Another good run out for the 3rdXV

A collection of youth, experience, rapier and bludgeon gathered on Folkestone’s third pitch to face Tonbridge Juddians 5th XV. With the warm up completed, skipper Rob Jackson communicated the tactical blueprint for the game ahead and asked the players to maintain the standard of play from the previous week. Steve Weller, who had obviously been reading his “profanisauras” that morning, motivated us with some bon mots. With the team energised, prepared (sort of), one final adjustment was required - Tonbridge Juddians turned up with fourteen players so Ross Clark was the chosen one who went to play for TJs in the first half to ensure both sides had a full complement.

The weather was mild but quite blustery, and TJs kicked off with Folkestone playing with the wind. Debutants included Terry Holt in the centre and Jon Spearpoint at full back. Folkestone started well, using our bulky pack to dominate around the fringes and gradually move up the field. The pack was enjoying itself at scrum time, taking the first four TJ scrums against the head, allowing Folkestone to monopolise territory. Alas this was not converted into points, largely down to whiteline fever afflicting several members of the pack, and eventually TJs were able to clear their lines.

Tonbridge looked to build some pressure, but the Folkestone defence was holding firm, and following a good tackle by Spearpoint the ball was turned over by Gareth Webber who kicked the ball down field. Ryan Morgan fly-hacked through and outpaced the covering defence to touch down for the first try. Morgan converted his own score and ‘Stones led 7-0.

Alex Simpson, playing at fly half, now took control of the game using all the backline to attack the opposition from various angles. Folkestone were quickly back into TJs 22 with Ceri Ap Bryn making an excellent break and he was unlucky to be held up. Bizarrely the referee awarded the scrum to TJs who cleared for a Folkestone lineout. The ball was recycled from the set piece and Tyler Linch scored from 10 metres after taking a crash ball from a ruck. Morgan converted, 14-0.

Folkestone’s strong ball carriers of Holt, Weller, Linch and Baker were proving too much for TJs and Folkestone were quickly scoring again as Alex Simpson burst over the line after taking a tap penalty 10 metres out and eluding the defence. Conversion was made by Morgan, to make the score 21-0. For the ten minutes before half time complacency afflicted ‘stones and TJs right winger was able to score two unconverted tries. At half time the score was 21-10.

The second half stated as the first had ended, with Tonbridge putting pressure on the Folkestone line. However, this time the concentration and commitment was much improved and the defence repelled several phases of play, before forcing an error and moving back up the field. Eventually Richie Bowen was able to dive over the line from close range following great work from Ryan Morgan. The conversion was missed, 26-10. Immediately from kick off the ball was feed out to Bowen, who was able to burst through some tackles and outpace the covering defence to score from 50 yards out. Conversion missed again, 31-10. It was around this time that debutant Terry Holt had to leave the field with a bloody nose and a knackered ankle. He had a fine game, so we wish him a speedy recovery.

With Folkestone in control, what followed was the outstanding try of the game. Folkestone broke out their own half down the left had side of the park following good work by Simpson and Curtis. The ball was moved quickly between several players, completely bamboozling the defence with sharp off loading and great support running. The move was finished by Kev Gurr roaring over from three yards out. Conversion missed, 36-10.

Folkestone had the opportunity to score more tries on several occasions, but couldn’t take them for a number of reasons, not least when prop-forward Steve Weller thought he would ignore a five man overlap and treat everybody to a demonstration as to why props should *never* kick the ball. Eventually, Ross Clark did manage to score down the right hand side after an overlap was created, with the conversion being missed the score was 41-10, which was how it remained.

Special mentions:
• Steve Weller was strong in the scrum and was a consistent threat in the loose.
• Tyler Linch punched massive holes in the defensive line, giving us go forward ball.
• Richie Bowen scored two excellent tries and was a menace in attack and defence.
• Baker, Thompson, Morgan, Ellis and Spearpoint belied their years to play with maturity and excellence.
• Thanks to all the supporters and those guys who played for the opposition.

Man of the match: Alex Simpson. He Controlled the game extremely well, and used his experience to get the best out of an unfamiliar backline.

Team: 1. Steve Weller, 2. Gareth Webber, 3.Nobby Clarke, 4. Kev Gurr, 5. Tyler Linch, 6. Rob Jackson, 7. Richie Bowen, 8. Jack Baker, 9. Aidan Thompson, 10. Alex Simpson, 11. Ryan Morgan, 12. Terry Holt (Jamie Curtis), 13. Ceri Ap Bryn, 14. Guy Ellis (Ross Clark), 15. Jon Spearpoint.