As is normal up at Old Dunstonians there was another close fought win!

OLD DUNSTONIANS 1st XV 29 FOLKESTONE 1st XV 33
Saturday 8th April 2017. London 3SE. Report by Alan Schofield.
“Did we win”? So asked an exhausted Folkestone player with sweat trickling down every crevice of his face after the final whistle had eventually been blown.
Folkestone did indeed win in one of the most exciting, free running games I have seen. Played in an excellent spirit throughout, with a massive forwards effort on both sides, free running backs and last ditch tackles galore as the lead and initiative changed with bewildering frequency.
A first view of Old D’s brobdingnagian forwards gave a warning that the Folkestone pack were going to have combine well to maintain the superiority that they have achieved throughout most of the season. They tried, but the weight and the strength of the opponents, whilst not overwhelming, had them going backwards. This gave a platform to the very sprightly looking, young, set of three-quarters, and The Stones spent the first five minutes in flat-out defence of their line – until a lucky break. James Mead hoofed a loose ball long and high from within his own 22 metre zone, safely towards a lone full back. With Seyhan Fell following up in fifth gear, the ball bounced wickedly, but Seyhan just managed to stretch out to catch it, and ran through unopposed to score under the posts. He converted and the score of 0 – 7 looked good for The Stones against the early run of play.
It was still ominous for Folkestone as the next problem soon became apparent. Rucks and pick and runs have gained them many metres this season – not so today - it was as though they were running into a glass wall as five consecutive attempts gained absolutely nothing against this formable defence. Try saving tackles were made by Seyhan Fell and Chris Petley as Old D’s pressed down the middle and from both wings. But Folkestone were unable to defend after a line out ball, 10 metres out, was lost and a slick move earned the home team a converted try - just desserts after 95% territorial advantage and 60% possession! 7 – 7.
A blow for Folkestone after 22 minutes came with Adam Tolman hobbling off the field – but James Lunnun who also excels at No 10, and fortunately he was available to substitute. He was immediately in action as he took a pass from Kyle Deakin from a won scrum, threw a long fast pass to Seyhan Fell who made ground before slipping it to James Mead who scored a wingers try – fast, strong and determined against a three man cover defence. Seyhan Fell converted and The Stones took the lead, 7 – 14. But it was short lived as O’ D’s, within two minutes, had scored on their left wing in a very similar way to the Mead try. Had the touch-judges had their way the score would have been 14 – 14, but the referee over-ruled their decision and said the ball had skimmed outside the post/cross bar joint. 12 – 14.
Seyhan Fell twice came to rescue of the stretched Folkestone team with try saving tackles as O’ D’s pressed hard for the lead as half time approached. Then came the first penalty of the game, remarkably, after 38 minutes. It was awarded to O’D’s 10 metres out on the left side. Rather than kick for the lead, they took the 5 metre line out. They powered their way up to the line before being held – but The Stones had too many men in defence when the ball was released and the try was scored for a half time lead of 17 – 14.
Coach Leigh Fitchie stimulated his team with a rousing haranguing as the team sought shade under the trees in the heat of the day – and it certainly had its effect for 10 minutes later the Stones had scored two tries and were leading 17 – 26.
Playing with slope, and a slight breeze, with the sun now in the eyes of Old D’s James Lunnun, Jordan Godden, John Eustace and a forceful run by Ben Stringer - had O’ D’s covering backwards, then Seyhan Fell, having his game of the season, made 30 metres on the right wing, crossed the line with tacklers holding him up but he released the ball to ‘Thommo’ Murray – following up – to touch down, Seyhan Fell added the conversion. 17-21. Then, Jon Morton found a good touch kick into the opponent’s 22 metre zone and Chris Petley brilliantly won the line out against much taller opposition, he fed it to Kyle Deakin who started a fast three quarter line attack. ‘Thommo’ Murray got the ball to the line and Kyle Deakin was on hand to take it up and dive over to score the bonus point try. 17-26.
And now The Stones had a period where Old D’s were forced to defend against some determined rugby. Jake ‘Jiggles’ Ellis broke clear taking three men with him, Jon Morton ran and kicked impressively and the forwards now were holding their own. However, forced back onto their own line they were unable to prevent a try when Old D’s piled 10 men into a five scrum that brought the score back to 22 – 26.
Folkestone backs were gaining the upper hand by their training ground moves that often expanded their line and when Kyle Deakin fed the ball out from the scrum – James Lunnun looped round Jon Morton with Seyhan Fell and John Eustace and they still had James Mead - and the defence were outnumbered. Mead scored far on the left wing with Seyhan Fell converting in superb style. 22 – 33.
For 18 minutes Folkestone were then put to a defensive effort such as I have not seen all season. Old D’s threw everything they had into a thrilling finish; they scored a converted try under the posts to bring the scores to 29 – 33 with 4 minutes left on my stopwatch. Those four minutes became 9 minutes and every one of those tense seconds was spent within 15 metres of Folkestone’s line. And every player strived to his limit in attack and defence, but it was The Stones who triumphed with a determination that they celebrated to the full for hours after the final whistle.
Whatever the result of this game it was not going to have any effect on Folkestone’s final league position – in a very creditable 4th place, and equalling the best ever season since the change of leagues in 2008 – with 77 points from 15 victories – and none more harder fought than this.

Team: Seyhan Fell: James Mead, John Eustace, Jon Morton (Capt.), Thomo Murray; Adam Tolman, Kyle Deakin; James Archer, Thomas Snare, Bob Porter; Jake Ellis, Ben Stringer; Jordan Godden, Chris Petley, Scott Stewart.
Subs: Joby Crystal, James Lunnun, Cameron Seagrove.
Scorers: Seyhan Fell 5, 2, 2, 2, 2; James Mead 5, 5; Thomo Murray 5; Kyle Deakin 5.