vs Sittingbourne

Folkestone U13s vs Sittingbourne 27/9/2015

Folkestone’s U13s had their first taste of junior rugby, taking to the full size pitch to take on Sittingbourne at their Gore House Ground.
If there were any nerves before the game, the boys did well to confine them to their parents opening the game strongly pressing Sittingbourne into their own half. Folkestone dominated, working well as a team putting Sittingbourne under sustained pressure. Moving towards the Sittingbourne try line the Stone’s boys saw their efforts pay off a quick pass from Tristan Parmenter to Ryan Adams, saw Ryan Adams score the team’s first try of the game.
Folkestone however quickly succumbed to a quick response from Sittingbourne, penalised for collapsing a scrum almost immediately after the restart, Sittingbourne were able to add 5 points of their own to the score line.

What followed was a fantastic period of great rugby from both teams, with Folkestone looking the slightly stronger team. Able to contain the Sittingbourne attack and setting up their own. The excellent rugby was rewarded, not long after losing a line out, the Folkestone boys refused to allow Sittingbourne to take the initiative, Tristan Parmenter cheekily stealing the ball to score a deserved try to give Folkestone a 10-5 half time lead.

The second half continued where the first half had finished, with more great rugby on display.
All the boys were hugely involved in the game, Harry Wells and Ethan Hold making powerful runs, Lewis Hammerton proving once again he will be invaluable to the team with his strength and team play.
During this period of play Tristan Parmenter once again kicked for territory, this time working well with Leon Gurr affording Leon Gurr the chance to place the ball down for 15-5.
Unfortunately Folkestone again proved vulnerable to a quick response, Sittingbourne able to take the score back to just 5 difference, 15-10.
Despite huge efforts from everyone, Sittingbourne were able to score once more, this time converting to take the game to 17-15 with just over 5 minutes to go.
The score line was not lost on the Folkestone lads, this was the gee up they needed to give it one final effort. Tackles were made, passes completed and rucks won, each member of the team put maximum effort in to get that last score. The last 5 minutes were as compelling as any match seen during the World Cup, Cameron Brown passing to Tom Cloke, to Kian. Positive rucking and tackles by all the team put Alfie Dove right on the Sittingbourne try line, but for a call of a double movement from the referee Folkestone would have had 5 additional points.
The final moments of the game were spent frustratingly close to the Sittingbourne try line, but their defence held to keep Stones on 15 points, just 2 points away from a deserved draw, a single try from a fabulous victory.

Each and every one of the team should be proud of not just their efforts, but also the level of commitment, passion and teamwork they each displayed.
The parents and especially the coaches all believe these boys have made a huge jump from last year, the full size pitch seems to suit these Folkestone lads.

Team:

Try Scorers: Ryan Adams, Tristan Parmenter, Leon Gurr

Match Photos