FOLKESTONE 24 pts v. MEDWAY 17 pts

Folkestone welcomed their Medway visitors on a bright, but very cold day to start the second half of the season with a bonus point win in a gritty encounter where conditions did not allow the full flowing game that the home supporters are used to.
The match began at an impressive tempo, with both sides demonstrating fluid attacking rugby. Stones struck first in the seventh minute when quick ball movement out wide created space for Woody Faires, who sprinted over in the corner for an unconverted try to give the home side a 5–0 lead.
Following the restart, Stones maintained sustained pressure through powerful forward carries, pinning Medway deep in their own territory. The pressure eventually told as Greg Wood forced his way over the line, with the conversion extending the lead to 12–0.
Medway responded positively, using short, direct drives from the base of the rucks to gain territory. Their persistence paid off when they breached Stones’ defence inside the 22, crossing for a converted try to reduce the deficit to 12–7.
Stones regrouped well and reasserted control through strong interplay between forwards and backs. This culminated in James Cousens powering over for a converted try, restoring a 19–7 advantage. However, just before the interval, Stones allowed Medway back into the contest. A series of penalties conceded in the red zone gave the visitors an opportunity they capitalised on, scoring a converted try on the stroke of half-time to leave the score finely balanced at 19–14.
The second half began sluggishly, with both sides guilty of unforced errors disrupting continuity. As the half progressed, Stones found their rhythm and began moving the ball with greater purpose. A well-worked backs move created space for Harry Dean, who collected the pass and sprinted down the touchline to score, extending the lead to 24–14.
The remainder of the match became disjointed, with errors creeping in from both teams. Medway managed to apply late pressure and were rewarded with a penalty inside the Stones 22, which they successfully converted to narrow the margin to 24–17.
In the closing stages, Folkestone showed composure and game management, retaining possession and running down the clock to secure a hard-fought victory.

Team :- Cameron Easby, James Cousens, Mason Colchester-Long, Jack Baker, Lewis, Lewis Hammerton, Scott Stewart, Tom Clark, Alex Price, Greg Wood, Ollie Jordon-Smith, Harry Dean, Ollie Vidgeon, Cairo Ellis, Charlie Watson, Woody Faires.
Subs:- Callum Palmeri, Dave Jarvis, Ryan Furlong