Folkestone 40 Old Alleynians 21

Stones produced an impressive all-round performance to secure a deserved 40–21 victory over Old Alleynians at Stone.

The visitors began the match at a lively tempo, moving the ball wide and applying early pressure on the Stones’ try line. However, after eight minutes Stones regained possession and asserted themselves through strong forward carries and sharp back-line interplay. Dave Jarvis’ well-judged kick to the corner allowed Harry Dean to collect and score the opening try, which was duly converted to give Stones a 7–0 lead.

Old Alleynians responded by once again pressing Stones deep into their own territory, forcing several defensive errors. Stones absorbed the pressure well and capitalised on a visitors’ mistake, breaking through the defence with another series of powerful forward drives to send Greg Wood over for a converted try, extending the lead to 14–0.

The visitors hit back with sustained pressure in the Stones’ red zone and were eventually rewarded with a converted try to reduce the deficit to 14–7. Stones, however, finished the half strongly. Aggressive play from the restart forced OA’s to concede possession and a string of penalties inside their own 22. Dominant scrummaging allowed Stones to spread the ball wide, where Greg Wood crossed for his second converted try, giving Stones a 21–7 advantage at half-time.

Stones carried their momentum into the second half, launching immediate attacks from the restart. Strong running and slick inter-passing released Harry Newton, who crossed for a converted try to make it 28–7. Moments later, Harry Dean gathered a pass from the restart and outpaced the defence to score again, extending the lead to 33–7.

A lapse in discipline then allowed Old Alleynians back into the contest, with a series of penalties resulting in a penalty try to make it 33–14. Sensing an opportunity, the visitors put together several well-structured attacks and added a converted try to narrow the score to 33–21.

Stones responded calmly and regained control of the match, forcing OA’s to defend deep inside their 22. Despite losing a scrum against the head, quick thinking from Ollie Jordan-Smith saw him read the scrum-half’s pass, intercept, and race clear to score a converted try, pushing the lead out to 40–21.

Stones managed the final five minutes with composure and control to see out a thoroughly deserved victory.

Team:- Cameron Easby, James Cousens, Mason Colchester-Long, Jack Baker, Tom Clarke, Scott Stewart, Dave Jarvis, Alex Price (c), Greg Wood, Ollie Jordon-Smith, Harry Dean, Benito Decicco, Cairo Ellis, Harry Newton, Woody Faires. Subs: Louis Watson, James Stewart, Ryen Morton.