With four-try bonus points coming from the last three matches, Folkestone are making headway after a disappointing start to the season. In an encounter where the pace and skills of the backs was the difference between two sides in the relegation zones, Folkestone came out on top, but with a late scare.

The Bulls opened the scoring with a well taken converted try on the left wing after controlling the first five minutes, but The Stones retaliated five minutes later with a rapid move and a penetrating run by Harry Dean- a fast pass to ‘Woody’ Fraires, taking the ball to within 15 metres of the line before throwing an accurate inside pass to Tim Wood who sprinted through a scrambled defence. 5 – 7.

Although, in the early stages, Aylesford had the strength in the scrums to have Folkestone back-tracking, the lineouts were being dominated by the jumping of Thomas McKenzie, coupled with the accurate throwing by James Cousens, It was this combination that set of another Folkestone passing movement that The Bulls were unable to defend when Alex Price took up the ball, after thrusts by Rob Godden and Ben Stringer, and from the 22-metre line charged through a scattered opposition. Callum Palmieri converted to put his team into the lead 12 – 7.

Folkestone were now throwing the ball freely between the forwards and the backs with flawless passing and handling and although Aylesford defended stoutly, they had no answer when Seyhan Fell came in from full-back to make an extra man and successfully ran the last 10 metres to the try-line with the grasping hands of the defence feeling only air. Palmieri took the extra two points with a good conversion.

Tom Snare, playing at centre, made his presence felt, firstly with a 30-metre break centre-field and then, seeing open space, a well-placed kick that had The Bulls retreating, only to be caught off-side in front of the posts giving Palmeiri an easy kick to extend the lead to 22 – 7.

Folkestone lost their momentum early in the second half when The Bull split them completely open, allowing their very fast centre and wing to score a 60 metre try all too easily. 22 -14.

But such was the nature of the game, the home backs reassembled and in a remarkable session of uninterrupted play threw 20 passes left, right and centre, the last one coming to Mike Gardener who straightened, and with a strong run went 20 metres to the posts for a diving try and an easy conversion for Palmieri. 29 – 14

Ben Stringer and Rob Godden came off to be substituted by Cameron Feist and George Foord, as The Stones resumed their confident and open play in the last ten minutes of the game. But they were set back with a brilliant left wing try from a right-side scrum, then through the centre-field at speed - and resulted in a touch down in a manner that resembled the best efforts of the home team backs. 29 – 19.

In the final minutes, Aylesford, taking advantage of an unnecessary fracas that left Folkestone diverted from the task, scored their fourth try to earn two bonus points for their efforts.

Next week, Folkestone are away at Bromley, before the final match of the year, at home, against Ashford on the 17th December - and this, with the recent resurgence of The Stones will be pivotal match in the season for the young squad.

Scores; Try, Tim Wood (11 mins). Try Alex Price (22). Conv, Callum Palmieri (23) Try, Seyhan Fell (32) Penalty, Palmieri (39). Try, Gardener (55). Conv. Palmieri (56)

Team: - Team. Mason Colchester Long, James Cousens, Harry Illman, Ben Stringer, Rob Godden, Thomas McKenzie, Tim Wood, Alex Price: Calum Palmieri, Greg Wood, Barney McKenzie, Tom Snare, Harry Dean, Woody Fraires, Seyhan Fell. Subs: - Mike Gardener, Cameron Feist, George Foord