FRFC 31 Canterbury 18

Folkestone opened with a strong wind behind them and
had the better of the first half with both possession and territorial
advantage to such an extent that Canterbury failed to get deep into
home territory until after 35 minutes.

The first half was a pleasure to watch for home supporters but after
the interval the wheels fell off and Canterbury gained the ascendancy.

However, Tom Snare opened the scoring for Folkestone from a short tap
penalty near the visitors line, to burrow his way over for Mead to
convert 7 - 0. The home pack were dominant and Baxter was a tower of
strength at No. 8 bursting away from a scrum to find Cooke in support
to cross for a try which Mead converted. 14-0.

The game had the promise of an easy canter for these young lads ably
supported a several 'old hands' but how wrong could I be?

At this point Folkestone were dominant and Baxter was causing havoc at
No. 8 and Mead at scrum half constantly caught his opposite number in
possession. Folkestone increased their score with a pick and drive
ending up with Ryan Farrow crossing the line. No Conversion. 19 - 0.

Baxter had another burst up the middle but the second off load was
knocked on. These lads don't seem to learn and look for the off load
BEFORE the tackle. Half time score 19 -0

Whilst having my half time cup of Bovril (it was bitingly cold on that
balcony...) I missed the build up for the try from the kick off only to
see Cooke plonk the ball down under the posts for his second try which
Mead converted. 26 - 0.

Then things fell apart.....Canterbury used the wind to peg the home
side within their half for long periods and a desperate kick out of
defence by Folkestone found the Canterbury left wind who waltzed around
the spread of players to score under the posts but the conversion was
missed. 26 - 5. Folkestone then started shuffling players around better
than any card shark and I lost track of who was playing where. Baxter
and Howland went off - then came back on again. Snare and White went off and Turner, Robbins and Gunn came on. No wonder they lost their shape and the two yellow cards they earned didn't help much either.

Canterbury then were warded a series of penalties, converting two of
them followed by a converted try 26 - 18 and Folkestone looked in fear
of losing this game if it continued in the same way. However in the
closing minutes the ball came out of the back of the scrum and the
inside centre found Cooke who romped over way out - no conversion and
they had finally retained their seasons unbeaten record.

Those that caught my eye were Cooke, Landimore, Dixon, Ashton and Hodge
but they all played with a spirit which was not diminished and a little
more structure will see them continue in their winning ways. Pop up and
see them some time - well worth the time and effort.