This was an entertaining match to watch with both sides prepared to throw the ball about in bright sunshine, only marred my a strong diagonal wind.

22/2/14 Report by Steve Hughes

This was an entertaining match to watch with both sides prepared to throw the ball about in bright sunshine, only marred my a strong diagonal wind. Captain Alex Box had his work cut out to produce a side as several of his players had been elevated to the 1st XV while others were committed to the Internationals!!!
He had drafted in three new youngsters from the Under 18's and several from the Club's lower sides. I automatically expected a miss-match but was surprised how well they played together to hold a well drilled Aylesford side.
Playing against the wind, Folkestone found they struggled territorialy but defended well at crucial stages. The home pack were dominant with an experienced front row and a quantity of 'beef' behind them in the shape of Ben Gunn, Tyler Linch, Jake 'Jiggles' Ellis, Tony Bass and Dave Ballard. Particularly pleased to see Ballard back after two years out through injury and look forward to him trying to reclaim a First XV spot.
Aylesford opened their account when a kick out of defence by the home side found the full back on the half way line and he proceeded to waltz through a string of missed tackles to score an unconverted try.
Folkestone were again pressed when the visiting centre crashed through under the posts but was held up. The resulting scrum ended in a series of penalties against Folkestone and a short tap nearly resulted in a further score but for a Jake Ellis tackle. However another bout of miss-tackles by the home side again saw Alesford score under the posts and convert to give them a 12 - 0 lead at half time.
It was particularly pleasing to see that the youngsters were not overawed in playing at Senior level and Alex Box has found a little gem in scrum half Charlie Howitt. He was in the right place at the right time, hassled his opposite number and although slight of stature had no qualms about tackling or getting stuck into the rucks and mauls. I have no doubt that we shall be seeing more of young Charlie in the senior ranks in the future. Two other youngsters of note were Ben Gunn and Tyler Linch who have been regulars in this side.
Half time saw several changes in the Folkestone side which unfortunately reduced the dominance in the scrum that they held in the first half. However, the effort around the park increased and playing with the wind gained more territorial advantage when young Charlie Howitt broke up the middle he was unfortunately isolated and the move came to nothing. Both the Curtis brothers were now together in the threequarters and both had promising runs which were only covered by strong defence by Aylesford. James Stewart then joined the fray. Another youngster who shows promise on the flank (brother of Scottie Stewart of the 1st XV) and if all these young lads continue to play senior rugby every week then Folkestone's future looks bright.
Folkestones territorial advantage was paying dividends and when Tyler Linch bullocked his way to the Aylesford line he was held up short only for Lorenzo Lupi to pick up and dive over for an unconverted try. 5 - 12.
Aylesford hit back with a penalty 5 - 15 but Folkestone were on a roll and taking the ball into the visitors 22 metre area saw Ben Gunn and Bass combine for Bass to score an unconverted try. 10 - 15. Bass can be a effective players but would increase his popularity on the pitch if he stopped talking!!
Ceri ap Bryn nearly increased the home tally but was just beaten to the touch down after an intelligent kick ahead.
Jamie Curtis and Jake Ellis combined to take the ball down the middle of the park but again lacked support. Then Alesford put together the best move of the match when clearing the ball of the top of the line to feed the scrum half. He gathered his own pass to the outside half on the loop which created the overlap to see them score under the posts and convert at the final whistle to win by 22 - 10.
A good performance by a mixed Folkestone side which can only improve should they play together on a more regular basis. Captain Alex Box has a struggle each week to use the same players and therefore lacks the continuity he would like. However he has found a number of youngsters in Ben Gunn, Tyler Linch, James Stewart Thomas Doughty and Jack Baker and my Man of the Match goes to Charlie Howitt for his resilience, his tenacity and quality of pass.