MATCH REPORT BY GEOFF OTTLEY
Folkestone welcomed league runners-up Aylesford Bulls RFC on Saturday in what turned out to be an entertaining, high-scoring contest.

The visitors struck first, moving the ball quickly from deep inside their own half before their winger crossed for an early try to take a 5-0 lead. Stones responded immediately, applying sustained pressure close to the Aylesford line before Tom Reina powered over to level the scores.

Aylesford soon regained the initiative, capitalising on a lineout deep in Stones territory as their forwards drove over for a second try. They followed this up with another score from their dangerous wing to stretch the lead to 15-5.

Stones fought back well. Strong attacking play and quick ball from the breakdown allowed Louis Watson to crash over, reducing the deficit to 15-12. Growing in confidence, Stones continued to move the ball effectively and were rewarded when Charlie Watson broke through the defence to score in the corner, putting the home side 17-15 ahead.

With momentum firmly on their side, Stones added another excellent try. A delicate chip from Kyle Deakin was gathered by Cairo Ellis, who raced clear to extend the lead to 24-15.

Aylesford refused to go away and, after forcing their way into the Stones red zone, their forwards crossed from a lineout drive just before half-time to leave the visitors trailing by only two points at 24-22.

The second half began much as the first ended, with Aylesford applying pressure. Another lineout drive resulted in a converted try, giving the visitors a 27-24 lead. With both sides exchanging attacks, Aylesford added a penalty before breaking through again for a converted try to move 37-24 ahead.

Stones responded brilliantly. Slick handling and determined attacking play created the opportunity for Lewis Reindier to score a converted try, narrowing the gap to 37-31 and keeping the contest alive.

As fatigue began to take its toll, Aylesford's powerful running game started to tell. After a sustained period of pressure, the visitors were awarded a penalty try to extend their advantage before adding another late score to make it 51-31.

To their credit, Stones continued to battle until the final whistle. Quick recycling from the forwards created one last opportunity, and Louis Watson crossed for his second try of the afternoon, bringing the final score to 36-51.

Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for Stones to take from an entertaining match against one of the league's strongest sides, with several periods of impressive attacking rugby and five well-taken tries.

TEAM
Luke Dengate, James Cousens, Dylan Price, Jack Baker, Lewis Hammerton, Tom Clarke, Tom Reina, Rob Godden, Callum Palmeri (c), Kyle Deakin, Harry Dean, Louis Watson, Cairo Ellis, Charlie Watson, Woody Faires

SUBS
Lewis Reindier, Harry Newton, James Stewart