The 2nds overcome Tonbridge Juddian 4ths in atrocious weather

Shepherd Neame Premier 2 East.

Saturday 28th February 2015. Report by Steve Hughes

To give you an idea as to the weather conditions - on getting to the pitch I opened my umbrella which was promptly blown inside out and ruined. Another few bob the Club owes me! Also the wind was so strong that my hand held recorder for most of the match resulted in my voice being eliminated by the rushing sound of the wind. Please therefore bear with me if all the facts reported here are incorrect...

The visitors opened the score when they took the ball from a Folkestone throw-in on the 5 metre line to crash over for an unconverted try. 0 - 5.
Folkestone hit back with a delightful move involving Saul Phillips, Dan Woolford, and then Jake Ellis who found Woolford on the loop to slice through and score, which James Beaney converted. 7 - 5. The wind and rain combination was slashing straight down the field and Folkestone were doing extremely well playing against it. Tonbridge knocked over a penalty off the upright to regain the lead at 8 - 7.
Billy Monk then gathered the ball just outside the visitors 22 metre line and sprinted up wind to score way out. No conversion. 12 - 8.
Tonbridge reduced the lead by bouncing another penalty in off the upright. 12 - 11.
Folkestone were playing some attractive rugby despite the weather and a move involving Saul Phillips, Dan Woolford and Greg Wood saw James Beaney just held up short of the line. With half time approaching the home forwards were beginning to dominate the play with 'Jiggles' Ellis, Billy Monk, Dan Cowley and Bob Porter to the fore.
A dash up the wind after some neat inter-passing saw Ross Johnson outstrip the defence to get in score in the corner for an unconverted try. Half time score 17 - 11.
Changing round with the wind and rain at their backs Folkestone took a grip on the game. Keiran Smith and Chris Alexander were prominent in two movements which gained ground and under a pile of bodies it was either Keiran Smith or Billy Monk scored the next try. I'm told that Billy Monk scored three tries during the match so this try must go down to him as I can account for the other two!!!! No conversion 22 - 11.
Greg Wood then fed Jade McCaffrey to score in the corner 27 - 11. Then there was a flurry of subs changing over which I couldn't keep pace with but realised that Jack Shorter, Lewis Dempsey (replaced his brother Elliott) and Jordan Godden appeared on the field.
A Folkestone Scrum in the Tonbridge red zone saw Jake Ellis skillfully guide the ball over the line from the No. 8 position to make the score 32 - 11. This was followed by Billy Monk scoring through the middle of a maul and then capping it with another when he was fed by Greg Wood making the final score 42 - 11.
This was an endurance test for the limited amount of spectators but the guys on the park seemed to enjoy it despite the weather. Alex Box as Captain must be pleased that he has been able to retain such a good side and with their ability to play such attractive rugby in such lousy conditions.

Team: James Beaney; Jade McCaffrey, Elliot Dempsey, Saul Phillips, Ross Johnson: Dan Woolford, Greg Wood; Bob Porter, Alex Box (Capt.), Keith Packham; Billy Monk, Keiran Smith: Dan Cowley: Chris Alexander, Jack Shorter.
Subs: Jeremie Cowell, Lewis Dempsey, Jordan Godden.
Scorers: Dan Woolford 5; James Beaney 2; Billy Monk 5; 5, 5; Ross Johnson 5; Jade McCaffrey 5; Jake Ellis 5, 5.