LIVELY FOLKESTONE RUN IN SIX TRIES FOR A GOOD WIN

FOLKESTONE 38 pts v GILLINGHAM ANCHORIANS 17 pts 23rd March 2024

With two matches left in the league season before the cup competitions start Folkestone, in 4th place, needed results in their favour to achieve promotion – whereas their opponents were in a similar situation to avoid relegation.

Folkestone kicked off facing a strong wind and conceded a try in the opening minutes from a loose ball snapped up by the Gills and then had to defend against a series of attacks which, aided by three penalties, were close to scoring again. But Folkestone looked sharper in open space and their line speed and passing took them into the red zone and Greg Wood saw a gap and shot though it before Gills could muster a defence Callum Palmieri converted the try. 7 -5

The Stones were lively and always looking for ways to attack but they failed through simple errors and it was not until the 32nd minute that Harry Dean broke through on the right wing and touched down. This then was followed two minutes later by a similar try on left wing by Freddy Fraiers who dodged and outpaced the defence. 17 – 5.

The second half was only two minutes old when Ryan Morton saw a gap 30 metres out, midfield, and was too quick for the opposition to respond and touched down under the posts for another 7 points. And minutes later Gills were caught out again with a short kick forward and the speed of follow up by Harry Dean resulted in an easy try between the posts to increase the lead to 31 -5 with the bonus point secured.

But Gills fought back well and dominated possession and territory for long periods before a strong maul was rewarded by a converted try and whilst the attacks continued, rewards were scant due to a solid defensive effort by the whole Folkestone team It was unfortunate that captain Callum Palmieri dislocated his thumb in a tackle and as forced to leave the field.

But Folkestone were always looking for openings and variations of plays and a kick ahead by Charlie Morton with a sprint for the line resulted in the sixth try for jubilant home team. 38 -12.

The referee was unhappy with the close quarter indiscipline of the Folkestone forwards who conceded 17 penalties in the game and one yellow card, and Gills took late advantage of this by a third try by their forwards in the 78th minute bringing the final score to 38 – 17.

Other results meant no change in the league position for Folkestone who now face Sidcup at home in their final match on the 6th April

Team:- Tom Snare, James Cousens. Mason Colchester-Long. Rob Godden Ben Stringer. John Godden Alex Price. John Eustace. Greg Wood. Seyhan Fell. Freddie Fraiers. Louis Watson, Callum Palmieri, Harry Dean. Charlie Watson. Subs Ryan Morton R. Hayward. Harry Ilman.