Repelling the Ashford Barbarian hordes.

Repelling the Barbarian hordes. Report by Stephen Weller.

This commentators opinion, upon arrival at the Ridge, was that Folkestone were about to get a beating.

The Ashford Barbarians stood Greek like and glistening in the afternoon sun, where as Folkestone looked like a bunch of old dears off to feed the ducks.

The warm up drills gave little indication of what was to come however it was pleasing to see Ross Clark's consistency of dropped balls continued steadily into game time.

Folkestone kicked off with Andy Burrows floating a delightful lob to the far side touchline. The 3rds set their stall out early and concentrated on building phases of play by alternating ball carrying duties between the chiseled Joe Wilson and single minded Stephen Weller.

Brute force from the front row was often matched with piercing lines and rhythmical side steps from both centres. Cousins, Tom 'Nemo' Nun and Jamie Slater, demonstrated what an intuitive understanding of each others game they had and combined neatly to put Big Glen Amos in for the first try. Tash missed the conversion and Folkestone were 5 - nil up at the break.

Straight from the restart the Baa Baa's enjoyed a passage of play where their eloquent and handsome backs tore through Folkestone's soggy tackling. It was only the arrival of Rod Pittam that stopped Folkestone becoming a sinking ship. However one man can only do so much and even his presence couldn't prevent Ashford scoring the first of their two tries.

With a 10 - 5 lead, going into the final quarter, the Baa Baa's switched game plans and tried to stifle Folkestone's impulsive running rugby. The Curtis brothers were the epitome of this, interlinking to weave, eel-like, through the tiring Ashford defence. As the try line loomed only a finishing pop was needed but, to the dismay of all, Jay Curtis threw a forward pass to his sister, Iain.

As Ashford saw the finish line coming across the horizon both teams started to see their composure vanish. Ex Captain of the 3rds, Simon Petts, received a sin binning for tea bagging in the ruck and Ashford were furious with themselves for giving away a penalty in front of the sticks. Andy Burrows made the 3 points and it was all to play for in the final minutes. 10 - 8.

Folkestone proved that they fight to the end and it was left to scrum half, Luke Simpson, to seal the deal. The club should be pleased that even a player on his was down the ranks still has something to offer. His drop goal in the final seconds silenced the home crowd leaving Folkestone to lap up the solo applause offered by their mascot, Emma Harrisson. Final score 11 - 10 to Folkestone.

Next week sees a tough fixture against Judd's and if anyone would like a pair of Fubu 05, leather uppers worn briefly once, size 11, then please contact Rod Pittam via facebook.