 Ashford Under 15s with their shield after winning the East Kent Cup Final on 16th December. The team beat Thanet 44-0.
This page shows only the most recent match reports. A full archive of this season's match reports has been set up on the team's match reports blog. An archive of reports of the 2005/06 season is available on the Ashford 13 Rugby blog.The 2004/5 reports are available on the Under 12 Rugby Blog. If any parents wish to provide material please e-mail to me at NJ5Beech@aol.com. The 2006/7 season's match reports can be found on the Ashford Under 14 rugby blog.
DVD's available from Derek - £5.00 each and proceeds go towards the team funds!
2006 Welsh Tour
Kent 11’s Tournament U14’s 2006
Thanet & Aylesford U14’s 2006
Tonbridge Judds & Thanet U14’s 2006
Beckenham & Romford U14’s 2006
Cranbrook & Maidstone U14’s 2006
EK Cup Final vs Canterbury U14’s 2006
Sittingbourne and Hastings U14’s 2007
Medway and Cranbrook U14’s 2007
Westcombe Park & Tonbridge Judds U14’s 2007
Kent Festival 2007 U14’s
Kent Plate Final vs Maidstone U14’s 2007
Kent 7’s 2007 U14’s
Bassets (Dutch) & Aylesford U14’s 2007
Kent Ravens Rugby League U14’s 2007-11-02
2007 Midlands Tour 2007 U15’s
Beccehamians & Sheppey U15’s 2007
Tonbridge Judds & Old Gravesendians U15’s 2007
Whitstable & Barking U15’s 2007
Match reports for the 2007/08 season
Westcombe Park 19, Ashford 12.
Ashford’s Under 15’s run of bad luck continued this week when they travelled away to Westcombe Park with only 15 fit players.
On a wet and slippery pitch, the injury stricken side started slowly and struggled to keep possession, uncharacteristically being driven off their own ball on a number of occasions. After 6 minutes spent almost entirely in their own half the visitors paid for their early lethargy when “Park’s” powerful number 8 dived in to score the opening points out wide.
Good pressure by Westcombe Park from the restart meant the game continued in the same vein with Ashford on the back foot. Eventually as a result of some lacklustre defending the same player scored again, picking up from the back of an attacking scrum and making an arcing run before touching down. Now down by 12 points Ashford finally lifted their game. With good pressure from the kick off forcing a line out on the opposition 10 metre line, and the ball then knocked on by Westcombe Park, Ashford launched their first meaningful attack from the resulting scrum. Fly Half Adam Batt received the ball and broke the defending line offloading to Number 8 Chris Albrow who sprinted in, stepping the final defender in style to claw back 5 valuable points. Batt added the conversion and the score began to look more respectable until, in the last play of the half, Westcombe Park exposed the Ashford defence once again to score under the posts.
Ashford came out after the break with much more purpose and attacked from the start. For some four minutes the visitors applied pressure, twice forcing the penalty 5 metres from the Westcombe Park try line. Unfortunately a clash of heads at this point put Flanker George Sladden out of the game, knocked cold for some 2 minutes and suffering a nasty cut above the eye. Play was delayed whilst an ambulance was called before finally resuming on a different pitch. From now on the game turned more in Ashfords favour, the boys finally showing some of the spirit and determination shown in last weeks match against Maidstone. Once again with only 14 Ashford players on the pitch, they defended well and for long periods battered away at the Westcombe Park Try line. With minutes to go “Park” conceded a line out 5 metres out. Ashford spoiled well and when the ball went loose behind the try line Albrow dived on it to score his second of the match and reward the efforts of his team mates in the appalling conditions. With little time left to the final whistle Ashford were unable to do more and final score was 19-12 to the home side. Chris Albrow was rewarded for his efforts with player of the match for the visitors.
Our thanks go to Westcombe Park for the fixture which was played in good spirit despite the adverse weather conditions and long delay as a result of the injuries sustained. Next week Ashford Under 15’s go on tour to Holland but may struggle to field a team without injury!
Maidstone 45, Ashford 0.
A heavily depleted Ashford under 15’s side this week travelled to take on old friends Maidstone who were kind enough to offer a fixture at short notice.
