Fullerians 0 FRFC 29

Firstly, many thanks to Fullerians for their warm welcome and a lovely buffet which was last seen disappearing down Trolley Howland's throat - see the photographic evidence.

Unfortunately only a few supporters travelled to Watford to watch this preseason friendly against Fullerians who play in a division above Folkestone so this was going to be a tough match for the Stones with head coach, Darren Molloy, again selecting a young side. He was without many of his 1st XV regulars like Mat Roots, Will Massey, Adam Tolman, Jon Morton and Seyhan Fell – all influential players. But, just as they did in last weekend’s Spitfire Tournament it was the youngsters who took the eye. Once they got into the match there was only going to be one winner. I suspect several 1st XV players will be looking over their shoulders as they try to keep their shirts because these youngsters are obviously hungry. New to the senior game, they have power, pace, flair and heaps of skill. They all played well but I was particularly impressed with Bradley Pearson, Joe Johnson, Tom Carville, Tom Snare, Lewis Howland and especially Richard Bowen. Remember the name, he’s pure dynamite. The Stones have always been proud of their junior system and the coaches who give up so much time to look after the players. Keith Howland has been the coach who has steered the current crop for the past few seasons and he must be very proud of his lads. They are going to provide much entertaining rugby in the coming season.
In perfect weather the home team got off to the best start and pinned Folkestone into their own 22 for the first quarter of the match. But they couldn’t get through the Folkestone defence and eventually the siege was over as suddenly Folkestone erupted into the game. From a scrum Jake Johnson took the ball into the home defence in one of his powerdrives that the Stones supporters so love. He offloaded to Bradley Pearson who set up Joe Johnson and he sprinted in to score the opening try. 0-5.
Soon afterwards Folkestone increased the lead when Ollie Brooks powered up the middle of the pitch. He was held up just short of the line but Richard Bowen had tracked him all the way and was there to collect the ball and drive over the line. Jack Cox added the conversion. 0-12.
In the second half Joe Johnson sprinted up the left wing and fed the ball infield where it was collected by Folkestone skipper, Richard Lama who did all the hard work driving to the try line for what looked to be a certain try but a few metres out Lama decided to pass the ball. To a Fullerians player. Team mate rather chillingly said that his captain would pay for that later in the evening. But the try did come as Fullerians couldn’t clear their line and Folkestone won a scrum 30 yards out. Scrum half, Jack Cox collected the ball from the back of the scrum, faked to go infield and then went down the short side with a beautiful run which saw him roar past the home defence before off-loading to Tom Wood,in support for the try. 0-17.
Then young Bowen was back in the action again with a magnificent run through the home defence before off-loading to Mike Gardner who finished off in style down the right wing with the home defence unable to stop him. 0-22.
Gardner has long impressed me as a player with much potential. He has power, pace and aggression. Unfortunately his work as a paramedic makes it difficult to train regularly but he deserves a run in the 1st XV squad.
I’ve raved about the Folkestone youngsters and the final try from Bradley Pearson was the icing on the cake as he showed pace, flair, skill and patience to score. He roared down the left wing and kicked over the defence. He was first to the ball about 40 yards out. The Fullerianns defence was almost on top of him as he got to the ball. The youngster didn’t panic but he knew if he stopped to pick the ball up a horde of Fullerians were going to jump on him so, calmly, he kicked the ball on again and won the chase to touch down. Cox added the conversion. 0-29.
It was just a pity that not many Folkestone supporters made the trip to Watford but it is a long way. They were the losers though because they missed a terrific display. I’ve mentioned the young bucks but the Folkestone “ old boys” also played their part with Richard Lama , Jake Johnson , Moose Murray, Ben Brooks, Ollie Brooks, Chris Petley, Jack Cox and Mike Gardner all doing their bit. As did the Folkestone warhorse, Ben Flatman. He missed much of last season through injury and his knee is not fully recovered. It probably never will be OK again but this man always gives everything to the cause. Off the field he is a gentleman, quiet and courteous. On the pitch he is a warrior. Great to see him back on the pitch.
On Saturday at the Burlington Folkestone have their final preseason match against Thanet Wanderers, another team from the division above Folkestone so that one will be interesting. Coach Molloy obviously believes in not making anything easy for his lads.
Player of the Match for Folkestone? Very difficult because they were all impressive but no more fence sitting for me. I asked the coaches and they went for young scrum half, Lewis Howland who, from his seat in the control room ran this game and varied his attacks.
Saturday’s game at home to Thanet kicks off at 3pm. Don’t miss it.