WESTCOMBE PARK 26 pts. V. FOLKESTONE 12 pts. 4th January 202

In the reverse fixture, Westcombe Park also scored 26 points, whilst Folkestone scored 61 points but there was no repeat win for them as their poor away form continued. Park ran in three breakaway tries in the second half to seal a victory which at half time they were losing to an enthusiastic Folkestone XV in a game thwart with mistakes and stoppages.

The first half was evenly matched, and The Stones were containing the larger opposition well by some excellent tackling. Play mostly took place between the 22 metres lines as the ground cut up badly in this area. Both sides had forays into the attacking zones but repelled effectively – until Folkestone won the ball in a maul in their own 22 metre zone and put a long kick up field that the speedy Harry Dean followed and ripping the ball from the full back’s catch, he then wriggled through the clutches of two defenders and dived over to score 0 – 5.

The second half was made difficult for the Stones as they first refused three points with a penally kick under the posts, preferring to run the ball, and losing it – and then often kicking the ball to the opposition who showed themselves fully capable of defending and capitalising on this tactic. Park’s forwards scored a converted try, after setting up and maintaining attacking positions in the red zone, to take the lead 7 – 5.

Folkestone were trying to play expansive rugby, not afraid to use their passing and running skills, but Park were able keep the play in the safer zones. The game changed when Park broke through a Folkestone attacking line and ran the length of the field to score their second try. Folkestone then retaliated with a long cross field kick that Harry Dean was able to follow up and wrestle the ball for himself before diving over to score. Jack Hobbs converting well 14 – 12.

Whether Folkestone tired, or Park were rejuvenated was academic as the last quarter of the game was dominated by Park who were happy to defend and then force a way through the gaps, or kick long, putting Folkestone back in their own half. Two break-away tries in the final period put Park into an unassailable position and the final score of 26 – 12.

Next week Folkestone play Sidcup at home – the two sides have equal points in the league table as they strive to lift themselves into the top three for promotion places.