Report and photos by Colin Whiteley
Thanet Wanderers RUFC 5 – 8 Folkestone RFC
Wanderers started this match with the same pack that had begun last week’s win at Westcombe Park. At Scrum Half, Leon Doody replaced his brother Callum, who was absent for family reasons. Louis Marshall was injured last week so Jake Whittlesea returned on the wing after a lengthy absence.
Both Skip and Cornell, the two South Africans who played in the second half at Westcombe Park, picked up injuries, and could not be considered for selection this week. Folkestone started the match in eighth position, having won three matches, whilst Wanderers were unbeaten and in second position in Counties 2 Kent league. This result has made no difference to both clubs’ standings in the league table but there are now no unbeaten teams.
As Folkestone kicked off down the slope, swirling strong winds gave a taste of what was to follow during the game. The visitors made a lively start and it was no surprise when, after twelve minutes, their pack rumbled over for an unconverted try. The number of penalties awarded against both sides by referee, Richie McIver-Hall was high and with the difficult conditions the game was never likely to be the greatest spectacle witnessed at St Peters this season.
Adam Harrison made good use of the wind to make inroads from penalties but Wanderers could not build on the attacking positions gained. Both defences stayed firm until half time when Folkestone led 5-0.
The light rain gave way to the heavier variety with Wanderers playing down the slope in the second half. A largely mid-field contest was broken ten minutes into the second half when Folkestone,, chose to convert a penalty from close and in front to extend their lead to 8-0. Wanderers love to attack from anywhere but this was perhaps not the best of afternoons to pursue a high risk strategy. With around fifteen minutes remaining, a series of driving mauls took Wanderers close and open-side Brett Scott touched down after an attack that was well suited to the conditions.
From the restart, Thanet ran in what they hoped was their second try but were recalled. A possible three points from the kicking tee were passed over by Wanderers but the attack foundered on a knock on. Thanet’s Ben Cannon and Folkestone’s full-back were shown yellow in the closing minutes of the half. There was to be no miraculous comeback from Wanderers this week and Folkestone were soon celebrating their hard earned victory. Congratulations to them and good luck for the rest of the season.
There is no senior men’s league rugby next weekend for Wanderers. On Saturday however, Wanderers will be celebrating the life of the much-missed Brad Teall at Brad’s Rugby Day at St. Peters Rec. Part of the afternoon will be a Vets Match against Whitstable that will kick off at 2PM. More details of the afternoon are on the club’s social media or from Simon Harris.
League action returns on 7th December when Wanderers are away to Old Elthamians who top the league where Wanderers remain in second place five points behind. Please support Wanderers at the match which marks the end of the first half of the season.
