I have watched some of these players for 10 years and the one common theme over the years was the patchy nature of their handling. Today however was a different matter, the forwards provided a stable platform and the backs had a field day with slick well timed passes finding teammates running at pace.

Conditions were ideal and the Folkestone forwards started as they meant to go on with a series of drives up the centre of the field, then good hands from the backs followed by a forward drive to the line that look to be held up but the try by Jack Lord was awarded. 5-0 Folkestone then continued to probe for weaknesses and good work from Sid Gurung, stripping an OG’s runner, Doug Wood getting a strong turnover at the breakdown and Harry Smith with an interception which led to a forward drive which was just stopped short. More direct running and good handling from Cameron Sanders and Sid Gurung allowed Harry Smith to run in the try. 10-0

Almost straight from the restart Jack Lord stripped the ball from the OG’s forwards and slick hands from Charlie Watson and James Evans put Harry Smith into space and he pinned his ears back to score under the posts, Doug Wood added the conversion. 17-0 Ben Procter then got in on the act following further fast hands to put Cameron Sanders away on another typically mazy run to score under the posts, Harry Smith added the conversion. 24-0

The little things were starting to go Folkestone’s way, Jack Hill picked up a low pass that on another day would have gone on the floor, Sam Baker stole an OG’s lineout and every loose ball appeared to go to a Folkestone hand.
To their credit OG’s rolled up their sleeves and used a few Folkestone penalties and the wind to pin Folkestone into their own 22. The defence however was resolute and refused to buckle despite repeated strong drives.

That brought the half to end, with it there was a few changes to personnel. Richard Button replaced Josh Holt, James Porter came on for James Evans and Ethan Cox replaces Cameron Seagrove. Folkestone conceded an early penalty, but quickly regained possession and a strong run by James Porter and a well-timed pass to Richard Button travelling at speed saw him score in the corner, Good attempted conversion from Ben Procter hit the post. 29-0

Another trademark Cameron Sanders weaving run at pace saw him take the ball under the posts which gave Ben Procter a much easier conversion. 36-0
The boys then seemed to take their foot off the pedal and started to give away a few penalties which allowed OG’s to have a bit more possession.
A second wave of replacements saw Alvin Coleman on for Sam Baker, Jack Edwards replace Doug Wood and Matt McMahon come on for Jack Hill.
A couple of tries went begging due to forward passes which resulted from more good handling and the timing of the passes was creating space. Liam Balcombe did well to strip the powerful Number 8 and James Porter scythed through a tiring defence to score the 6th try. 41-0

I am starting to sound like a broken record, but further good handling in the backs put Jay Robus away to score under the posts, conversion by Ben Procter. 48-0. The scoring was completed by a fine run, kick and chase by Ben Procter who had a fine all round game, but the conversion was missed.

A really good performance from Folkestone saw all Home parents go home happy, the trick for the boys now is to replicate this sort of performance against opposition who put them under greater pressure.

Team : Liam Balcombe, Harry Hollis, Jack Hill, Sam Baker, Dylan Himbury, Sid Gurung, Cam Seagrove, Jack Lord, Doug Wood, Charlie Watson, James Evans, Harry Smith, Josh Holt, Cameron Sanders, Ben Procter
Reps : Richard Button, James Porter, Ethan Cox, Alvin Coleman, Jack Edwards, Matt McMahon

Folkestone Rugby Club

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