Folkestone U14’s 24 vs. 19 Whitstable U14’s

A confidant but risky switch for the opening kick may have seen the backs collect and run through for a try in first few moments of the match, but, unfortunately the ball fell to the speedy Whitstable number 10 and Stones were 5-0 down with not a minute past.

Unfazed by this early set back, Folkestone were galvanised into action at the restart and with a few quick passes through the forwards, Louis Bolton found the space and ran in the first of a superb hat trick of tries. The conversion from Doug Wood took Stones into the lead in what was still the opening few minutes.

Again, Whitstable hit back with a salvo of big drives and again their number 10 found his way over to put Whitstable back on top. Responding to the challenge of what was fast becoming a personal duel; Louis Bolton ran his second try into the corner, an admirably attempted conversion, taken from the touch line, fell just wide of the posts to leave the score at 12 apiece.

Folkestone were starting to believe in themselves after what had been a shaky start to the season and with their confidence returning, the ball was passed around quickly and accurately. Tackling was also much improved and with this Stones built up a sustained period of pressure which ultimately saw a powerful surging run from Sid Gurung, taking him over the top to touch down and put his team back in front at
17-12.

Charlie Watson closed the scoring in the first half with a well taken conversion. In the first period of the second half Whitstable hit back with their third try to level the score. This match was becoming a real nail biter but with some dazzling runs from Rex Dingle and some great defensive play from Harry Clarke at fall back, Stones were able to release Louis Bolton to complete his hat trick and finish the duel!

This match was a superb team effort from both sides and if ever the old souls lying in the war cemetery over the hill at Shorncliff Barracks were to stir it would be to look down from above at the return match in Whitstable next Sunday.