by Steve Hughes[/b]
This was not a good day at the office for Alex Box's side. Fielding six youngsters against what appeared to be an experienced and competent side from Snowdown the lack of continuity from not having played with each other was clear. However to give them credit they did really well to hold the visitors to twelve all at half time, allbeit with the strong wind in their favour.
What was obvious was the number of penalties Folkestone gave away, thereby, exerting pressure on themselves and putting them on the back foot.
The Stones were holding the heavier Snowdown pack but were losing the territorial advantage gained by committing those penalties. A series of such penalties found Folkestone defending their own line and from a loose maul the visiting scrum half managed to squeeze over for an unconverted try 0 - 5. The Stones hit back with a delightful try which came off the top of a lineout on the opposition 5 metre line. It flew across the three-quarter line with every back handling until it reached Drew Woolford with space to score in the corner. No conversion 5 - 5.
For some reason Folkestone did not take advantage of the wind and pump the ball into the opponents half, but elected to try and run the ball from their own 22m.
The pressure on the home line was constant and from a scrum on the 5m line the Snowdown scrum half scooted around the open side to cross for a converted try. 5 - 12.
Mark Bartlett went off with a pulled ham string and was replaced by Steve Doughty. Damien Dixon was yellow carded as was his opposite number when a tap-and-go found Doughty in space with Ryan Farrow outside him.
The centre put his head down and sprinted down the left wing to outpace the defence and score under the posts which Dixon converted. Half time score 12 - 12.
As the second half started the wind increased and the rain increased until it became a torrential downpour. Snowdown chanced a high kick with the wind into the Stones 22m area and indecision between two defenders allowed the player following up to pick the ball up and stroll across for a converted try. 12 - 19. Then a promising move by the home backs was intercepted (from an off-side position...) and another seven points increased the Snowdown lead to 12 - 26.
Guy Ellis was just short with a try in the corner after some good work by Jamie Perry and Farrow. Ben Stringer and Liam Regardsoe the Stones locks were taking on the pick and drive supported by Adam Fullerton and Kieran Smith. The pack in general were holding their own but the more experienced visiting back line were constantly causing concern for their opposite numbers. This inexperience showed itself when the Stones kept trying to run the ball out of their own 22m and a loose ball saw them give away another seven points. 12 - 33.
David Jarvis replaced the injured Doughty and as there were no more substitute props the game was played with uncontested scrums. Jarvis and Farrow will shortly be pushing for first team positions and the other youngsters in the side are developing.
With a little more experience Nick Foster and Fraser Nurse will make an interesting half back pair and young Guy Ellis on the wing has the necessary speed required.
The Snowdown next try was again the result of Folkestone trying to run the ball out of their own 22 area when a wild pass to nobody in particular allowed the Snowdown centre to pick up and score in the corner. An excellent conversion from the touchline in such a strong wind earned them a comprehensive victory 12 - 40.
It was unfortunate that Alex Box had to include so many young players at the same time and although they did their utmost to stem the Snowdown tide it was asking a bit much.
However, with THIRTY THREE players unavailable for selection this week the Club were fortunate to be able to fulfil their commitment and field four sides (one with only 14 players).
[b]Team: Damien Dixon; Drew Woolford, Ryan Farrow, Aaron Robbins, Guy Ellis, Nick Foster, Fraser Nurse; Warren Blandford, Alex Box (Capt.), Mark Bartlett; Ben Stringer, Liam Regardsoe; Adam Fullerton, Kieran Smith, James Perry.
Subs: David Jarvis, Steve Doughty.

Match details

Match date

Sat 02 Nov 2013

Kickoff

14:30

Competition

Shepherd Neame Premier Division 2 East

Team overview