Ashford took the game straight to Folkestone

Sunday25th January 2015 Report by Alison Hughes

Ashford took the game straight to Folkestone by way of securing possession and space right up into Folkestone’s 22. Johnnie Hobbs managed to disrupt Ashford’s first line out, but Ashford came back with a penalty in Folkestone’s 22. Folkestone’s defence held and Aurelien Austin put in a good defensive tackle. Still most of the play centred in Folkestone’s 22 until Dylan Barnes grabbed the ball and ran ¾ pitch, only to lose possession to a very aggressive and tight defensive pack from Ashford. Ashford gained possession again and flipped Folkestone on their heads to run the ball right up field and over Folkestone’s line. There was no conversion.

The restart saw the ball taken out and Ashford disrupt Folkestone’s lineout. Folkestone gained possession again only to be turned over by Ashford who once again showed their superior play and carried the ball back up to Folkestone’s 22 and over the line.

With the restart underway, Ted Bean’s boot came in handy and gained Folkestone some good space. Folkestone’s tackling improved and Ciaran Hughes managed to turn over the ball in Ashford’s ruck. Folkestone let Dylan Barnes loose again and he powered up field to give Folkestone some reprieve and their only try. Ashford produced a mighty charge down however to deny Folkestone the conversion.

The remainder of play saw Folkestone battle hard with some excellent tackling from Tom Whelan and Johnnie Hobbs. A superb defensive drive from the Folkestone pack held Ashford at bay and kept the play tight.

Folkestone Squad: Aurelien Austin, Dylan Barnes, George Bass, Ted Bean, Tiarnan Canning, Harry Curtis, Freddie Faiers, Jospeh Faiers, Johnnie Hobbs, Ciaran Hughes, James Hughes, James Leather, TJ Leather, Callan Little, William Mead, Connor O’Brien, William Rayner, Finley Russell, Ollie Turner, Thomas Whelan.