Pumas opening day loss

Posted in: BAFL 2, Maidstone Pumas    By Ted Smith May 6, 2009 - 10:01:34 AM

Maidstone Pumas 8-52 Essex Spartans 

 

The Maidstone Pumas kicked off their 2009 season by travelling to Essex to meet old foes the Essex Spartans. The 2009 Pumas introduced some new signings, the Shepherd brothers, Scott and Aaron, who had transferred from local rivals, East Kent Mavericks as well as 4 rookie players. The Pumas had two pre season scrimmages, which had led to a sense of optimism within the camp. Essex had changed the head coach welcoming back Dean Gibson back to the team.

 

Both teams had plenty of possession in the first quarter, with long drives, which ultimately petered out. Essex struck first with Craig Willis running for 23 and then 48 yards to take a 14–0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Willis would go on to score two more in the game.

 

Pumas quarterback John Bowden started to get the ball rolling but was continuously hounded by the blitzing Essex defense and signs of rustiness by the Pumas team caused the Pumas to play catch up. The Pumas gave up 3 further scores in the second quarter, which effectively finished off the game. Some strong words on the sideline with some reorganisation, lead to the Pumas best play of the game so far when quarterback Bowden hit receiver Mat Hulbert for a 47 yard gain, however, Hulbert was tackled on the Essex 10 yard line. With barely seconds left to the half, the Pumas tried to convert field position into points, but came up short.

 

During the break, several alterations and positional changes were made, which led to the team coming out and firing on all cylinders. A more balanced attack behind Bowden’s arm and running back James Cherry, led to a sustained drive down to the Spartans 20 yard line, where Bowden connected with Hulbert for a touchdown. Aaron Shepherd then caught the 2 point after try. Both teams slugged it out with the Pumas giving up additional scores as they used the remainder of the game to try out different formations and players in different spots.

 

Coach Navarro said after the game, “Once we got settled we did move the ball and there were times we stopped them. The defense will be changed slightly to work with people's strengths and better hide weaknesses. However, we gave away too many penalties and had too many people in the wrong place. This Saturday we will spend more time in the locker room discussing our game plan and sorting out each individual's game time responsibilities”.

 

The Pumas now play the reformed London Olympians on Saturday lunchtime – 1:00 pm at Aylesford Rugby Club. This is a change from the advertised schedule, as Aylesford will be swamped on Sunday with the Kent County Association Rugby Cup finals.

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