Sat 16 Sep 2023
Maldon 15 v 52 Mavericks 16.09.23
Maldon welcomed Mavericks to Drapers Farm for the opening league game in Counties Essex 1, following promotion last season. The sun was out, the temperature high & the pitch was like rock. The game started with Maldon losing the ball in contact around their 22m line & this gave Mavericks possession, which they kept until they crossed the line after only a few minutes, 0-7. Not the start that was needed. But, Maldon came back well by running hard lines, showing good handling & supporting each other. The end result was that Jamie Farrup crossed in the corner, making the score 5-7. From then on, Mavericks showed Maldon that this division will be a step up in terms of quality & that Maldon will need to raise their standards if they wish to be competitive. Mavericks moved the ball wide really well, creating space all over the pitch & had 15 players who were mobile & could handle the ball. Maldon did have scrum dominance, but, unfortunately, did little with the possession they had. Mavericks scored a further 4 tries, a few of which were a consequence of missed tackles. Maldon were happy with their structure, but slipped off too many tackles. One more Mavericks try was due to a lucky bounce, but despite this the first half was all Mavericks. Maldon tried to compete hard at the breakdown, and were very unlucky with some calls where the ball seemed to be turned over, but ultimately the decision went against us.
Half-time 5-33 & a big hill to climb.
The second half showed much improvement from Maldon, Jim Roblin made an immediate impression by retaining possession from a Maldon kick off. But, giving up possession allowed Mavericks to score again. After this, Maldon did improve, with better running lines & better support. Jimmy Moore had obviously been watching George Ford & slotted over a drop goal, which was closely followed by good support & handling, finishing off with skipper Joshua Chadwick crossing the line, converted by Dan Allen.
Mavericks improved their scrummaging throughout this half, which saw them attack from first phase, but Maldon’s defence had improved from the first half, particularly, up front, from George Alden-Smith & Chris Hadfield & out wide from wingers Sam Johnson & Dan Allen. Mavericks scored a couple more tries to make the final score 15-52. This was a tough introduction to this division, which will, hopefully, spur Maldon to train towards raising their game, so that future games will lead to victories.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Sam Johnson & Dan Allen for excellent defence & strong running in attack.