With 3 players away on county duty and a further 7 unavailable due to injuries (including 2 broken collar bones, damaged knee ligaments and a dislocated shoulder!) Ashford struggled to put out 15 fit players against a side who they know are of considerable quality. With no replacements available and most of their least experienced players on the pitch it was always going to be a tough ask for the boys, however it was decided to play on and accept the consequences whatever happened.
Right from the whistle Ashford competed well, the pack fronting up and doing their best to keep the ball away from the expansive Maidstone back line. The effort put in by the Ashford side was outstanding, with a number of players out of position to compensate for their absent team mates. Unfortunately despite their best efforts, Maidstone were just too strong and repeatedly found holes in the defence to punish the visitors, their flyhalf kicking every opportunity put in front of him beautifully to drive home the advantage. Notable performances on the day from Flanker George Sladden and Number 8 George Morgan helped keep Ashford competitive during the game despite great pressure from Maidstone, but inevitably, with only 14 Ashford players left on the field at the finish, they were well beaten and the scoreline proved a comprehensive victory for the home side.
Despite the result, there were actually many positives to take from the match, with some great performances from the players, many of whom raised their game for the occasion and showed that there is a fine spirit within the side. Player of the match was stand-in scrum half Tom Mead, making his debut at the position.
Next week Ashford take on Westcombe Park.
Ashford under 15’s this week took part in the Kent Festival Preliminaries held at Maidstone.
Their first match saw them drawn to play Gravesend, who gave them a tough match earlier in the season. Ashford started well and looked dominant in all areas of the pitch, Fly Half Adam Batt scoring the first points of the day within two and a half minutes after the ball was spread the width of the pitch for him to exploit the overlap. Two and a half minutes later the Gravesend line was crossed again this time by Flanker George Sladden after a fine display of pick and drive by the Ashford pack. With Ashfords momentum building, Hooker Tom Collins was next to add his name to the scoresheet as he broke from the back of a rolling maul to dive over and score the teams third try. Chris Albrow added another try after the halftime break with a fine 8 pick up from an attacking scrum, and the pattern continued with Winger Harry Atkins taking advantage of quick ball passed through the hands of the back line, giving him the overlap to touchdown in the last minute. With Batt kicking 3 from 5 conversions the final score was 31-0 to Ashford and exactly the start that was needed.
The second opponent of the day was Sidcup, who had beaten a depleted Ashford squad at home convincingly only last week. Once again the pace at which the Sidcup forwards recycled the ball and at which their backs handled across the field caused Ashford problems from the whistle. The Ashford defence held fast until just before halftime as good support play saw the Sidcup Hooker find a gap to score a fine try. The pressure continued in the second half and eventually a second try was conceded bringing the final score to 0-12 to Sidcup and relegating Ashford to the plate competition play offs.
Ashford now faced Dartfordians in a knock out quarter final, a team which they haven’t played for at least 2 seasons and an unknown quantity for the boys. Visibly affected by the long wait between matches, and with an injury enforced restructure, Ashford started slowly, uncharacteristically allowing Dartford to run at them and consequently conceding the early score. As a wake up call it worked and Ashford spent the rest of the half camped on the Dartford try line, but denied the score, adjudged to have been held up or unsighted by the referee on at least three or four occasions much to the surprise of the spectators behind the posts and the Ashford team alike The second half followed the same pattern of the first with Ashford again slow to start but then battering the Dartford line until the last play of the game when after good forward pressure Second row Lukas Warrilow picked up and dived over to score. Batt scored a pressure conversion to even the points tally and draw the match, taking the teams into the dreaded drop goal shoot out decider.
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be for the Ashford team as Dartford, kicking first, dropped 2 goals from 5 without answer, winning the game without Ashford needing to take their 5th attempt.
A drop goal shootout is never a good way to be eliminated from a competition such as this, and Ashford will feel aggrieved not to have been awarded the try in the first half of the match, however, with the limited game time these tournaments allow they have to learn to take their chances better and start quicker, making every minute count.
Next week Ashford play Maidstone.
