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Colchester Gladiators 20 Maidstone Pumas 12
On a lovely summer’s day at Aylesford Rugby Club, the
Maidstone Pumas returned to their home ground to welcome the Colchester
Gladiators.
The Pumas on the back of last weekends defeat to the local
rivals, East Kent Mavericks, were confident of putting up a good showing
against a team who two seasons ago won promotion to Division 1, only to drop
down last season.
The first quarter was dominated by defense, with the only
bright spark coming from Pumas quarterback John Bowden pass to Anthony Malyan
for the longest reception of the season so far 42 yards. A Colchester run for a
touchdown was called back for a technical infringement, which led to a
scoreless quarter.
The second quarter started with the Pumas driving the ball
deep into the Colchester half with running back, James Cherry taking the hand
offs and making good yardage. However, the score came after a Bowden to Malyan
pass which was for 11 yards, leaving Bowden 1 yard to dive in for the score.
A determined Colchester side started the second half,
taking the game to the Pumas. On the Colchester first drive, running back
Duncan Flack ran in from 8 yards. This was followed by Alex Robinson making the
two point conversion. On the next series, Paul Gates ran down the sideline and
scored on a 19 yard touchdown.
One thing, which is not in doubt, is that the 2008 Pumas
play for 60 minutes and with plenty of heart. After a spell of excellent
defense, Bowden was chased from the pocket, but launched a pass down the field
that was caught by Malyan for a 31 yard touchdown. Pumas went for the 2 point
conversion, which James Cherry capped a splendid day by making the tying score.
Cherry would go on and record his second 100 yard game of the season.
Both teams then went for the win, with possession changing
hands, however, Colchester took the ball with less than two minutes on the
clock. After a sideline pass which moved the ball downfield and a series of
runs, Colchester were on the Pumas 3 yard line with 3 seconds left.
Unfortunately, for the Pumas they were caught out by the speed of Robinson who
swept into the endzone. Immediately, the officials, who had an excellent game,
called the end of the game.
It was a sober group of players who shook hands with the
opposition. Coaches Earl and Lear praised the effort of a small squad, many
playing both ways.
The Pumas schedule now shows a welcome week off before
returning to Aylesford Rugby Club with the return visit of the East Kent
Mavericks. Kick off is 2.30 on the 22nd June.
The club are building upon these successes and are still
looking for players both youth and senior also coaches to assist with the 2008
campaign and beyond.