Folkestone had to call on all their reserves of resilience and fitness to win this opening game of the season, against a newly promoted Uckfield who had only lost once in the whole of last season.

It was soon obvious that The Stones had some stiff opposition with the early scrums being lost along with the five metres they were pushed backwards, and the first three line-outs’ were lost whilst the players were trying to find their timing. And in amongst all this Kyle Deakin limped off after three minutes with a leg injury – Lewis Howland substituting.

The first quarter of the game was bestrewn with mistakes, happily many of them by Uckfield, but The Stones were far from convincing with disjointed attacks, positional mistakes and loose passing. Only a smart fly kick by Liam Trinder and a lovely break by Callum Palmieri eased the tension on the faces of the support team and spectators. A long downwind kick earned relief for the visitors, and reward when an off-side decision gave away a penalty in front of the posts that gave Uckfield the opening score. 0 – 3.

Uckfield had the larger share of possession and territory and looked especially dangerous on the right wing, and with crafty positional changes the Folkestone defence was stretched to the limit to prevent the visitors from scoring. In an episode of three minutes of continuous play in the Folkestone 5 metre zone the defence held firm until Callum Palmieri broke out and sprinted to the halfway line before being cynically brought down with a high tackle that earned Uckfield a yellow card but probably saved them seven points. Uckfield regained possession and again stretched the Folkestone defence, but only to concede another penalty to relieve the tension that was beginning to show,

But having weathered the storm The Stones began, albeit slowly, to drag themselves back into the game. The home team on the springy turf showed some skill in running and passing to force Uckfield back into their 5-metre zone, but the line-out was lost. Adam Tolman and John Eustace worked themselves clear, and with an overlap, but all to nought as they were penalised for crossing and obstruction. Uckfield were given another chance to increase their lead with a penalty from 35 metres, but this hit the upright and half time came giving them only a slender lead, that without some excellent defensive tackling could easily have been more challenging. 0-3.

The half-time discussion by coach Darren Molloy and skipper Seyhan Fell was frank. Mat Roots came on to give Dave Ballard a rest and add a few extra kilos to the pack. Uckfield were not averse to some wry tactics and an obvious block with a last-ditch no-arms tackle on Seyhan Fell again successfully prevented a Folkestone try, but Fell levelled the scores with the well taken penalty kick from far out on the left wing. 3 – 3.

From the restart Callum Palmieri grub kicked a loose ball that sent Uckfield into retreat with the Folkestone pack fast upon them, a tackle, a quick ruck and Scott Stewart emerged – head down and powerful – and unstoppable to force his way through and score the first try of match. Seyhan Fell converted from far out on the right wing. 10 – 3.

Then Adam Tolman broke loose and ran 50 metres downfield before being dragged down, but more importantly, The Stones were now beginning to show some ascendancy. The defence was magnificent against everything that Uckfield could throw at them. Jon Morton and Callum Palmieri kicked solidly, and the forwards began to dominate both in set pieces and in the loose. Liam Trinder secured the line-outs’ and The Stones, having looked rather ragged earlier, now became a unit. It was Uckfield who lost their composure under the unusual pressure they had to endure, and the penalties they conceded.

Mat Roots started a move and from the tackle the ball was fast passed through Adam Tolman and John Eustace to Thomo Murray on the right wing who had the wilyness and speed to touch down for the second try, again converted by Seyhan Fell from a wide angle. 17 – 3. This score was conclusive as Uckfield, try as they would, were now contained and remained so until the final whistle.

Folkestone had worked their way through some very difficult moments from opponents that clearly had speed and talent, but perhaps it was fitness or better handling, and less offensive play of the home side that gave them the edge and the win.

Team: Adam Tolman; Thomo Murray, Kyle Deakin, John Eustace, Seyhan Fell (Capt.); Jon Morton, Callum Palmieri; Tom: Snare, Austin Hogben, Dave Ballard; Colby Hayward, Jake Ellis; Jeremie Cowell, Liam Trinder, Scott Stewart.

Subs.: Mat Roots, James Archer, Lewis Howland.

Scorers: Seyhan Fell 3, 2, 2; Scott Stewart 5; Thomo Murray 5.