FOLKESTONE U 10s win the Kent Finals Shield

FOLKESTONE U 10s win the Kent Finals Shield
Sunday 24th April 2016.
This Sunday saw the highlight of the year for the Kent minis with the finals day held at Aylesford Bulls Rugby Club. The Folkestone under 10s team qualified last month for the Shield Final by beating the other Folkestone under 10s team in the quarter final.
Unfortunately one of finalists had withdrawn which left just two fixtures that needed to be overcome to clinch the title. The first encounter was against a powerful Tunbridge Wells side, who demanded the best defensive line from the green and whites. Max PICKERING went on early expeditions into the opposition’s half combining well with Harrison CHAMBERLAIN. But the opposition’s defence held fast until Folkestone’s Oakley PRICE intercepted the ball and opened the scoring. At the break the scores were level with one try a piece. Commitment from George BARDEN, Charlie AKERS and Jarred POLDEN in their defence restricted the opposition to only a single try in the second half. The duo of Alex CORDELL and PICKERING worked well together and paid off at the start of the second half with Alex CORDELL crossing the line. Ella PRESTON-CHAMBERS produced another outstanding performance continually crossing the gain line, providing Callum HOWES an opportunity to open his account and claiming a 3-2 victory for the young Folkestone side.

Folkestone faced Sidcup in their second game, which started well for Folkestone with an early try from Ella PRESTON-CHAMBERS, shortly replied to by Sidcup. Next Alex CORDELL added a second to his total for the day. The continual rucking by Zachary DAVENPORT insured the ball remained with his team setting up Callum HOWES to finish. As they took to the field for the second half 3 tries to 2 ahead, the Folkestone team would capture the shield if they could stay ahead until the final whistle. Callum HOWES found his step within the opening minutes by scoring two tries in quick succession. Alex CORDELL added another before Callum HOWES added his fifth of the day, securing a 7-2 victory, and the trophy.
Team: Alex CORDELL, Harrison CHAMBERLAIN, Max PICKERING, George BARDEN, Jarred POLDEN, Oakley PRICE, Charlie AKERS, Callum HOWES, Ella PRESTON-CHAMBERS, Zachary DAVENPORT.