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Maidstone
Pumas 0
The Maidstone Pumas Youth Kitted team kicked off in their first ever 11-a-side
game for the newly reformed Pumas Youth and for most the team their first
competitive action in the sport.
The
Pumas travelled to Crockenhill to take on an experienced Kent Exiles squad,
which was always going to be a challenge. However, apart from the many offside
penalties and general confusion there were lots of positives for the rookie
side.
The Pumas offense had limited success on their first drive but ended up
punting the ball away. The Pumas defense then stepped up and held the Exiles to
13 yards and sacked the Exiles quarterback. Unfortunately, Pumas quarterback Damien
Jarrett fumbled on the next play giving the ball back.
The defense retaliated with another sack,
again by defensive end Elliot Chacksfield, but helped by a 15 yard penalty
against us the Exiles were able to score on a 2 yard run through the
middle.
The Exiles tried a fake field
goal but were tackled in the backfield.
The Pumas got the ball back and started a drive which proved that the
Pumas could be competitive in this league. After looking as though the Pumas
would hand the ball over to the Exiles, the Pumas punter suffered a late hit, giving
the Pumas an automatic first down. The Pumas continued to move the ball on the
ground, but conceded too many penalties. However, the Pumas tried for a 3 point
field goal, which was taken by Charlie Garland, however the kick was blocked,
picked up by the Exiles and run back for a touchdown.
Half time came and was used by the coaching staff to try and put right
the errors which had crept into the play. The beginning of the second half saw
a great fumble recovery by defensive lineman Frankie Pankhurst who rumbled on
for 42 yards before being brought down on the Exiles 10 yard line. Over
keenness of the offense to try and score saw errors creep into the play and the
opportunity went begging.
The second half saw the more experienced Exiles turn on the power
despite a spirited Pumas team. Highlights of which were defensive back Jon
Dowling intercepting a pass, a further sack of the Exiles quarterback, which
made 3 on the day.
Head Coach
General Manager Mark Lawrence added “I was just proud with what we had
achieved in getting the team this far; we know that it is going to be a steep
learning curve for these guys”.
The Pumas youth are still looking for players,
for this season and beyond. You can contact the Pumas via the website www.pumasafc.co.uk
Next game is at home on Sunday 30th
May, when the