Folkestone 21 pts. Aylesford 24 ptd

On a beautiful day for rugby, Stones were left frustrated as a late penalty saw the visitors snatch victory in a thrilling contest.

Stones started with real intent, playing expansive rugby and pinning the visitors deep in their own half. Despite early pressure, it was the visitors who first threatened, though they missed a kickable penalty. Stones quickly responded, and some excellent interplay led to the opening try—Callum Palmieri’s perfectly weighted chip was collected by Bennito Decicco, who crossed the line for a converted score and a 7–0 lead at the break.

The second half began in similar fashion, with Stones on the front foot. Strong, direct running eventually created space for Tom Reina to break through and extend the lead to 14–0. The visitors hit back immediately with a converted try, but Stones maintained control when Ryen Morton powered over following sustained pressure near the try line, bringing the score to 21–7.

From there, momentum began to shift. The visitors capitalised on a series of errors and mounted a determined comeback, scoring twice to level the game at 21–21. With Stones beginning to tire in the final stages, defensive gaps started to appear.

In the closing minutes, sustained pressure from the visitors forced a penalty inside the Stones 22. The resulting kick was successful, sealing a narrow and hard-fought win for the visitors and leaving Stones to reflect on a game that had once looked firmly in their grasp.