The first tournament of the Season, is it too early?

Sunday 5th October 2014. Match Report by Simon Cloke

Folkestone found themselves in a tough group facing the Hosts, Cranbrook and a well drilled Aylesford side.
The first match against Cranbrook started well with the kick off being well taken by Max Pavitt, who retained position in the tackle until support arrived from Kieran Dorrell to feed Kian Supple who had the first of a number of good runs. A period of pressure on the Cranbrook line was rewarded as Tristan Parmenter went over for a try following a good interception. After some poor tackling in midfield, Cranbrook replied with a try of their own.
Folkestone’s defence was too often out of position and Cranbrook ran through another try with a three man overlap to spare! The second half opened with a Cranbrook player taking the ball cleanly from the kick and running the length of the pitch to score. Folkestone’s play improved and after some good work in the line out by Ethan Holt , Cam Easby and Dominic Bowden, Leon Gurr set off on a sniping run which resulted in Tom Cloke powering through for a try. 2-3 to Cranbrook.
The second match saw some good work by the Folkestone forwards with Lewis Hammerton and Alfie Dove scrummaging well against a much bigger Canterbury pack and out in the backs good covering wing play by Ryan Adams. Folkestone’s passing was good throughout but too often the support was slow to arrive at the breakdown and players found themselves isolated, resulting in turnovers. The game ended 6-0 to Canterbury.
In the final match against Aylesford, Folkestone really needed to up their game and did so, having a much better shape in defence, with some great tackling by Cam Brown, George James, Parmenter and Pavitt disrupting the Aylesford attack and preventing their fly half from having it all his own way. The opposition were skilled in running the ball wide and despite a courageous performance by Folkestone, were able to go over in the corner on three occasions. 0-3 to Aylesford
Throughout the event Folkestone’s determination was clear and their handling was first class creating plenty of promising breaks, but they need to support the ball carrier in numbers and react more quickly in defence.
A special thank you goes to the three Canterbury players, Josh, Alfie and Josh, who guested for Folkestone.
Folkestone: Lewis Hammerton, Kieran Dorrell, Alfie Dove, Dominic Bowden, Cameron Easby, Ethan Holt, George James, Kian Supple, Tom Cloke, Tristan Parmenter, Cameron Brown, Max Pavitt, Ryan Adams, Leon Gurr