Sat 28 Mar 2026
Maldon welcomed Stanford-Le-Hope to Drapers on a day that produced glorious sunshine, strong winds, hailstones, calm weather & rain at various times. Competing with the conditions was at least half the battle for both teams, plus Stanford-Le-Hope were intent on improving their performance from the first game, earlier in the season, when Maldon scored 60 points.
Maldon started well moving the ball around, trying to use their backs. Alakarnye Turay was leaving Stanford-Le-Hope defenders grasping at thin air with his impressive footwork. By keeping possession, Maldon were able to create space for Dan Allen to throw a dummy & race past the defence to score the game's opening try, which he converted himself, 7-0. Stanford-Le-Hope, however, were not going to roll over, & they kicked well, gaining ground & then used their big ball carriers nearer to the try line. Before too long Stanford-Le-Hope managed to cross the line for a well taken try, 7-5. Maldon were doing a lot of defending, with some players being aggressive in defence repeatedly. However, the referee did speak to both teams regarding high tackles.
Maldon started to have more possession &, as at the start of the game, they used this well, gaining ground with some very strong carries by the forwards & good running into space by the backs. The outcome of this possession was that Joe Entwistle scored the next try, continuing his try-scoring feats of recent games, for Maldon to finish the half 12-5 up.
Maldon had the elements with them in the second half, albeit that the wind dropped considerably at one point.
Maldon started strongly, with some top quality ball handling, involving juggling & slow-motion passing, with many players involved. Eventually, Ben Harbutt had enough space & time to score in the corner, 17-5.
This was immediately followed by some better handling & use of space, for captain Lewis Nichols to run in under the posts, converted by Dan Allen, 24-5.
Stanford-Le-Hope then rejoined the game, although their players were dropping like flies. Despite this, Stanford-Le-Hope did put a number of phases together, allowing their 2nd row to power over near the posts, 24-12.
Maldon were then punished for repeated offences regarding high tackles & Jack Evans, who had tackled non-stop for weeks, was the recipient of a yellow card. Despite being reduced to 14 men, Maldon took advantage of the tiring opposition, Jack Judd's miss pass to Jim Roblin allowing him to gallop in from 25 metres, then Joe Entwistle to cross his second, both converted by Dan Allen for a final score of 38-12.
This was a well deserved victory, over Stanford-Le-Hope, which leaves Maldon with 3 remaining games. Maldon will be keen to perform well in these remaining games, to ensure a top 6 finish.
Man of the match - Dan Allen & Jack Judd
Next league fixture is at away against Campion on 11.04
