Folkestone earn a well deserved victory

It has been a tough start to the season for Folkestone with the injuries list growing larger and larger every week. And following last week’s match at Hastings the walking wounded tally was increased by a further three players.
So with six new selections and seven more positional changes Folkestone took to the field against their visitors from West Sussex. Pulborough were unbeaten last season in Sussex Spitfire Div1 winning 22 out of 22 matches but have found the promotion to be more difficult previously having lost three of their 5 games.
Folkestone won this game with a superb team effort with 6 tries and entertaining fast flowing rugby with the large crowd applauding the players from the field after game.
It was a welcome back to first XV rugby for Matt Roots – strong and as big as ever, and immediately the first scrum was awarded the difference of that power in the front row was evident.
From the kick-off, following Jon Morton’s kick into space, the front row of Mat Roots, Jack Cox and Tom Carvill all had powerful attempts at the line and when a penalty was conceded Jon Morton kicked well to put The ‘Stones 3 – 0 into the lead after 6 minutes. Pulborough fought back briefly but Will Silveys long downfield kicks soon put Folkestone back into attacking positions. Jordan Godden took quick ball from a scrum and timed a perfect pass to John Eustace coming through at speed to touch down without a hand being laid on him. Jon Morton converted for 10 – 0 lead.
Then, in the move of the game, the forwards combined from their own half and gained 55 metres in a moving maul which Pulborough could not contain, but when they briefly stopped the rush, almost on their line, the referee penalised Folkestone for not playing the ball. The line-out was won by Charlie Millen who led the forwards again into attack – but this time Jordan Godden released a quick pass to his backs and Ross Dempsey crashed over. Jon Morton converted and the score was 17 - 0.
Folkestone forwards were rampant at this stage and only three minutes later after Richie Bowen split the opposition in two with power and speed – fed Ross Dempsey again – who had an easy try to score – which he did. Jon Morton’s third conversion put the score at 24 – 0.
Pulborough were shocked at the speed and ferocity of the Folkestone play but, to their credit, they kept possession for a while and re-grouped, eventually creating an overlap on the right wing for a good try in the 40th minute which was well converted from the far right. Half time 24-7.
Immediately from the re-start Folkestone threw the ball left and right and then went straight forward with Ross Dempsey, Richie Bowen, Chris Petley and Jordan Godden inter-passing beautifully before handing it to Matt Roots who tried (badly) to emulate a swallow dive in scoring under the posts for an easy conversion by Jon Morton. 31-7.
Pulborough re-grouped briefly but from a Folkestone scrum centre field, Chris Petley gave a delayed pass to Ollie Walton, coming in at speed – and he sprinted all the way to the line. Another superb conversion from the right touchline by Jon Morton showed the scoreboard reading 38 – 7 after 54 minutes of play.
And they were setting up for another one immediately from the restart – but a pass was well read and intercepted with everyone in attack and Folkestone could only watch as the try was scored under the posts. 38 – 14.
There then followed a period of total breakdown of everything that Folkestone had achieved in their tactics, speed and strength. The penalty count at half time was 5 – 5 but The ‘Stones in their enthusiasm, conceded four penalties in quick succession. Then Matt Roots was yellow carded for off side, Miles Dempsey was hurt and Kieran Smith as brought on. Folkestone lost more of their shape and conceded three more penalties then Tom Carvill and Kieron Smith were yellow carded with 60 seconds for separate offences – reducing The ‘Stones to 12 men. The spectators were shaking their heads in disbelief.
But significantly the 12 men held Pulborough who should have been able to change the scoreboard significantly but failed to beat the terrier like tacking of Richie Bowen, Ben Stringer, Charlie Millen and Chris Petley.
Mat Roots came back on from his sin bin and Folkestone, with only 13 men, went back into attack with forays from Jack Cox and Richie Bowen taking them up field. With Pulborough still following up from behind the lively home team set up Ross Dempsey to score his hat trick of tries – this one under the posts for John Morton to complete a 100% kicking success and a final score of 45 -14.
This was The ‘Stones almost back at their best. Although, still without some key players, they played most of the game in the true Folkestone traditions of open play with, fast passing, and fast flowing rugby. Although they did concede nine penalties to one in the second half they were able to overcome this for an impressive win to go well and truly in the top half of the table – where they ought to be!