Having not seen the team play for a little while and my last match report [which I have just checked] was a list of conceded penalties, lost line outs and scrums and turnover ball along with a depressing score line. Today nothing could have been further from that match with the well drilled squad making consistently good and intelligent plays, passing with confidence and winning most scrums and line outs – something that they should thank their coaches for.

For the first five minutes Folkestone looked a bit scruffy allowing an Aylesford attack very quickly and then conceding a penalty within kicking distance; this was missed and Stones responded with immediate vigour to this wake up call.

A sustained period of midfield play eventually resulted in a Folkestone penalty which found touch 6m from the line. Stout defending resulted in a scrum to Aylesford which they won only to have the play turned over in dramatic style as the stolen ball passed along the line to Richard Button who was stopped from scoring by a notable Aylesford tackle. The pressure was on though and more pressing play by Stones backs saw Sid Gurung through for a try in the corner. Folkestone 5 Aylesford 0. A difficult conversion chance was missed.

From the restart Folkestone seemed to have their gander up and short series of attacks by Aylesford were repelled with some hard defending and a series of rucks and mauls. An error saw Folkestone win a penalty, quickly taken by Doug Wood who kicked for touch and made considerable ground. From the successful lineout the ball passed swiftly down the line and with the hardy supporters expecting another score a frustrating handling error saw the ball lost for a scrum.

Once again the scrum went Folkestone’s way and again the backs very quickly passed the ball down the line with every pass well-made and caught with Harry Smith being able to get through for a try in almost the same position as the first. Folkestone 10 Aylesford 0. The conversion was equally awkward and equally missed.

Aylesford kicked off quickly, sensing that response was needed and that Folkestone’s guard was down after their second score. They pressed swiftly and despite desperate defending were able to get through for a try near the posts. A better location for a conversion saw a well taken kick succeed. Folkestone 10 Aylesford 7. Game On!

A shocked Folkestone composed themselves from the restart and a great move by Richard Button and Jack Hill resulted in a line out for Aylesford which Folkestone comfortably won then passing the ball out to their rampant backs who once again were faultless in their handling allowing Harry Smith to score his second try of the game. A better placed opportunity saw Doug Wood convert. Folkestone 17 Aylesford 7

Straight from the kick off it was Aylesford’s turn to be on the back foot and a very quick move by Folkestone saw Harry Smith through once again for a try again in a difficult position which could not be converted. Folkestone 22 Aylesford 7.

The whistle blew to bring to an end a first half which saw Folkestone predominately camped in the Aylesford half and seeing their reward.

The second half saw a confident Folkestone quickly pressing their advantage and Harry Smith scoring the fith try of the game. Folkestone 27 Aylesford 7. Stone's really had the wind behind them now and they soon benefited from a fumbled line out near the Aylesford line to see Dylan Himbury over for try number seven of the game. A conversion by Doug Wood saw the score at Folkestone 34 Aylesford 7.

Folkestone supporters will know how their team feels when the score line opens up and perhaps unsurprisingly a valiant Aylesford struggled to keep their morale up while Folkestone’s began to become a little complacent sensing that victory was theirs. The result was a period of rather scruffy play in the middle of the ground notable for some strong play by Jack Hill which was rewarded by a scrum, again successfully won by Folkestone. The ball was moved out fast to the backs who supported Jay Robus as he pushed for the line and was rewarded with a try that Harry Smith was able to convert. Folkestone 41 Aylesford 7

Tired Folkestone legs were relieved by substitutions who very quickly proved their worth when George Way, playing out of position at centre was able to force his way through for the final Folkestone try of the match. Folkestone 46 Aylesford 7. Although substitutions were on 80% of the Folkestone team were playing the whole match and the tired legs were beginning to show and a scrappily conceded penalty in a dangerous position was seized upon by Aylesford as they went over for a try. Folkestone 46 Aylesford 12

It was to be the last score of the match and the last ten minutes was played out with a pressing Aylesford being well defended by Folkestone. It is fair say that the play became a little scrappy on both sides. The whistle could not come quick enough for a victorious Folkestone in a match which secured them a place in the final against Maidstone.

This looks set to be a tough match indeed but Folkestone should be confident if they can carry through the excellent handling and effective scrummaging and line out technique demonstrated today. A team transformed in the last four months!

Steven Way

Folkestone Rugby Club

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