This was Folkestone 3rd XV's last game of the season versus Sittingbourne 2nds

Another game, as quite a few of them this season - we were left short at the last minute with players not turning up!!

It was very hot, and with the concrete pitches and only 13 men to contend with, and also playing against Sittingbourne 2nds, who were sitting well in the league this season (we got a good thumping at the start of the season), this was going to be a stern test to end the season. 

The game ebbed and flowed with several skirmishes in both halves of the fields, and some very dubious and controversial decisions, add this to the handbags (Burrows – “lead by example” was the quote of the day).  Stones were being very resolute in defence (with only 13 men), and went in at the break 5 – 0, try scored by Dave Easby, who bulldozed over from 8 yards out, this was from a quick penalty taken near the posts, missed the conversion (I don’t know how!!)

The front five led by Green (thanks for stepping in), Knott, Clarke (who had a fine game), assisted by Jackson and Stringer were prominent in the defensive roles during this game, from which the back row of Easby, Smith and Bass (who played in the backs as well – thanks Tony) started to get around the park in defence and attack. Goffey and Pritchard are beginning to get the edge together in midfield, and can interchange between the two of them, looking promising for next season.

With the momentum shifting and Bourne having 3 subs, this duly changed the game after the break, whereby Sittingbourne eventually started to get territory and eventually got outside the stout defending, and scored – this duly converted 5  - 7.  Super Sub Woody came on during the second half, and I will say this, he was everywhere, hitting everything in sight, some maybe slightly late! Also forgetting the rules here and there (some 10 years out of date!), and the blinding run he went on (through the gap 30 metres to the line) but ooops, only to fall over his own feet after 4 yards!  What a sight……………

Then stupid in-discipline by certain members brought along a resulting penalty, which they converted.  5 – 10.  They sneaked in for another score late on.

Game on now and both sides started going at it hammer and tong, we should have seen a couple of yellow cards, back to 13 men for the last 10 minutes again, (but only one issued – Tony Bass, I believe that’s a couple this year (look out for the fine at Presentation night!).

This may not sound to the reader much of a game but I will say for those that did watch it, this was some game, and all the comments from the side lines were, “glad I watched this and not played in it”.

In the end a superb resilient, and defiant performance by the 13 (plus Woody) 3rd XV guys that played, even though we staring down the barrel of a gun for the last 15 minutes, but to no avail, we kept them out!!!

Result:      5 – 15 (try by Easby)

Players:  Page J, Patters, Bass, Pritchard, Goff, Burrows, Easby, Smith K, Jackson, Stringer, Clarke, Knott, Green, and super sub Woody.