A number of these players will be making their opposite numbers in the 1st XV a little nervous

Saturday 27th September. Report by Steve Hughes

Injured Captain Alex Box must have been delighted by the performance of his troops in this match as they outplayed the visitors in every facet of the game. Although Folkestone were a mixture of young and old who had not previously played together as a team they have the potential to make a name for themselves. A number of these players will be making their opposite numbers in the 1st XV a little nervous if they continue playing this standard of rugby.

I thought initially that Canterbury were going to take the initiative but my illusion was shattered early on when Dan Woolford with his best 'Marigold' gloves on, scored to the right of the posts. No conversion. A penalty by James Mead from a good 40 yards out increased the score to 8-0. The forwards were crashing through the Canterbury defences and the backing up by the threequarters resulted in Kieran Smith and David Jarvis putting Ross Johnson over for another try converted by Mead. 15-0.

The home defence was solid and the visitors had trouble in getting out of their own half for the majority of the game, James Mead and Daniel Woolford were getting a good supply of the ball from the forwards which enabled them to set the three's running time and time again. The penalty count against Folkestone was high, constantly allowing Canterbury to kick their way out of trouble but the home side persisted to hammer their way towards the try line. Leading the fray in this respect were newcomers Alex Smith, 'Tippo' Tebbetts, assisted by Adam Fullerton and David Jarvis but my hero of the day was veteran Bob Porter. Playing at prop at the age of 53 he is old enough to have been the father of most of those players around him yet his enthusiasm, strength and commitment were to be applauded.

Canterbury reduced the score with a penalty but were unable to contain the rampaging forwards and the slick moving of the ball in the threequarters. With Ben Williams returning from injury to the full back position, Alex Prichard moved to the left wing with Fraser Nurse on the right and both were being given opportunities to get behind the opposition defence and create havoc. Jake 'Jiggles' Ellis scored next after Alex Evans crashed his way through most of the defence. Jake Ellis did a neat pirouette and dummy to score way out. No conversion 19 - 3. Folkestone scored again with a classis threequarter move from one touch line to the opposite corner and Alex Prichard got his name on the scoresheet. No conversion and the half time whistle saw the score at 24-3.

A little shuffling around in the Home side saw Dan Cowell and Max Walters get involved and both were prominent with Dan Cowell scoring after an exciting run by Ben Williams to see James Mead add the extras. 31-3. Alex Evans then showed his class (and strength) by bullocking his way through most of the defence to cross in the corner. James Mead again converted. 38-3. Max Walters then put in two crunching tackles to save the day for Folkestone. Both sides were prepared to run the ball but Folkestone were having the better day and then a move involving Jake Ellis, Carl Tebbetts and James Mead saw Ben Williams weave his way upfield before punting ahead and catch the full back in possession. Ross Johnson was up with him to steal the ball and cross under the posts for James Mead to convert. Jake Ellis was then pressed into the front row when Alex Evans retired hurt (or exhausted) and had the unique distinction of playing in the front row (hooker and prop), middle row and back row in one match - versatile lad me thinks!!

Folkestone then allowed themselves to become complacent and some loose handling caused them to lose 14 points in just a few minutes. This didn't deter them from trying however but a dropped pass saw Canterbury sweep in to score a converted try. 46 - 10. Ben Williams then collected a desperate kick out of defence by Canterbury to put in a huge kick cross field into the corner to see young Max Walters sprint in and beat the defence to score which James Mead converted.

To round off a great match David Jarvis caught the ball in mid field, chipped ahead and Dan Cowell was astute enough to dribble ball over the line to score and allow James Mead to add the easiest of conversions.
Final Score 60 - 10.
The Man of the Match award as selected by Captain Alex Box went to Carl Tebbetts not only for his sterling performance but for his ability to motivate, coach and cajole those around him to perform to the best of their ability. This was a great match to watch if you were a Folkestone supporter (and there was quite a good crowd for a 2nds match) with plenty of running rugby. A word too for Canterbury who never gave in, played the game in the best of spirits and must be congratulated for trying to get into the game right up to the end.
Team: Ben Williams; Alex Prichard, Chris Weatherly, Ross Johnson, Fraser Nurse; Dan Woolford, James Mead; Alex Evans, Adam Fullerton, Bob Porter; Carl Tebbetts, David Jarvis; Kev Murray, Kieran Smith, Chris Alexander.
Subs: Jake Ellis, Dan Cowell, Max Walters.
Scorers: Dan Woolford 5; James Mead 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2; Ross Johnson 5, 5; Jake Ellis 5; Alex Prichard 5; Dan Cowell 5, 5; Alex Evans 5; Max Walters 5.