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Sunday 3rd May 2009: Maidstone Pumas 0 Kent Exiles 46

Steep learning curve for Pumas Youth

It was the first ever 11-a-side game for the newly reformed Maidstone Pumas Youth Kitted team and for most of 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 offence had limited success on their first drive and ended up punting the ball away. The Pumas defence then stepped up and held the Exiles to 13 yards and sacked the Exiles QB. Unfortunately, Pumas QB Damien Jarrett fumbled on the next play giving the ball back. The defence 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 1st down. The drive continued into the 2nd quarter with the Pumas running for 28 yards but loosing 15 in offside penalties. This time the punt bounced off an Exiles player to be recovered by Halfback Alasdair Mackay. After some more runs including a 20 yarder by Antonio Taylor and 20 yards in penalties in our favour we were 1st and goal. With the endzone in sight the offence faltered then 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.

The Pumas next Offensive series produced its first completed pass to Taylor for 18 yards but then on a broken pass play Jarrett tried to shovel the ball to MacKay but it was fumbled and recovered by the opposition. The Exiles went on to pass for a Touchdown and recover another fumble for the forth. Both conversions failed leaving the halftime score at 24-0.

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 D lineman Frankie Pankhurst who rumbled on for 42 yards before being brought down on the Exiles 10 yard line. Once again the over keenness of the offence to try and score saw errors creep into the play and the opportunity went begging.

The Defence once again looked good as Defensive Back Jon Dowling intercepted a pass but the O line were unable to keep the pressure off of Damien and he was sacked 5 times in the second half. As the fourth quarter started the Exiles scored on a punt return and made their first 2 point conversion. Two more touchdowns followed as the tired Pumas made mistakes, leaving the final score at 46-0.

Head Coach James McCartney said “The lack of a preseason game really showed as we made a lot of mistakes today but we also made some good gains at times. Now we have a few weeks of practice to sort out some of the problems”.

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 London Blitz travels to Aylesford Rugby Club for a 12pm kick off. Entrance is free.

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