Ashford RFC VS Bromley RFC

MIXED FORTUNES FOR BROMLEY

After two tough preseason friendlies against Gravesend and Elthamians, it was back to league action on Saturday with the firsts travelling to Ashford in Kent Counties One and the seconds having their first ever match in Kent Four after being promoted last season. Preparations were not helped by many senior players not being available from both squads for various reasons making selection tricky but two competitive teams emerged. Both sides were pretty youthful with a smattering of experienced heads to provide guidance – hopefully.

Games between Bromley and Ashford are always hard uncompromising affairs and this was no exception with Bromley’s young guns giving it their all. With about twenty minutes to go, they had a 5-17 lead and a famous victory looked on the cards but Ashford put them under the cosh for the remainder of the game and try as they might their line was breached on two occasions and with the conversions the home team scraped home 19-17. Very good exciting game and congratulations to all involved. Aaron Godden was named Bromley’s player of the match.

At home, Bromley twos took on Rye. This was also a pretty intense affair with both sides giving it their all and the outcome was in the balance for quite a long time. There was not much to choose between the teams with the forwards well matched but possibly the home team had a bit more flair in the backs. Early in the second half, Bromley established a 17-5 lead and despite creating several try scoring opportunities these were spurned. In the middle part of the half Rye took the initiative and several times went through multi phased passages of play and seemed certain to score but could not convert. Then, a few minutes from the end, Milne made a terrific break down the middle of the pitch beating several defenders before releasing to his support and Bromley’s man of the match McCracken scored a super try to seal the deal at 22-5. Good win for the team under the captaincy of Millar. There is no doubting the potential of this team but in the debrief they possibly need to look at those times they gifted the ball to the opposition rather than retaining it or making sure it was secure.

Next week the firsts are at home to Charlton Park, the seconds have a tough looking away fixture at Dartfordians and the threes are at home to Southwark Lancers. Will everybody be available? Fingers crossed.