TWRUFC 1st XV 33 vs Sittingbourne II 7

6th Sep 2025, KO 15:00

Sittingbourne II - Home

Live Text, Match Report & Information

Match Report

Ash RFC marked the start of their 30th anniversary season with their first home game of the campaign, welcoming Sittingbourne 2nd XV on a hot early September afternoon. Played in glorious sunshine in front of a strong crowd, Ash continued their positive pre-season with a 33–7 victory, making it two wins from two warm-up fixtures.

It was the visitors who struck first, Sittingbourne’s forwards combining well from a set play to drive over for the opening try of the afternoon. Their scrum-half added the conversion to give the men in blue and gold an early 7–0 lead.

Ash hit back swiftly. A misplaced Sittingbourne lineout was pounced upon, the ball quickly spread wide into the hands of winger Brad Nash, who made no mistake in crossing for Ash’s opening score. Brad Blaxland added the extras to level the game. Minutes later, Nash was on the scoresheet again. Gathering a loose Sittingbourne clearance, Fin Parfitt linked up smartly with Brad Nash, exchanged passes, and then sliced through the defence for Brad Nash to touch down for his second. Blaxland again converted to put Ash 14–7 ahead at the break.

Half-time: Ash 14 – 7 Sittingbourne

The second half began with Ash determined to build on their lead. After sustained phases deep in Sittingbourne territory, the forwards created quick ball and space out wide, where hooker Sam Gunter ran a strong line to dive over near the 15m channel. Blaxland slotted the conversion to extend the lead.

Sittingbourne then mounted a spirited response, spending several minutes camped on the Ash try line. Despite waves of pressure and near-misses, Ash’s defensive line held firm, repelling every surge and eventually clearing their lines to preserve their advantage.

With momentum back in their favour, Ash struck again. Once more, the ball was moved wide into Nash’s hands, and the winger capped off a fine afternoon with his hat-trick try. This time, Blaxland’s conversion drifted wide, but Ash were firmly in control.

In the closing stages, Ash’s forwards had the final word. From a set piece close to the line, Dan Norman powered over for Ash’s 5th try of the afternoon. George Davis-Marks stepped up to nail the conversion, bringing the final score to 33–7.

It was another encouraging outing for Ash, who celebrated both attacking flair and defensive grit in front of their home supporters. Still, with Cranbrook away llooming as the first league challenge, there is work to be done as the season gets underway.

Final Score: Ash 1st XV 33 – 7 Sittingbourne 2nd XV

Barn Owls Cattery Man of the Match: George Davis-Marks

“Richard” of the Day: Ben Brabham