Folkestone’s expectations were realistic going into this match, the final of the East Kent Cup, recent performances have been encouraging though and Stones have become an effective squad, especially their back line

Opponents Medway RFC are a known quantity, tough and well organised with a record of success against Stones U16’s, it was going to be beauty against brawn.

From the off the pressure was on from Medway as the ball travelled across the pitch from touch line to touch line from both pass and boot. A series of line outs and set plays for both sides left Stones on the back foot, especially from line outs which were to be a challenge for the whole match.

After 15 minutes or so of defending stoutly Stones conceded a penalty close to their line and were fortunate that Medway fumbled the ball. The series of line outs and scrums that followed were well worked by Medway and it was not a surprise that they were able to go over for a try. The conversion was missed. Stones 0 Medway 5

After the restart Stones seemed to find their legs and started to pressure Medway, passing the ball with confidence, making smart decisions and a brilliant over the shoulder catch from Josh Holt. Disappointingly the ball was turned over by Medway who immediately used their speed and weight to press for the line, only held back by a series of try saving tackles from the Stones backs.

A scrum in a dangerous position was lost and what looked like a certain try was prevented by some slack handling by Medway, try as they might [and they did try hard – especially the pack] Stones could not hold Medway back to prevent their second try of the game. Stones 0 Medway 10

The Medway pressure quickly continued though and after some desperate defending Stones conceded another penalty for offside close to the line. Medway simply had to get the ball to their biggest player who was then unstoppable as he bludgeoned his way through to score under the posts for a simply converted try. Stones 0 Medway 17

Stones supporters began to experience an early season Groundhog Day expecting Stones shoulders to drop and the score to race away from them, Medway supporters started to mutter about the floodgates opening.

Both sets of supporters must have felt they were near the truth as Stones quickly conceded some scrappy penalties. Medway’s players were clearly feeling and expressing that they had the superior hand and again went over to touch down for a converted try. Stones 0 Medway 24 as the players went off for half time.

To their credit Stones came off with their heads up and seemed suddenly to remember that it was mother’s day as I’m sure I heard something about the mothers not beating them as a part of their half time talk.

Whatever was said Folkestone were off like a rocket at the restart, immediately putting Medway on the back foot, much to their surprise. Suddenly Stones were winning scums and forcing Medway to make error after error, the effort paid off as Medway conceded a series of penalties in the middle of the pitch from which Jack Hill and Sid Gurung were able to push forwards before a line out close to the line was won by Stones and Harry Smith was able to force his way through for a try which Doug Wood converted. Stones 7 Medway 24
Clearly conceding any score was not in the Medway game plan and they were rattled from the restart making more and more errors as Stones confidence grew, a superb steal by Doug Wood was only bettered when the ball was passed to Harry Smith who delivered a very cheeky and successful chip and run. Stones 12 Medway 24. Game On with 15 minutes to go.

The point passed where, however unlikely it may appear, Stones started to think they could win and Medway suddenly realised they could lose.

As always in these situations the last fifteen minutes become a slugging match and as bodies and minds tire play can become scrappy and a little undisciplined, two high tackles from Medway [one un-penalised] evidenced this well.

Stones kept the pressure on almost going over for a score and then defending magnificently against a sustained onslaught from Medway in the last 5 minutes. For both teams and both supporters the whistle couldn’t come soon enough.

The team should be praised for keeping their heads up and not only getting right back in to the game stopping their bigger and fitter opponents from getting any score in the second half. Definitely a game of two halves and a game that Stones didn’t win as opposed to a game they lost.

Final Score - Folkestone 12 Medway 24

Folkestone Rugby Club

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