Under 10's at the Canterbury Festival

Ashford A 15 – Folkestone 0

A tough match to start the day. Folkestone were up against last weeks foes and although they knew what to expect Ashford started strongly against weak tackling and were soon 2 tries to the good. Throughout the match Ashford were the better side, but the U10’s hung in. Very few attacking opportunities arose, but breaks by Joseph and TJ were halted by good cover tackling. In the second half Folkestone defended well, but couldn’t keep the ball when they had it and continually conceded possession to Ashford. However the U10’s defence was stronger and only conceded one try in this half.

Tunbridge Wells 20 – Folkestone 0

Tunbridge Wells are the Kent champions at this age group so a hard match was expected. Again poor tackling allowed Wells to score an early try, but thereafter the tackling improved somewhat. As with Ashford this was a stern defensive test generally Folkestone played well, but these players have a tendency to follow the ball and this gave Wells space to cross the line for another try. Just before half time with TW’s pressing hard, a great steal by Leon saved a try and when he was then tackled received a lecture from the ref for not rolling away with his opponent lying on the wrong side.

In the second half Folkestone continued to show defensive strength with Toby, Tom K, Lewis and Kieran to the fore in turning over ball. Unfortunately Kieran twisted his ankle and was ably replaced by Ronan. Unfortunately the defensive wall was breached twice more, by TW’s once a little lucky to be given the try as it was grounded just short of the line.

Canterbury A 15 v Folkestone 5

The final match was against Canterbury and this was Folkestone’s best performance of the day. An even match started with Canterbury scoring the first try. The Stones came back strongly led by powerful breaks from their own half by Cameron and Tristan. One of these led to a great team try. After the ball was won by the forwards, Tristan evaded several tackles before being hauled to the ground a few metres short. Alfie was in close support and picked up the ball and unselfishly passed to TJ who was in space to cross the line.

Shortly into the second half Canterbury’s backs weaved their way through Folkestone’s defence, which until then had been strong, to take the lead. Although Folkestone pushed hard to equalise they continually lost the ball and Canterbury were able to repel the attacks. Even with Folkestone’s full use of players, including Megan, the only girl in the tournament at this age level, they could not find away through. Towards the end of the half Canterbury again managed to slip through Folkestone’s lines to score. At this age level hand offs and fends are not allowed and there was more than a suspicion of fending away the tacklers in the last try. Having said that, the referees have a hard job and can’t be expected to pick up everything and if earlier tackles had been made this wouldn’t have mattered.

Squad:

Tristan Parmenter, TJ Leather, Joseph Faiers, Cameron Brown, Toby Walton, Kieran Dorrell, Alfie Dove, Leon Gurr, Tom Kedwell, Lewis Hammerton, Megan Pickering, Ronan Whelan