Narrow defeat for the Stones U13s in local cup match

The Folkestone lads were more guarded this week after their loss at Ashford, with a quiet sense of optimism from both the boys and parents was palpable; Sittingbourne would be a good, tight fixture.
Having won the toss and electing to kick-off with the sun behind them, Folkestone chased the kick down giving an early scrum to Folkestone and a sign of their intent. A great run by Finley Pleace from the scrum saw the team down at Sittingbourne’s 5m line for another scum. Despite not scoring, it was clear that this week the boys were determined to make something of the game. The half continued to ebb and flow between the 2 sides; Sittingbourne narrowly failing to score mainly down to poor ball handling.

Sittingbourne had the Folkestone boys pinned back and despite great defensive play from Folkestone, Sittingbourne got the try they’d been threatening.

Unlike at Ashford, the boys this week kept their heads and before long Noah Reynolds collected a loose pass and scored the season’s first try, with a textbook conversion from Barney Mackenzie. This was followed by a great solo effort from Jason Baker, sprinting three quarters of the pitch to score between the goalposts; another conversion from Mackenzie.
The second half continued in the same manner with the Folkestone boys returning to the field with a confidence sorely missing from last week. Sittingbourne were not lacking confidence either and from the kick off started the stronger, winning a scrum on the Folkestone 5m line, only a knock-on saved a sure try.

Poor ball handling by both teams kept the game open, the score now 15-14 to Sittingbourne, the game was there to be won by either team. Towards the last 10 minutes, Sittingbourne’s match fitness came to tell, with Stones making more mistakes. Sittingbourne scored again to stretch their lead to 25-14. Folkestone again rallied and a late try from Jason to take the score back to 25-19 arrived just too late to make a difference.

However, a giant leap for the team over last week. The whole team making tackles theirs all over the park certainly kept Sittingbourne on their toes; David Gunn and Finley Pleace really standing out. Good running by Jason Baker and Noah Reynolds in particular standing out amongst the backs.

Ash next time out and the expectations are growing....

Under 13s Squad: Mason Colchester-Long, Thomas Davey, George Pettifer, Josh Mantle, Aidan Fagg, Jacob Ashby, Sam Adams, David Gunn, Alex Cooke, Luke Archer, Barney Mackenzie, Jason Baker, Noah Reynolds, Josh Walters, Finley Pleace, Ben Jeffery, Ryan Weston, Rory Hards, Jake Baker, James Lawrie, Ben Fairclough