MAIDSTONE Rugby Club have been kicked out of the Kent Cup after failing to put out a team against Aylesford in a quarter-final clash last season.

The club have been excluded for failing to fulfill a Kent Plate fixture on March 27. Aylesford claimed the late withdrawal from the local derby cost them about £6,000.

The Kent Rugby Union ruled Maidstone’s failure to play the game, or give an adequate warning, warranted their expulsion.

A spokesman said: “The rules are quite simple. If you don’t honour a fixture you don’t go in next year.

“Maidstone have been in the county competitions for long enough to know that.”

The club put on a brave face after the decision. Press officer Ray Vale said they were expecting a fine, but are now hoping it proves a blessing in disguise as they try to bounce back to London 2 South at the first attempt.

Their now uncongested London 3 South East programme starts at the Mote on September 13, when they entertain Lewes.

A week later they travel to league rivals Dartfordians in the first round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup.

Players will now be training twice a week. New captain Jon Sargent says virtually all of last year’s squad are available.

Maidstone have a tough friendly programme, with two away games against London One teams. They take on Canterbury on August 23, then meet Thanet Wanderers a week later.