Aylesford U16 52 Folkestone U16 15
Sunday 9th October 2016 Report from andy Parmenter.

Folkestone U16s visited Aylesford for a friendly. Folkestone had played two and won two so far this season and were looking forward to testing themselves against traditionally strong opponents at this age group.

Folkestone started strongly and over the first 10 minutes had the better of the game, but could not convert their chances. This proved costly as Aylesford scored and you could see their confidence soar. No matter how hard the young Stones tried they were either held by the home sides defence or took the wrong option. A penalty by Louis Watson was Folkestone only success in the half, in which they lost debutant Levi Quigley to an ankle injury. Aylesford ended the first half 24 – 3 up.

The U16s then showed a familiar trait as they went to sleep at the start of the second half and Aylesford crossed for two more tries, both converted. Folkestone came back strongly to allow birthday boy Luke Down to cross for a try. The match then ebbed and flowed and errors from both teams prevented more scores, until Aylesford slipped tackles for a try.

Folkestone then scored through Tom Clarke as they drove forward with quick pick and goes from the forwards. Aylesford had the final word with a try at the death to win 52 – 15. Although the score was strongly in Aylesford’s favour, this did not truly reflect the match. Aylesford took their opportunities and Folkestone didn’t. This will come as the team gets more experienced. As well as Levi Quigley, Kiyoshi Lee-Thomas, Josh Graham, Tommy Bartholomew and Sam Perez are all relatively new to the game and have only really started playing this season. Three experienced players were also missing.

Thank you to Aylesford for supplying replacement players to replace Folkestone’s injuries and to the referee (an Aylesford coach) who allowed the game to be played in the right spirit and the rugby to flow.

Man of the match was Jacob Rencen for outstanding tackling and carry the Aylesford kicks back to them with interest.

Team 1 -15: Will Guy, Kiyoshi Lee-Thomas, Zi Hines; Joseph Himbury, Brendon Atkinson; Luke Down, Nat Parmenter, Tom Clarke; Levi Quigley, Josh Graham; Louis Watson, Tommy Bartholomew. Michael Candido, Sam Perez; Jacob Rencen.

Folkestone Rugby Club

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