After a night of libation with their hosts, the tourists set off for home taking in a match against Ghent
They found they were playing on “astra” turf with uncontested scrums. The champagne had gone a bit flat overnight and the first session was uninspiri
Ghent Rugby Club 5 Folkestone 20 Report by John Kidson
Next day after a night of libation with their hosts, the tourists set off for home taking in a match against Ghent, on the way, who were a much better opposition. They found they were playing on “astra” turf with uncontested scrums. The champagne had gone a bit flat overnight and the first session was uninspiring, with too many knocks on and having to adjust to the turf.
Folkestone thought they had scored a try but the pitch was multi purpose and he had touched down over the “soccer” line not the try line. But they kept the opponents out with some good tackling particularly by Charlie Millen.
Richard Dagger, Alex Randall and Jordan Godden kept knocking their opponents back and kept the score 0-0 at the end of the First period.
The next chukka was a war of attrition, but one glorious move by Ghent was only stopped when Dagger made a great smother tackle. Then Dagger turned to the attack and found Tommo Murray. Tommo made a superb unload, which went through several hands for Dagger to score to make it 5-0 at the end of the second chukka.
This fired up Stones and after a bruising assault on Gent’s try line young Jake “Jiggles” Ellis made it 0-10. Next a Stone’s attack broke down and Ghent’s speedy right-winger seized the ball and ran in a fine try. 5-10.
By this time the astra turf was taking its toll, especially on Ghent, and they had to borrow 3 spare Stones players to make up their side. No mercy was shown and Jack Cox muscled his way over for his second try of the weekend. 5-15
Then, starting in his own half and with his long stride Dagger nearly reached the try line. His forwards showed their gratitude by winning the ball for him and Dagger scored his second try of the match to produce a final score of 5-20
Man of the match against Ghent Richard Dagger
Their were many First XV players unable to tour, but these young keen men who did tour showed that Coaches Leigh Fitchie and Marc Spearpoint have strength in depth that should deliver them a successful season.