Bromley RFC VS Folkestone RFC

RAMPANT BROMLEY OVERWHELM FOLKESTONE

Although all the squad was not available for this home game against Folkestone, including captain George Scott, Bromley still fielded a strong side under the leadership of Robbie Brown. There were a few reshuffles with Haisell back at number eight, Pillow coming in at scrum half for his first game for a couple of months, young Alex Donald getting a start in the centres and Matt Ralph deservedly appearing on the bench after starring for the second team. This game was rearranged from just before Xmas when Folkestone deemed parts of the Bromley pitch unsafe just minutes before kick off. A decision that, in hindsight, they may now regret.

After last week’s somewhat disjointed performance against Aylesford Bulls it was obvious from the start that the home side were very much on it and inside six minutes they had scored the opening try. Powell fielded a kick midfield and went on a surging run taking him into the opposition twenty two where from a resultant scrum the ball was spun right and young fly half Rice drew the cover defence and fed the onrushing Hawkins who crashed over in the corner. No conversion. Bromley was now very much in the ascendancy and five minutes later after a powerful scrum the backs were set loose and a kick through was dotted down behind the try line by Folkestone. From the resultant drop out Powell scorched onto the ball and created the space for winger Griffiths to score. 10-0. Ten minutes later Donald make a nice break up the left hand side and only a misplaced pass stopped a certain try. Temporary reprieve for the away side as one minute later prop Miles made a surge towards the line scattering defenders and the beneficiary Powell strolled over the line. 15-0.

Folkestone redoubled their efforts to keep Bromley at bay but had their work cut out as they were being out scrummaged and the home side’s lines of running and support play were excellent leading to a massive defensive shift by the men in green. On thirty minutes more good play by number eight, Haisell led to a charge by Pullen, who had another excellent game, and the ever willing Ansell picked up the pass and cleverly dummied his way over for a very well constructed try and with the conversion it was 22-0. Just before half time, Folkestone were penalised and Griffiths kicked the ball into the corner. Unfortunately, Bromley knocked the ball on at the lineout but no matter as they turned the ball over at the resulting scrum and Pillow nipped over for a deserved try. There was still time for a Folkestone player to be yellow carded for a late tackle on Brown and so ended an excellent first half for Bromley with a lead of twenty nine points to nil. You feared for Folkestone in the second half and so it proved with Bromley being relentless with an exciting brand of fifteen man rugby which was executed with drive and precision.

 The home side were totally dominant in the second period with the forwards rampaging around the park with notable exciting bursts by Miles, Banfield and Brown, the back row showing remarkable backup play and the backs playing with a coolness and accuracy that was a joy to watch. Certain individuals had outstanding games but this was a true team performance and all connected with putting this brand of rugby together are to be congratulated. Further tries flowed throughout the half being scored, not necessarily in this order, by the ever willing Gray, a stupendous team effort which Powell finished off, Ansell over again, an interception by Rice who jinked over, Rice kick through for Pillow to score again, a great kick by Hawkins off the outside of his boot gathered by A Griffiths who in an act of brotherly love passed to Johnny to score and finally on seventy minutes Banfield in an endearing effort to prove his fitness made a powerful break to release Hawkins who bookended the game with the final try. Match result 72-0 to Bromley.

This was a terrific performance for Bromley and a hard one to take for Folkestone but I am sure they will come back strong next week. Speaking of which Bromley will face a very stern challenge on the road as they travel to Ashford. Elsewhere a second/third team travelled over to Beckenham to do battle with the might of their second team who play at a higher level. Grateful to them for the fixture as it was the only one available. Bromley might have been looking at a bit of a thumping but all credit to the guys as although losing 36-12 they put up a great fight. No fixture as yet for the seconds next week and the thirds have a game against Dartfordians away I think.