by Mark Santer

Stones always look forward to a match against Thanet, they have a good squad and they play a fair game to a high standard. Home spirits were certainly high on Sunday as Folkestone made an early score through a Stratford long distance solo effort, and after Palmer’s conversion Folkestone then went on to score again through a great impact play from Hewitt, again converted by Palmer. Folkestone’s slackness in the defensive line then allowed Thanet to run two tries in reply both unconverted. Folkestone responded to this with some superb play by the forwards, Leather and Alchin, Santer, Thorpe, Sutton and Stratford all working well to win any loose ball, and dominating the scrums. McAdam and Croker played an awesome game as flankers, disturbing Thanet’s plays time after time and ripping ball. Morris showed his versatility in playing wing and was very impressive supporting the attacks. Thanet did not let Folkestone dominate and at the close of the first half Folkestone were up 21 points to 10.

Thanet started the second half with great determination shipping the ball wide and running some penetrating angles, however, the home wingers, and substitute wingers Price, Bolton, Billi, Willis and Nixon showed massive determination. Of these Willis demonstrated huge courage in committing to some big tackles to guard the right wing channel. Wren, Howitt, Hobbs and Carney started to command the running game with great precision of passing and making territory to set up further scores.

Lewis relieved Howitt, who had played an excellent game at scrum half, and showed our further depth of talent by some great swift play from rucks and scrums. Further substitutions showed Thorpe adapting well to the full back role after Hobbs was injured and Amey added a real boost to the scrum and loose play with flat out effort. Adamson was very efficient in stopping many Thanet moves, overall a great team effort

An enjoyable game, Thanet coaches kindly commented on what a well drilled squad we are, and we look forward to our next match against them. Final result Folkestone 36 Thanet 17 and man of the match was Louis Santer.

SQUAD
Alchin, Leather, Santer, Amey, Adamson, Thorpe, Sutton, Croker, McAdam, Morris, Palmer, Howitt, Carney, Wren, Hobbs, Bolton, Nixon, Price, Willis, Lewis &Billi