With a new electronic scoreboard, a lush green pitch, immaculately cut and marked, and a large crowd Folkestone entertained top-of-the table Thanet Wanderers for first home game of the season
Folkestone started the match with real intent. From the kick-off, the Stones showed excellent running and interplay, pushing the visitors deep into their 22. Despite sustained pressure, they were unable to turn their early dominance into points.
Thanet regrouped and hit back with a series of powerful drives from their forwards, working their way into Folkestone’s 22. A scrum to the visitors provided a platform for their No. 8 to make a decisive break, recycling the ball quickly for an unconverted try in the corner, putting Wanderers ahead 0–5.
Straight from the restart, Wanderers maintained their momentum with more strong forward play, forcing Folkestone to defend desperately. A penalty against the visitors briefly relieved the pressure, allowing the Stones to clear their lines. However, from the ensuing line-out, a long throw went astray, and the Thanet scrum-half pounced on the loose ball to sprint over for another unconverted try in the 18th minute — extending the lead to 0–10.
Folkestone responded superbly. Sustained attacking phases and sharp handling forced Thanet onto the back foot, and after some fine interplay, Joe Faires was released to score a converted try in the 30th minute, narrowing the deficit to 7–10. Yet, on the stroke of halftime, Thanet’s forwards again powered into the Stones’ 22, allowing their scrum-half to snatch another unconverted try, giving the visitors a 7–15 advantage at the break.
The Stones came out firing in the second half, playing with greater pace and purpose. Their pressure paid off as the ball was moved wide through the backs, enabling Tom Clarke to cross in the corner for an unconverted try, bringing the score to 12–15.
Thanet responded quickly after the restart, combining smart tactical kicking with relentless forward pressure. Their No. 8 powered over for another unconverted try, extending the lead to 12–20. Despite brave defence and moments of promising attack, handling errors cost Folkestone dearly, allowing Thanet to regain territory and control the closing stages of the match inside the Stones’ 22.

Team:- Mason Colchester-Long, Cameron Easby, Jack Baker: Rob Godden, Lewis Hammerton; James Stewart, Thomas Clarke, Alex Price; Greg Wood, Ollie Vidgeon, Harry Dean Joe Faires, Callum Palmieri, Charlie Watson, Edward Faires. Subs. Louis Watson, Leon Gurr, Ryan Furlong.