TWRUFC 1st XV 12 vs Folkestone 17

Live Text, Match Report & Information

Match Report

This was not a game the supporters could fully appreciate as fog swirled across the pitch from the first play of the game, although visibility was better pitch side for the players. The first quarter of the game saw most of the play within the midfield with both sides making committed tackles to negate any scoring opportunities. Thanet made the most of an opportunity when a chance appeared as Folkestone were reduced to fourteen players for a deliberate knock on and Adam Harrison evaded a number of tackles to run in the first try of the game after 22 minutes. The attempted conversion was missed.

Over the next period of play neither side made any decisive breaks and Thanet were fortunate to end the half 5-0 up as they were first reduced to fourteen players, as Tim Williams was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock on after 34 minutes, and then to thirteen men when a second yellow was given this time to Giotto McCourt-Welsh for dangerous play.

Folkestone used the advantage straight from the second half kick off scoring two quick tries one of which was converted for a 12-5 lead. Thanet were then twice denied a score after being held up over the line and then deemed to have dropped the ball before it was grounded. Wanderers regrouped and went through a number of phases that released Williams to score. The conversion by Tom Walton brought the sides level at 12-12 after 56 minutes.

The visitors kept Thanet pinned deep in their own half late as the game continued with the home side unable to clear the ball. After continuous pressure Folkestone scored their third try under the posts. Despite the conversion being missed the visitors had now regained the lead 17-12 after 70 minutes of play.

Thanet were unable to create any further scoring chance despite making a number of inroads into Folkestone territory in the last ten minutes of the game. As the match came to a close Thanet were again reduced to fourteen men when Daniel Clement was shown a yellow card for not rolling away after a tackle.

Thanet came away from the game with a losing bonus point but were disappointed with the result after a determined effort to take the upper hand to win the game.

This game saw Tom Walton play his hundredth match for Thanet and receive a club cap for the achievement, whilst Tim Williams through his efforts scored his first try in a Wanderers first team shirt. Well done to both players.

Tries:

Conversions:

Penalties: None

Drop Goals: None