This was a thrilling game where Folkestone gained and held the lead, forfeited the lead and then defended the single point they had earned fiercely – entertaining a large crowd, in the penultimate home game of the season.

In the early stages Folkestone were prone to kick away possession and, failing to find touch or to secure the ground gained, they were forced back into defence – a situation that was repeated three times before Heathfield created a passing movement ,through their backs, that was fast and effective – opening the scoring with a converted try after 10 minutes. 0 -7.

Callum Palmieri reduced the lead with a successful penalty kick but it was 20 minutes before Folkestone managed to build a meaningful attack. After a penalty was conceded by Heathfield, a line-out was taken 8 metres from the try- line - well won by Thomas Mckenzie and held in an attacking maul by Tom Little who, with the support of eight of his team, heaved forwards and over the line to score. 8 -7. Palmieri increased this to a lead of 10 – 7 with the conversion.

This try stimulated Folkestone and Palmieri combined with Harry Dean and Louis Watson to threaten on the left, but the team were set back when Seyhan Fell let a straggling arm touch an opponent higher than the referee found acceptable – and Fell was yellow carded. This incentivised Heathfield who found the space on the left wing to run Folkestone out of defenders and score a try, converted, to regain the lead one minute before half time. 10 -14

And, one minute after half time, another try was well taken by Heathfield when Folkestone could not cover a smart chip kick through their defence. This try also was converted and the scoreboard showed 10 – 21. A remarkable change of circumstances in less than three minute of playing time!

Undeterred, Folkestone strived to recover but found it difficult against a strong and determined defence – but a deserved breakthrough came with a fast series of passes on the right wing between Palmieri, Harry Brook and Charlie Watson before Freddie Faiers broke through a clutching attempt to stop him and ran over and round to score under the posts. The conversion narrowed the score to 17 -21 with 20 minutes to play.

Any ascendency and any hopes of victory Folkestone thought they may have had were completely beggared in the playing time remaining as Heathfield pounded the Folkestone try line from all directions. It was a defensive effort that has seen no parallel, to thwart and frustrate everything that could be generated by the attackers. Harry Dean and Louis Watson tried in vain to break through, but Heathfield were uncompromising.

It was a relief for Folkestone when the final whistle went and the single bonus point they earned for their narrow defeat was as good a point as they will earn for many seasons – and the young squad have every reason to be proud of their effort - albeit on the losing side.

Three teams from this Division will be relegated this season, Folkestone fourth from bottom are now two points clear of Thanet Wanderers, who have played one match less. Therefore, wins are an imperative if Folkestone are to remain in Division 1. The knock-out cup competition starts immediately the league finishes on the 18th March, although Folkestone’s last match will be on the 11th March.

Scores:- Penalty, Palmeiri 3 – 7 (21 mins) Try: Little 8 -7 (24) Conversion., Palmieri 10 – 7 Try Freddie Faiers 15 – 21 (51). Conv. Palmieri 17 – 21 (52)

Team: Mason Colchester-Long, James Cousens, Tom Little, Cameron Feist, Thomas McKenzie, Tim Wood, Thomas Snare, Callum Palmeiri, Greg Wood, Charlie Watson, Louis Watson, Harry Dean, Edward Faiers, Seyhan Fell, Subs: Harry Illman, Joe Faiers, Freddy Faiers.