Kent Exiles vs Maidstone Pumas MATCH REPORT

By Martin Jefkins

The Kent Exiles routed their local rivals Maidstone Pumas in a one sided affair which saw them rack up a record setting score.

Ben Abbot on the run c/o Kieron Hyams

The Exiles dominated in all facets of play, but especially on the ground where Ben Abbot racked up 121 yards and 3 touchdowns, and rookie speedster Ryan Critcher also got a hat-trick, a 2 point conversion, and an amazing 236 yards, whilst veteran Colin Hubbock also posted over 100 all purpose yards and 2 touchdowns.


Quarterback Zac Ritchie also got in on the act, hitting Sam Clarke with 2 toouchdown passes, and Colin Chislett and Richard Francia with one each. Ritchie also hit Derrick Bennet and Abbott with 2 point conversions, and Tom Rowles also scored his first of the season after Chislett lateralled to him whilst being tackled on a 60 yard gain, with Rowles taking it the final 10 yards for the score.

Not to be outdone the defence had a fine game, Ryan Wilson snaring 3 interceptions, and Kieron Woolmer grabbing 2, whilst Remi Daniels and Ennis Alhashimi both recovered fumbles. The defence also scored 2 points when Chris Price and Dan Rolt combined to tackle the Pumas running back in the endzone for a safety.

Another rookie also shone in the game, as Dean Leander made 3 amazing special teams tackles inside the Pumas 5 yard line each of which set up points for the Exiles.

Following the game Exiles Head Coach Tony Bainbridge commented "it was nice to get a record score, but much more importantly we played well in all facets of the game, and got all of our younger players some good gametime. It's performances like this we need to produce in our tougher games, and that's the challenge for all of my players now, they have set a benchmark to live up to".