Folkestone travelled to Medway to kick off their first game of 2015.

Sunday 11th January 2015 Report by Alison Hughes

Folkestone travelled to Medway to kick off their first game of 2015.

Freddie Faiers and Tom Whelan showed their skills with some good opening tackles against a significantly heavier Medway pack. Medway defended well against an optimistic start by Folkestone but with their weight advantage showing they soon took control of the game and much of the play remained in Folkestone’s 22. When Folkestone did manage to drive Medway back they responded with good defensive play. Medway took control of the ball again and booted it up field and finished over the line with the first try of the match. There was no conversion.

The restart saw some silly mistakes by Folkestone, but determined efforts by Johnnie Hobbs who put in some excellent tackles seemed to turn Folkestone’s game. Folkestone’s scrum improved and when they did manage to get the ball out Folkestone’s tries followed. William Rayner opened the scoring for Folkestone with no conversion. Ted Bean then offered up a considerable right boot and Dylan Barnes crashed over the line for Folkestone’s second try. No conversion. Freddie Faiers showed that his kicks too had legs and he followed his own kick and tackled his opponent into touch. However, Folkestone did demonstrate a few sloppy passes. Tom Whelan and Johnnie Hobbs again rescued Folkestone’s ball with some excellent tackles and Dylan Barnes executed a superb break down field and was only stopped by a Medway tackle just in front of the line. Unfortunately for Medway, Freddie Faiers was there to finish off the try. Ted Bean put his boot into action again and secured Folkestone a conversion.

Folkestone Squad: Aurelien Austin, Dylan Barnes, Ted Bean, Tiarnan Canning, Harry Curtis, Freddie Faiers, Joseph Faiers, Johnnie Hobbs (Captain), Ciaran Hughes, James Hughes, Callum Little, William Mead, William Rayner, Connor O’brien, Finley Russell, Oliver Turner, Thomas Whelan, Toby Wills.