Wanderers Vets edged out in Kent Final of Spitfire Gold Bowl

Wanderers Vets Picture - Mark Large

By Colin Whiteley

OLD GRAVESENDIANS VETS 14 – 12 THANET WANDERERS VETS

The Veterans stood with the opposition and crowd for a minute’s silence in honour of Neil Armstrong, an ex-first team player and key Club volunteer who died very recently.

In the first half, Thanet played with the benefit of the slope but into a strong breeze. Danny Clement, in the unlikely role of scrum half, combined well with Peter Macaulay at Ten and most of the early play was in OGs half. Promising moves broke down before Macaulay sent Sam Rolfe away to touch down wide right.

Photo Mark Large

Rolfe’s conversion attempt was wide, but Thanet led 5-0. Ten minutes before half time Kirk Savage added a second try. Great interplay between forwards and backs broke down the defence and provided space for the hooker to touch down under the posts. Rolfe converted and Thanet led 12-0 at half-time.

OGs made some good breaks in the second half, scoring two tries including a penalty try after eight and eighteen minutes, which took them two points clear. Wanderers had opportunities but frustrated by some key decisions, could not cross the line again before referee, Mr Jez Michaels blew for full time and signalled OGs as the winners by 14-12.

Picture – Mark Large

Thanks to him and his fellow officials and to Maidstone RFC for staging another finals day full of sporting and enjoyable action. Peter Macaulay said: “We were of course disappointed to lose, but the day was far bigger than that and it was fantastic to have many players and supporters from the Club involved”