This was a special night in the history of Folkestone Rugby Club when the new floodlights were switched on, new installation of the tallest rugby posts in Kent

This was a special night in the history of Folkestone Rugby Club when the new floodlights were switched on, new installation of the tallest rugby posts in Kent (unless you know different???) and all on the Club's 40th birthday. The initial switching on of the lights was to have been undertaken by Marlie Packer who scored two tries in the winning England v Canada World Cup Final recently. She was however, delayed by a road traffic accident on the M20 so Chairman Mark Edwards stepped in to do the honours.
To mark such a prestigious evening, Ashford were invited to provide the opposition and if this team was true reflection of their 1st and 2nd XV Squad then they may well struggle in their new promotion to London South East 2.
This was a spectacle of outstanding, open rugby provided by Folkestone who outplayed Ashford in every phase. In the first half Ashford hardly got into Folkestone territory and in the second half it took them 35 minutes to cross the half way line except when kicking out after Folkestone had scored.
Within five minutes Adam Tolman had sliced through the defence to score and Jon Morton added the two points (7 - 0). This was quickly followed by a burst and try from Tom Snare which Jon Morton again converted.
Folkestone kept the pressure on Ashford and were only kept from scoring a further twice by desperate tackling. The home forwards were crashing through the defensive line and Ben Stringer, Tom Carvill, Tim Wood and Tom Snare leading the charge. The three-quarters were running some beautiful lines orchestrated by Will Silvey and John Eustace and Jon Morton were able to snuff out any attacking moves Ashford produced.
To be fair to Ashford they too kept moving the ball and making it an open, flowing game but lacked penetration when faced with a strong defensive home back line. Jordan Godden replaced Jack Cox at scrumhalf after fifteen minutes.
Both sides relaxed the rules and played a rolling subs game and it was like watching a No.7 bus with the amount of players getting on and off the field. Folkestone played all 22 players including 1st XV debuts for three Under 18 players - Frank Morgan, Jake Ellis and Ross Johnson who committed themselves admirably and we can expect to see a lot more of them in the near future.
Jon Morton then added to his tally with a try but bounced his conversion off the posts.
Folkestone were on fire and giving Ashford a lesson in running rugby with Richard Dagger and Chris Goldfinch as a dangerous pair of wings. Charlie Millen, Will Turner and Richie Bowen were a formidable back three in the pack and harassed the visiting halfback pair unmercifully. Will Silvey peppered the touchline with some astute kicks gaining valuable ground. Richie Bowen then broke away from the half way line to sprint in under the posts for Morton to add the conversion. Half time 26 - 0.
Chris Petley, Steve Doughty ross Johnson were now on the pitch and a well executed move saw Jordan Godden and John Eustace feed Tom Snare who threw a long miss-pass to Doughty who romped over for a try. No conversion. Will Turner broke through the defence to the 22m line and a series of pick-and-drives by the forwards saw Tom Carvill feed Will Silvey for another try which Frankie Morgan converted.
Another loose maul in the Ashford 22 area saw Jordan Godden slide through for Frankie Morgan to convert from the touchline. Chris Goldfinch then made a strong break down the left wing to add another 5 points and Frankie Morgan had the cheek to drop-goal the conversion from a fair distance out. Ashford then had the only break through in the half and nearly succeeded in scoring except for two smother tackles on the home 22 try line. The irrepressible Mat Roots was now on the park and his trundle downfield saw him feed Jordan Godden who found Jake "Jiggles" Ellis outside him and watched him score his first senior try for the Club - not bad for a 17 year old!!! Final Score 57 - 0.
I have not mentioned Ashford much in the above but would compliment them on their desire to play open rugby when allowed. Their defence needed to be strong - which it was- but could not cope with the constant attacks by Folkestone. The game was played in an excellent spirit and gave Coaches Leigh Fitchie and Mark Spearpoint great pleasure in seeing their efforts on the training pitch come to fruition.
A good all-round performance by a quality Folkestone squad which augers well for the future.

Team: Adam Tolman; Richard Dagger Jon Morton, John Eustace, Chris Goldfinch; Will Silvey, Jack Cox; Tom Carvill, Warren Blandford, Tom Snare; Ben Stringer,Tim Wood; Charlie Millen, Will Turner and Richie Bowen

Subs: Jordan Godden, Chris Petley, Steve Doughty, Mat Roots, Frankie Morgan, Jake Ellis and Ross Johnson.

Scorers: Adam Tolman 5; Jon Morton 2, 2, 5, 2; Tom Snare 5; Richie Bowen 5; Steve Doughty 5; Will Silvey 5; Frankie Morgan 2, 2, 2; Jordan Godden 5; Chris Goldfinch 5; Jake Ellis 5;