FRFC 22 Tunbridge Wells 23

Folkestone’s run of poor results continued in this match but maybe we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel because this game could have gone either way and in the last minute Folkestone almost took the honours but kicker, Seyhan Fell, missed a difficult conversion. This match saw an improvement in confidence of the Stones squad and they never gave up the hunt against a Tunbridge Wells team that had been relegated into this league this season.

Before the match the club hosted it’s Christmas Vice President’s Lunch in a clubhouse with almost 130 guests. As ever it was hugely appreciated and it was so good I missed the first 10 minutes of play.

Luckily the score was still 0-0 when I took my place on the balcony. I timed it right because in the 15th minute Folkestone opened the scoring firstly attacking the left wing and then working the ball to the right wing with some superb passes especially from Jack Cox and James Crittell who found Bradley Pearson steaming down the right wing and over the line. Seyhan Fell added the conversion. 7-0.

But the applause and the optimism died just seconds later when Tunbridge Wells attacked straight up the centre managing to evade defenders with ease. The supposed tackling from the Stones was terrible. 7-7.

Minutes later and Wells were 6 points clear after 2 excellent penalty kicks from their kicker. 7-13

Seyhan Fell got Folkestone back into the game with a penalty. 10-13.

This time seconds later Folkestone again laid out a runway for Tunbridge Wells to score a second try. 10-18.

During the interval I consulted one of the Folkestone supporters, a young lady, Ms Millen, who described the Folkestone tackling as “ a bit poo”. And she was right.

Starting the second half I felt that Folkestone had to score next if they were to have any chance of victory and in the 50th minute they did just that. Firstly, making his debut, Luciano Dublino, had a fine run towards the posts and then James Crittell went close and with the pressure mounting on the Wells defence the ball went to skipper, Chris Petley and he scampered over the line. Fell added the bonus. 17-18.

Entering the final quarter of the game Folkestone made several penetrating runs into Wells territory but too often the ball carriers found themselves in contact unable to make a pass when all they had to do was draw the defender and then pass the ball on. Too many Folkestone players were playing the game as individuals rather than a team game.

Tunbridge Wells scored their final try with a line-out drive in the home 22. 17-23.

Credit to Folkestone and skipper, Petley, they kicked off and soon found them in the Wells 22 knowing that a converted try would win the game. The home crowd roared them toward the line where they were forced into a maul on the 5 metre line and another of Folkestone’s classy youngsters, Elliott Jones, got hold of the ball and dived for the line leaving that difficult conversion attempt for Fell.

After the match the home team were very disappointed. They never gave up and lost yet another tight game. They are getting no luck.
On Saturday they travel to Ashford and surely a big support will follow them up the M20 looking for a bit of Christmas cheer. I wouldn’t bet against them coming home with a victory.

Squad:

Chris Petley, Pat Smith, Jack Cox, Tom Carvill, Ben Flatman, Tim Wood, Richie Bowen, Mike Gardner, Scott Evans, James Crittell, Brad Pearson, Trevor Squire, Luciano Dublino, Elliott Jones, Seyhan Fell, Richard Lama, Ben Brooks