Uckfield, last season, were Folkestone’s bête noire

UCKFIELD 1sts 10 FOLKESTONE 1sts 29
London 3 SE
Saturday 12th December 2015 By: Alan Schofield
Uckfield, last season, were Folkestone’s bête noire including that remarkable game when Folkestone were leading 23 – 0, but contrived to lose 23 – 39! But this season Uckfield are going through a difficult period – propping up the division - and highlighted last week when they could not raise a team to play top-of-the-table Bromley.
Added to their difficulties was the fact that my consistently reliable magpie test showed that The Stones would win. (The magpie test is based on the whether I see one or two magpies on the morning of the match – seeing one means we will lose, and two indicates a win.)
And so it was that on this rawky day In East Sussex on a miry pitch Folkestone came alive in the second half to take a five point win, easily, after a dour first 40 minutes.
The exceptionally strong wind, blowing directly downfield, was the regulating factor as Uckfield chose to play with this in their backs for the first half. And unfortunately there was little else to report for 40 minutes. Most times Uckfield had the ball they kicked – Seyhan Fell and Adam Tolman were secure under these but ensuing minor offences in abundance created a situation where almost every play in this half took place between the 22 metre lines.
The Stones forwards were generally in control of all set pieces, rucks and mauls they, quite rightly into this wind, chose a direct route down the middle and ‘Jiggles’ Ellis, Josh Kemp and Will Turner bashed away at the opposition gaining some ground, but then minor offences by both teams broke up any continuity. Seyhan Fell put The Stones into a 3 – 0 lead early on and this was the score when half time came.
Uckfield showed little attacking force in the first half but they managed to defend with enthusiasm but it was hoped that Folkestone could take every advantage of the weather conditions and bring their fitness and skills into play. However it was the home side that scored first with a well taken –penalty kick into the wind after footballing the ball up field, but The Stones were looking a different team now. 3-3.
Winning a scrum, and moving quickly right through Doug Wood, Jon Morton, and John Eustace the ball found Charlie Watson, on the right wing, who was denied a try by just contacting the touchline.
The Stones were gaining the confidence to start their quick passing movements and when Will Turner slipped a cunning backhand and inside pass to Jiggles Ellis –he was clear through the gap created to make 25 metres before releasing it to Adam Tolman, in close support, to run through for the first try that Seyhan Fell converted well from out on the left. 3 – 10.
Two minutes later as Folkestone moved through the gears, the forwards won another ball; Chris Petley started the backs running right before John Eustace was stopped by two opponents, leaving them one short in defence – and it was Jon Morton who changed direction to cut through and score a good try under the posts. Seyhan Fell converted and at 3 – 17 the score line looked more to reflect the play.
Jack Barton and ‘Moose’ Murray were in the boiler room of the pack blocking and stopping anything that came their way and Uckfield seemed to have had some of the stuffing knocked out of them and when they did attempt a passing movement - Adam Tolman intercepted a pass on half way line to run through unopposed to score easily. This time, Seyhan could only hit the upright, but the score went to 3 – 22.
Fraser Hendy came on to rest Will Turner and it was then that Uckfield created an unlikely try. Their usual tactic of booting the ball away worked for them when Fell’s attempted catch was thwarted by a sliding tackle, the ball bounced luckily into the hands of the opposition who just managed to touch it down over the line. A good conversion narrowed the score but not the tenor of the game. 10-22.
In the last fifteen minutes The Stones fitness saw them taking control. The forwards had the opposite eight going backwards at every set and loose scrum - Chris Petley and Jake Kemp controlled the back row and Doug Wood was solidly feeding his three-quarters. Uckfield conceded more penalties that took them deeper into defence. Petley, Morton and Watson took the play to within 5 metres when Uckfield knocked it on. The resulting scrum saw ‘Moose’ Murray and the front row heartily propel the opposition backwards for Chris Petley to touch down for the converted bonus point fourth try and a 10 – 29 winning score.
Josh Holt and Alex Box came on for a run-around to replace Adam Tolman and Jake Ellis before The Stones were just denied another try when Petley and Kieran Smith were up to the line without being able to make the score.
Next week, at home, The Stones have what may well be a season defining game against the new league leaders and arch rivals - Heathfield & Waldron. Unfortunately I will not be able to report on this match, have been summarily sacked by The Chairman – in what he thought was jocular banter, but on which I seized upon the rare opportunity to accept. (I shall be spying on Bromley instead.)
Therefore I wish my friends, colleagues and all the players my season’s greetings and rely on Steve Hughes to amuse and interest our three readers with a match report on this important game.

Team: Seyhan Fell; Charlie Watson, Kyle Deakin, John Eustace, Adam Tolman; Jon Morton, Doug Wood; Martin Murray(Capt), Jake Ellis; James Archer; Kieran Smith, Jack Barton; Will Turner, Josh Kemp, Chris Petley.
Subs: Alex Box, Frazer Hendy, Josh Holt.
Scorers: Seyhan Fell 3, 2, 2, 2; Adam Tolman 5, 5; Jon Morton 5; Chris Petley 5.