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MFC archives record that a decade ago my “It’s in the Genes” article conveyed the joy we all get

from success in sport whether it be my granddaughter’s fifty metre swimming badge or having a

world class rugby international son. The latter being Michael Kent Hooper who won 125 Australian

caps (2012 -2223) – the son of David Hooper who was an outstanding flanker for Maidstone in the

1980’s. Michael created exceptional rugby records and his career was meritorious. As for my tiny

granddaughter it was suggested “who knows she may end up swimming for England”.

The article demonstrated a strong sporting link from one generation to another but does it extend

further down and in particular within Maidstone? Read on and find an interesting local rugby story.

A decade later, another genetic Maidstone rugby link has been discovered. Hidden away in a

beautiful Kent oast house on the edge of Maidstone lives an elderly gentleman by the name of John

Smith. John, born in Maidstone and a Maidstone Grammar School boy was a local sports master

(Oakwood School) and had a long and distinguished career. He had the distinction of coaching

David Sadler who achieved football fame for Manchester Utd and England (4 caps). All these years

later David still keeps in touch with 90 year old John. How wonderful is that.

In his youth, during the 1950’s, John played on the wing for the Maidstone first XV. He played

along side his life long friend, captain Ian Milstead (outside half) and winger Alf Johnson. The

rugby strategy at that time was to keep passing the ball out “wide” because one of the speedy

Maidstone wingers would somehow end up scoring. It worked, as the record shows:-

                                                     Played 26 Won 25 Draw 0 Lost 1

The only defeat being against a powerful Harlequins team. (It is surprising that this superb record is

excluded in the club’ s centenary booklet of 1980.)

So why are we specifically interested in John Smith? Well, his son Jeremy (who captained Brighton

RFC and played for Hong Kong) married a Filipina lady and John’s grandson is outside half Marcus

Smith of Harlequins, England and British and Irish Lions fame. Marcus is a mere 25 years old but

already has an impressive list of achievements. 165 appearances for Harlequins (1,505 points), 39

England caps and 248 points and has played for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa in 2021.

In his first game for the Lions he converted 7 tries successfully in a 49-3 win against Stormers.

Grandad John keeps a very close watch on Marcus’ career and already has a library of thirty scrap

books. Clearly, Marcus is hugely talented and it’s an easy prediction that more England and Lions

caps will be forth coming. A British and Irish test cap must be the next goal for Marcus in Australia

in 2025.

The future looks bright and long may it continue. John and his family are very proud of Marcus in

all respects and that what it’s all about. May the scrap book library extend for many years to come.

Maybe we’ll have grandad and Marcus down at the Mote one match day so that we can sell the joy

of community rugby because that’s where it all starts.

As for my granddaughter… she no longer swims competitively. However, she has been selected by

England at hockey and maybe she’ll get to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and represent Team GB.

Lets hope we are still around to find out what’s in those genes of hers. Dreams do come true.

 

                                                                           Graham Norton