1st XV v Whitstable II

A lovely sunny afternoon just as it should be in January??? Saturday 18th January saw us travel to Whitstable on the back of a very good victory the previous week at home against Faversham 2nds.

We were greeted with a very heavy energy sapping playing surface which suited neither side.

The game started at a high tempo with a strong physical contest Ash playing the first half down the slope.

Ten minutes in saw Dan Norman (8) make a strong line break from the halfway but was tackled just before the try line 5 meters out and some good defence from Whitstable produced a turn over to allow the danger to be cleared. However on 18 minutes the Gunter brothers worked together with great support to break down the defence, Ben Gunter (10) made an amazing line break followed by an equally great offload to the on rushing Sam Gunter (7) who managed to get across the try line for the first score of the game. The conversion was made by Ben Gunter 0-7. At least some one in the Gunter household knows were the try line is and how to score!!!

The game continued with the same tempo as from the start and on 38 minutes. Whitstable created a driving maul in our own 22 at which Ash managed to turn over the ball and release a pass to Ben Gunter to clear with a kick up field, which was chased down by multiple players and it fell to the safe hands of Olly Lawn (9) to run over to score followed by a conversion and half time was called 0-14.

After the break we were playing up the slope. The tempo had slowed down as to be expected on the surface, which was welcomed by some of the lets say more experienced players. At 47 minutes saw Ashley Stickells (1) make a strong carry beating several tackles up the middle of the field but was eventually brought down which unfortunately resulted in a injury which saw him leave the field replaced by Ben Haster-Moulson (16).

On 55 minutes Whitstable had a line out 10 metres from our try line from which they created another driving maul, but with great defence once again Ash managed to turn the ball over and spread the ball wide to the left side of the pitch, but was unfortunately knocked on and from the resulting scrum. Whitstable managed to release to their right and force their way over the line to score, but the conversion was missed 5-14.

60 minutes saw Whitstable awarded a very dubious penalty from feet in at the ruck, which was converted to points with a kick at the posts 8-14.

Then it was time to bring on some fresh young legs?? When Lee Vandervord (17) was given a run out for the injured Dan Brice (6) which has turned out to be muscle damage to his calf muscle, have a speedy recovery mate!!! Ash continued to apply the pressure forcing Whitstable to clear from their 22 with a kick to touch and then some quick thinking from Ash. A quick throw was taken to Sam Gunter to run the ball over for another try. Ben Gunter took a quick drop kick for the conversion to make sure the points counted as they were awarded in some what of a confusion as to legality of the play 8-19.

Then most of the players and crowed amazement as full time was called, which seamed early. The final score, 8-19.

Another great Ash performance as always, working hard for each other to get the job done. The only way we know how to play at Ash all in it together, play and win as one!!!!!!!

Next week is home to Folkestone, kick off at 2pm. Lets all show our support and get behind the lads and keep the 100% record going for 2020.

Author: Fin