FOLKESTONE 34 pts v THANET WANDERERS 24 pts 8th March 2025

Folkestone welcomed promotion contenders Thanet Wanderers in a highly anticipated clash. On a good playing surface, both teams set out with clear attacking intentions, leading to an entertaining contest.
The game began at a fast pace, with strong running and fluid interplay from both sides. It was a question of which team would settle into their rhythm first, and it was Folkestone who found their footing quicker. Their early pressure forced Wanderers deep into their 22, eventually earning a penalty, which was successfully converted, giving Folkestone a 3-0 lead in the 15th minute.
Immediately after the restart, Folkestone launched another attack. Jon Morton made a strong break through the Wanderers’ defence, and after quick recycling, Callum Palmieri delivered a precise cross-kick to the far touchline. Harry Dean collected the ball and finished off a well-executed try, which Seyhan Fell converted, extending the lead to 10-0.
Wanderers responded by gradually working their way back into the game, linking well between their forwards and backs. They pinned Folkestone deep in their own territory and were awarded a very kickable penalty, only for the attempt to hit the post. However, their persistence paid off just before halftime. Their winger cut infield on a sharp line and powered over for a converted try in the 37th minute, narrowing the gap to 10-7.
Folkestone immediately regrouped. With strong carries from their forwards and incisive running from the backs, Callum Palmieri kicked into the corner, allowing Harry Dean to collect and dive over for his second try in the 43rd minute. The conversion was successful, restoring Folkestone’s lead to 17-7.
Just before halftime, Folkestone struck again. Seyhan Fell made a cutting break before setting up Greg Wood, who raced over for another converted try, giving Folkestone a commanding 24-7 advantage at the break.
Thanet Wanderers came out attacking in the second half, but Folkestone’s defence held firm, eventually forcing a penalty and clearing their lines. The home side then turned up the pressure, dominating possession and territory. Their persistence paid off when Jake Dengate powered over for a well-earned try, securing the four-try bonus point and extending the lead to 29-7.
Thanet refused to back down and hit back with a well-worked try on the left wing. Although the conversion was missed, they kept themselves in the fight at 29-12.
Folkestone responded with another surge of attacking rugby. Quick ball movement and slick passing allowed Cairo Ellis to break through and put Harry Dean away. Dean scrambled down the touchline to complete his hat-trick in the 60th minute, further extending Folkestone’s lead to 34-12.
However, fatigue began to show in the closing stages, and Wanderers capitalised. With Folkestone’s defence tiring and missing tackles, Thanet produced a series of well-constructed moves, resulting in a try that brought the score to 34-17.
In the dying minutes, Wanderers struck again, scoring a converted try to secure a four-try bonus point and a final score of 34-24. The result fairly reflected the competitive nature of the match, with both teams displaying great attacking intent.
With just two fixtures remaining before the cup matches, Folkestone still has an outside chance of promotion. However, they may look back with some regret at earlier results where their form fell short of the level they showcased in this impressive victory.
Team:
Tom Snare, James Cousens, Luke Dengate, Jack Baker, Ben Stringer, Jake Dengate, Jon Morton, Alex Price, Greg Wood, Seyhan Fell, Harry Dean, Louis Watson, Cairo Ellis, Ryan Furlong, Callum Palmieri (c).
Subs: Mason Colchester-Long, Dave Jarvis, Harry Newton.