EAST MEETS WEST!!

Folkestone U11's first opponents were Ashford B. This was a hard fought battle with Will ‘Bear’ Rayner scoring his first try of the tournament before half time. Ashford drew even in the second half before Jonnie Hobbs ploughed his way through the Ashford defence to score the second and winning try.

The second battle was against West Kent’s Old Colfeians and Folkestone were much improved and played as a team with confidence, scoring three tries in each half whilst conceding none. 3 from Dylan Barnes and another by the Bear, Ciaran Hughes and Jim Leather, sent them back West for an early bath due to the 6 try ruling

Folkestone played Deal & Betts in their final pool match which was another tough battle with a well worked team try completed by Will Rayner scoring the only try and finishing off a well fought game.

As League winners Folkestone went through to a 3 team final
Playing around robin League winners Ashford A on a sloping bigger pitch took on Sheppey and a well fought match finished with Ashford 2 tries to the good. Without Mead due to injury and Barnes having to be replaced due to a second half injury Folkestone did well to draw 0-0 in a anticipated tensely fought game.

Folkestone had to beat Sheppey by 3 tries in their fifth and final game to ensure victory over Ashford A and win the Championship. With vocal support from Ashford in favour of Sheppey, Folkestone kept their cool and two well deserved tries were scored by Thomas Whelan and the Final for the Bear. Following a tough half time input by Coach Paul Turner and good team tactics, Barnes scored the third and winning try and the Folkestone supporters went wild. Coach Turner explained the Lads did Good; most of all they did the Club proud.

A magnificent effort by a determined and disciplined squad and fantastic support from J Hughes and O Philips who were unable to play.

Squad

Rayner, Stickells, Turner, Whelan, C Hughes, Hobbs (C), Wills, Stone, Mead, Barnes, Austin, Leather, Russell, Dorrell, Faiers.