club and how to conduct oneself. Little did I know that my role as Youth Rugby Manager would end up by the end of the season as being one that is encapsulated in the role of Director of Rugby at the club. However, incorporating one into the other makes a lot of sense for the future.

After doing such a stellar job of the Junior fixtures, Craig Rixon will need to step down at the end of the season due to work commitments. The club is truly thankful to Craig for his fantastic efforts in coordinating the youth games.

This means that as of next season, the club wil need a new Youth Fixtures Coordinator. In the role, you’ll be responsible for organising rugby fixtures for all age groups within the Maidstone Youth section. Players will rely on you to ensure the fixtures provide the right standard of rugby, reflecting the needs of each age group. As it’s all about playing rugby, it’s safe to say it wouldn’t be a rugby club without you.

Ideally, you’ll need to be:

• ♦Well-organised & Conscientious
• ♦Good at communicating
• ♦Patient
• ♦Enthusiastic
• ♦Knowledge of Excel 
• ♦Familiarity of Maidstone Youth Section volunteers and lead Coaches would be helpful but not necessary

The role is not as daunting as it sounds and we guarantee that you'll receive the gratitude of the players, coaches and supporters alike. You’ll be the source of all knowledge about upcoming matches, keeping the season alive and on schedule. The skills needed to do this role are transferable to any walk of life, so having something like this on your CV is attractive to potential employers.

A full role description can be found here.

After 14 years long service and an incredible amount of money gained for the club, Bob Hayton will be stepping down as Sponsorship Officer at the end of the season. Over the years Bob has built up a network of relationships that have benefitted the entire club. From shirt sponsors to Mike Tindall & Lawrence Dallaglio visits, his efforts have reaped such reward for the club. With his everyday work load becoming more pressing, coupled with the multiple hats he already wears for the club, he has reluctantly decided to pass one of hits hats on.

The club is obviously looking for a replacement as soon as possible. Bob will be on hand to help transition the existing relationships across to the new incumbents. With the groundwork laid over so many years, maintaining these relationships is key, but should not be to arduous if picked up quickly.

This is not a role that needs to be filled by one person and we do have a couple of volunteers willing to help out. However, the club still desperately needs a lead in which to coordinate the tasks and oversee the role. The club is also looking to offer a commission base for the Sponsorship role as an incentive to any and all volunteers willing to help the club.

If you are interested in coming on board, then please contact Bob Hayton in the first instance.

The only thing left to say is to thank Bob wholeheartedly for his efforts and persistence throughout his tenure, which without, the club could be in a far different place.

London & South East Division

London & SE Division 2 (SE)

Other Fixtures