Ashford 16 FRFC 19

At the start of this match Folkestone laid 17 points behind neighbours, Ashford, in the league. Ashford have had some excellent results to put them into 4th place contesting a promotion place while after a poor run of results Folkestone languish in 8th place. In their campaign Folkestone have lost 4 matches by a single score and drew their first match of the season against Park House.
Consequently confidence is low in the Folkestone squad so on paper this looked likely to be an Ashford victory. The home support was in optimistic mood but the Stones’ travelling support were ready to roar their favourites on. Both teams and their supporters made this a real Christmas cracker of a game with the momentum constantly changing and right up to the last kick of the game either team could have taken the victory and it could easily have ended in a draw.

Folkestone were first on the scoreboard with a Seyhan Fell penalty in the 8th minute. 0-3.

For the next 15 minutes Folkestone were defending inside their own 22 having to rely on huge clearance kicks from James Crittell, which pushed Ashford back into their own half but it also gave them the possession to attack again. Eventually Ashford scored when a clever grubber kick through the Stones’ defence allowed their winger to chase and get the touchdown. It was a deserved score. 5-3.

From that point until half time it was Folkestone laying siege to the home try-line. With Richard Lama out through injury Will Massey took on the role of skipper and he led his team from the front constantly motivating his team and driving them on. Scrum half, Lewis Howland, had a great game and formed a great partnership with Number 8, Mike Gardner. Gardner was using his power bringing the ball out of the scrum and always making good yardage to get his team on the front foot. Folkestone produced a sweeping move from right to left wing looking like they would score but tremendous Ashford defence held them at bay. Folkestone retained possession and moved the ball back to the right wing and youngster, Elliott Jones looked to be in for the try until a defender launched himself in a no-hands tackle which ended the game for the youngster. He was replaced by Jon Morton. Regular readers will know that I have praised Morton this season and last season. He has become one of Folkestone’s best players. He was on the right wing as Folkestone won a scrum on the home 5 metre line. Firstly Mike Gardner took the ball out of the scrum powering toward the line but strong defence held him back but he had made his mark on the home defence who obviously didn’t like it when he was on the ball. A second scrum on the 5metre line this time saw Howland take the ball and move to the short side. He made an inch perfect pass to Morton who, with his first touch of the match, scored in the corner. Fell hit the bar with the difficult conversion. 5-8. And that was the score at the interval.

It looked like Folkestone were going to score again soon after the restart as they attacked up the left wing. Luciano Dublino started the move with a powerful run right through the centre of the Ashford defence before moving the ball toward the left wing. With the ball in hand Bradley Pearson had just one player to beat and he kicked it over his head and chased it. Sadly he didn’t get to the ball as the Ashford defender cynically body-checked the youngster off the pitch. While the visiting support claimed a penalty try, referee, Mark Hayward awarded a penalty to Folkestone. In my mind it wasn’t a penalty try but I was surprised the Ashford player didn’t get a 10 minute rest. I also have to say that Mr Hayward had a terrific game. He didn’t allow any nonsense and was always in a great position. Referees usually don’t get the praise they deserve (especially from me) but Mr Hayward enhanced the match and communicated with the players who showed him the respect he deserved.

In the 45th minute Fell increased the Folkestone lead with another penalty. 5-11.

The atmosphere of the game changed as the Folkestone players and supporters saw that this was a winnable game. On the 55th minute Dublino made another charge down the middle which led to Folkestone attacking the home line. Dublino joined Folkestone just a few weeks ago, flying in from Naples. He is a powerful, determined player fast becoming a favourite with the Stones’ support. He’s a youngster and it takes some commitment to come from Italy in an effort to improve his skills. His parents had flown in from Naples to see him play game and will go home with happy memories knowing that their son is having a great time and is being well looked after.
So, where were we? Dublino set the ball perfectly in a ruck and, almost casually, Chris Petley picked the ball up and dived for the line. He made it look easy but I bet he took a few blows on his way to the line. 5-16.

Almost immediately Ashford scored with a penalty. 8-16.

8 points clear and the visiting support were checking their watches. Folkestone have figured in many tight finishes this season and the nervousness in the support was reflected by the players’ own nervousness. Ashford were not going to lie down. Bragging rights were at stake here with many of the players good friends of their opponents. Roared on by their supporters Ashford attacked down the left wing and a second excellent grubber kick through the Folkestone defence won them another try. 13-16. Amazingly the home kicker missed the conversion despite it looking a certain score.

In the final 10 minutes Ashford fought hard to score but the Folkestone defence held firm on their try-line. Ashford looked certain to score but they turned the ball over and Dublino led his team out of danger. Folkestone were quickly into the Ashford half and won a penalty in the 77th minute. Kicker, Fell knew the significance of the kick which might just be enough to earn his team victory. The wind was swirling all over the place as he launched the ball into the air. I was right behind and thought he had hit it towards the right when all of a sudden it curved inside the posts as the visiting support roared their delight. 13-19.

But Ashford were not finished and bearing in mind all of Folkestone’s tight finishes this season in my mind I saw a converted try would give the home team a 1 point lead. My eyes were constantly on the ref waiting for the relief of the final whistle but the game went on up the Ashford left wing and soon they were on the Folkestone 22 where they earned a penalty. The Ashford elected to go for the posts rather than the touchline. I was surprised that he didn’t go for the try as time was running out. His kicker didn’t let him down. 16-19.

The game restarted with Ashford attacking again. Folkestone are notorious for giving away penalties and just one would be enough to level the game but just when they were in a good attacking position Ashford turned the ball over and Folkestone booted the ball out of play.
What a terrific match!

Man of the match for Folkestone you ask. Fell was superb at the back and cool as ice with his kicks. Birthday boy Scotty Evans at fly half and his scrum half partner in the control room, Lewis Howland were on top form constantly varying their attacks. Will Massey in the front row was immense. Brad Pearson continues to show his pace and would have scored today but for desperate and illegal defence. I’m not criticising the defender. Had that been a Folkestone player making the body check and stopping a certain try he would have been applauded by the support! Lucian Dublino, in just his second 1st XV outing impresses me. He is finding his confidence and he came very close to scoring today. Flankers Chris Petley and Richie Bowen were, once again, chasing everything down putting Ashford under pressure. But for me the starman was their back row partner, Mike Gardner. He has found himself a place in the team this season and any player that keeps Jake Johnson on the bench has to be doing a whole lot of good work!

On Saturday Folkestone travel to unbeaten table toppers, Maidstone. It’s a tough end to 2012 but this victory gives coach Darren Molloy a good base to work on.

Squad:
Will Massey, Ross Carrigan, Tom Carvill, Ben Flatman, Tim Wood, Chris Petley, Richie Bowen, Mike Gardner, Pat Smith, Jake Johnson, Lewis Howland, Scotty Evans, Brad Pearson, James Crittell, Luciano Dublino, Elliott Jones, Seyhan Fell, Jon Morton