An entertaining start to the new Rugby Season at Folkestone RFC by J V Kidson

We all gathered excitedly for the start of the new rugby season and were not disappointed when both teams treated the spectators to a fast-running, entertaining game.
There were 4 debutants appearing today, Damian Dixon on the left wing, Warren Blandford at hooker, Ben Stringer at lock forward and Kevin Murray as flanker. All of them acquitted themselves well.
In the first half the teams appeared perfectly matched. Folkestone scored first with a fine break from Jon Morton followed by two good passes to put Jack Cox in near the posts. Seyhan Fell converted. Folkestone pack applied good pressure and Elthamians strayed offside for Fell to kick a long penalty.
Elthamians were excellent at the kick offs and their lock gathered the next one. They had a man over and put him over under the posts to reduce the deficit. This lifted their spirits and both sides made some good moves, but the play from both teams was a bit scrappy until the Elthamians left wing gathered a loose ball in his own 22 and galloped the length of the field for an unconverted try to put them ahead.
Adam Tolman, who was having a fine game at fly half, fly hacked a dropped pass by Elthamians and did a controlled dribble to score near the posts. Fell’s conversion restored Folkestone’s lead.
Folkestone then suffered a tragedy. Ben Flatman who was playing a great power game at lock damaged the knee that kept him out for most of last season and was rushed off to hospital.
Elthamians were very lax in refusing to take advantage of the overlaps they were creating, which was lucky for the Stones. Some sloppy tackling by Folkestone let Elthamians in for another converted try, which gave them a narrow lead at half time. It had been an exciting half but with poor man marking by Folkestone and poor use of overlaps by Elthamians.
Someone must have given Folkestone a tonic at half time because they came out with all guns blazing. Morton made another classic break out and kicked accurately ahead. Tolman chased it for a try. Fell converted again. Not to be outdone Fell gathered a silly kick ahead by Elthamians, kicked ahead and collected his own kick to score and convert his own try.
With their pack supplying excellent ball Tolman broke through, passed to Morton who placed a fine cross kick for Ben Brooks to collect and run in for a try. Fell again added the two points. Then, after another break, Tolman kicked to Brooks again. Ben showed he can do more than run fast and when he was hemmed in he put a perfect chip kick back to Tolman to score and Fell to convert.
Another promising break out by John Eustace and John Morton was snuffed out by Elthamians before Folkestone set up a multi-passing move with 10 players taking part with final pass going to replacement debutant Will Silvey to score the try which took Folkestone over the 50 mark. Needless to say Fell converted again. Elthamians at last woke up to their overlap and scored the last try wide out to make the final score 52-24.
It was a fine effort by both teams, but Folkestone had more aggression and sense of purpose on the day. If they can entertain us like this in the league matches we can look forward to an excellent season. Folkestone’s pack was outstanding with the “man mountain” Mat Roots having a storming game. The back row of Chris Petley, Mike Gardner and Kevin Murray won lots of ball for their backs.
Next week is the first League game against Beccehamians (3pm kick off). The following week there will be a memorial lunch for the late Joe Edwards and John Lord before the 2nd team game. Please book through Del McDonough or Rod Pittam.

Team: M. Roots, W. Blandford, M. Murray (Capt); B. Stringer, B. Flatman; K. Murray, C. Petley, M. Gardener: J. Cox, A. Tolman; B. Brooks, J. Morton, J. Eustace, D. Dixon; S. Fell. Sub W. Silvey.
J V Kidson 7/9/13