TWRUFC 1st XV 24 vs Weavering Warriors I 14

20th Sep 2025, KO 15:00

Weavering Warriors I - Home

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Match Report

Match Report: Ash 1st XV vs Weavering Warriors 1st XV

Kent Rural A League – Saturday 20th September 2025, Ash RFC

Ash RFC’s 30th anniversary season continued with their first home league fixture, as they welcomed Weavering Warriors 1st XV to the Recreation Ground. The setting was a classic autumn afternoon: sunshine breaking through, a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch, and underfoot conditions heavy after recent rain. A strong crowd gathered to watch, eager to see how Ash would fare in their first league test of the new campaign. What followed was a spirited and physical encounter, with Ash showing resilience, adaptability, and moments of real quality to secure a hard-fought 24–14 victory.

The opening exchanges were cagey, both sides probing with early phases. Ash were guilty of ill-discipline in midfield, conceding territory and momentum, and Weavering capitalised. Their forwards battered close to the line before finally forcing their way over for the first try of the afternoon, which was calmly converted by their scrum-half. It was a sharp reminder that Ash could not afford to switch off in league rugby.

Ash regrouped and soon answered back. Chasing down a bouncing ball that looped awkwardly beyond both attack and defence, winger Conor McGrath turned quickly, picked up the loose ball, and showed composure to pop a neat pass to Dan Norman, who was charging in support. Norman thundered over the line to level the scores, and scrum-half Simon Race added the conversion to bring Ash right back into the contest.

Only fifteen minutes in came a setback: fly-half Ben Gunter was forced from the field with a knee injury. A reshuffle that followed became one of the defining features of the match. Captain Kieran Munn-Hollands, playing his first game as skipper, stepped into the fly-half role for the very first time. Fin Parfitt shifted into the centres, while Riley Evans came on to bolster the pack. The changes not only steadied the side but gave Ash a new spark.

That renewed energy brought a second try. Quick, clean ball near the Weavering 22 saw hooker Sam Gunter slice through before offloading under pressure to Guy Williamson, who popped the ball on to Race. The scrum-half finished smartly under pressure, although he was unable to convert his own try. Ash now led, and the home supporters raised the volume as the side settled into their rhythm.

Half-time: Ash 12 – 7 Weavering Warriors

The second half was an arm wrestle. The wind made tactical kicking difficult, and the heavy pitch ensured plenty of scrums and lineouts. Both sides had successes and setbacks at the set piece, but Ash seized their chance when Weavering misfired at a lineout. Quick thinking from Gunter saw him gather the ball and charge forward, sprinting like a winger until he was dragged down just short. Norman carried it on, breaking tackles before offloading to James Osborn, who crossed for his first try. Race added the conversion to stretch the lead.

Weavering rallied, hammering away at the Ash try line with relentless forward drives. For several minutes the Ash defence stood firm, repelling each surge, but the pressure finally told. After repeated phases and the threat of conceding a penalty try, the Warriors drove across for a deserved score, which was converted to bring them back into the game at 19–14.

Ash’s reply was immediate, though not without drama. Marching upfield, they earned a penalty deep in Weavering territory. To the despair of the home supporters, skipper Munn-Hollands pointed to the corner rather than the posts. Groans could be heard around the Rec as many called for the safe option of three points. But the gamble paid off. From the resulting lineout, the forwards set their maul and thundered over, with Osborn grounding for his second try of the afternoon. As the cheers rang out, those same supporters who moments before doubted the decision now roared in approval, praising the execution of a bold call that yielded five points instead of three. Race’s conversion attempt went wide, but Ash had the cushion they needed to see the game out.

The 24–14 win was built on resilience as much as attacking play. Parfitt was immense, working tirelessly in defence and attack, carrying hard into contact and making crucial tackles throughout — a display that rightly earned him Barn Owls Cattery Man of the Match. Munn-Hollands, in his debut outing as captain, impressed with his calm leadership and smart decision-making at fly-half, even joking afterwards that perhaps he’s found his new favourite position!

Some Feel Good Moments:

There were proud family moments too. Lewis Hopkins made his senior debut, a significant day for his father Steve, who has now played alongside all three of his sons in Ash colours. Matt Evans, back from an ACL injury, pulled on the shirt again to line up with his son Riley, another special father-and-son pairing on the Rec. For Paul Moat, meanwhile, the game was tinged with emotion as it could prove his last appearance for the 1st XV before upcoming surgery. And not to be forgotten, Sam Gunter earned applause simply for surviving the full 80 minutes without breaking down!

Final Score: Ash 1st XV 24 – 14 Weavering Warriors 1st XV

Ash scorers: Tries – Norman (1), Race (1), Osborn (2); Conversions – Race (2).

Barn Owls Cattery Man of the Match: Fin Parfitt (colossal shift across the pitch)

“Richard” of the Day: Brad Nash (jug avoidance)

Debut Recognition: Lewis Hopkins (first senior appearance)

Special Mention: Paul Moat (“Potential” last game)

Two pre-season wins, and now a winning start to the league — Ash’s anniversary year is shaping up promisingly. Huge thanks go to all the supporters who turned out to cheer the lads on, their voices carrying across the Rec and driving the team forward in the tense moments. A special shoutout must also go to those who travelled from Rye to lend their support — the players and club are truly grateful for your commitment. Together, on and off the field, Ash is building momentum for what promises to be a memorable season.