FOLKESTONE WIN IN A FINE EIGHT TRY ROMP OVER MAIDSTONE

FOLKESTONE 46 pts MAIDSTONE 10 pts

In soft conditions for their fast and open style of rugby Folkestone met Maidstone at the New Burlington Ground. Both sides began the match kicking for position, the visitors kicked deep into the 22 metre zone but the ball was collected and spread wide by the home side who, with good inter passing allowed Charlie Watson space, and a sprint to score a try in the 3rd minute of the game converted by Callum Palmeiri. 7- 0
Folkestone’s pressure forced the opposition into mistakes and after15 minutes veteran John Morton slipped a tackle and ran through to touch down. The game then descended into a scrappy period, but the home side soon regained their composure with wingman Freddie Fraiers to score a try in the 20 minutes. A Callum Palmieri conversion gave the home side a 19 - 0 lead. The home side had their tails up and continued to press home their advantage which resulted in a try by Alex Price in the 25th minute. After 30 minutes Harry Illman was substituted by Jack Baker. Three minutes later after a rare attack from the visitors the home side conceded a try in the corner. 24 -5.
Folkestone came back with determination forcing the visitors to concede penalties which resulted in Tom Snare forcing his way over for try in the 37th minute giving them a comfortable 29 -5 lead at half time.
The second half started with Maidstone making mistakes from the outset allowing Folkestone to press home their advantage, but this was held up by an injury to Charlie Watson who was replaced by Greg Wood. But The Stones continued their dominance and in the 48 minute John Eustace went storming through a packed defence to score a try which was converted by Callum Palmieri After the restart the visitors attacked putting their left wing free but for an excellent cover tackle from Rob Godden he was denied.
Folkestone continued their sustained attack on both flanks, denied a beauty by a penalty for obstructive crossing. Freddie Fraiers was substituted for Louis Watson. The game again entered into a lull allowing the visitors to score a second unconverted try.
In the 70 minute James Cousins scored a try from a maul giving the home side a comfortable 31 point lead but continued to press home their advantage and on the last play of the game Rob Godden scored a try giving Folkestone a 46-10 victory. But with big wins by their competitors for promotion they remain in 3rd place in the table with a match against league leaders, Sevenoaks, next week.
A special mention must be given to the ground staff who prepared the pitch in excellent condition after an extremely wet period of weather.

Team Mason Colchester –Long James Cousens Harry Illman Rob Godden Ben Stringer Tom Snare Alex Price John Eustace Callum Palmieri Seyhan Fell Freddie Fraiers John Morton Joe Satchell Harry Dean Charlie Watson. Subs Greg Wood Jack Baker Louis Watson