Thanet 10, Ashford 27
Thanet kindly offered to play Ashford Under 15’s this week at their ground as yet another fixture was cancelled at the last minute.
On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, both teams started in determined mood but a number of handling errors from the Ashford side denied them an early score despite some good pressure. Eventually, after repeated attempts to break through the Thanet defence, a number 8 pick up move by Chris Albrow from the back of a scrum, 5 metres out yielded the first points of the game. From the restart Ashford continued to attack, but on 9 minutes a clearing kick from behind their own line took a kind bounce for Thanet and their outside centre who subsequently fed one of his flankers allowing him the space to run in a well worked try from the halfway line. Shocked by the score against the run of play Ashford resumed their attack and from a throw 5 metres from the Thanet line, quick ruck ball saw hooker George Sladden dive over to give his side back the advantage which they held to half time. With played resumed at 5-10, it was Thanet’s turn to apply pressure and in answer to a clearance kick by Ashford, their full back put up a lovely high ball which was fumbled by the visitors defence on their own 22 metre line and gifted into the arms of the Thanet Number 8 who duly took his opportunity and scored a fine try in the right corner. With the scores levelled once again and Thanet lifted by their score, Ashford looked ragged taking a while to settle and resume their composure. Finally, 10 minutes into the half, after a period of sustained period of pressure by the Ashford pack, Prop Tom Collins wrestled his way over to score a well deserved try and give his team back the advantage. With Fly Half Adam Batt adding the conversion, Ashford were now building in confidence. Another try came 6 minutes later after a good break by Batt and quick recycled ball by Albrow allowed Prop George Morgan and Flanker Patrick Macenri to combine and power over for what was the best move of the match. With the Ashford pack now dominating, the next period saw them held up over the line on three more occasions, denied only by good Thanet defence, until eventually the final points of the match were scored by Macenri, who touched down as a result of a good blind side run from the base of a 5 metre scrum by replacement Scrum Half and Under 14 Owain Fussell.
This was, in the end, a good win by Ashford after last weeks defeat, however too many handling errors and weak rucking at the breakdown could once again have been costly. Player of the match was Hooker George Sladden. Our thanks must again go to Thanet for their hospitality at such short notice.
Westcliff 39, Ashford 5
Following the last minute cancellation of this weeks scheduled match against Southend at Kinneys Field, Ashford travelled instead to Westcliff Rugby Club near Rochford in Essex, who were good enough to offer an alternative fixture.
It was clear that it was going to be a difficult day for the visitors as Westcliff attacked hard from the whistle. Good handling by their backs and the sheer speed at which the ball was recycled at the breakdown took Ashford by surprise and within 4 minutes the home side had registered the first points of the match. From the restart there was to be no let up and 6 minutes later good interplay between the Westcliff Outside Centre and Fullback saw them breakthrough weak tackling by the Ashford defence to score a second try. When play resumed Ashford launched their first meaningful attack of the game and drove into the opposition 22 metre line where they were awarded a penalty for handling on the floor. The decision to kick for goal was made but as the ball curled outside the posts the score remained 10-0 to Westcliff. Another try followed shortly as a result of a fine dummy and solo run from the opposition number 8, which increased the points deficit at half-time, and it began to look like the match was slipping away from the Ashford boys.
Things got no better when another try was conceded within 2 minutes of play resuming, and then another 4 minutes later. Ashford seemed unable to get any possession and in uncharacteristic fashion were repeatedly driven off their own ball at the ruck. To their credit they never gave up trying and finally after a tap penalty awarded on the Westcliff 22 metre line, the irrepressible Tom Collins took the crash ball and sprinted his way through the whole Westcliff pack to score a fine try and register Ashford’s first and only points of the game. The score lifted the team and Ashford at last began to look a more familiar side, strong runs coming again from Collins and from Number 8 Chris Albrow. However it just wasn’t to be Ashford’s day as for one reason or another on each occasion that it looked like a score might come, they were just unable to finish. There were no such problems for Westcliff though and another try came soon as once again their Outside Centre broke out of his own 22 and sprinted the length of the pitch to deliver the inside ball for an easy run in under the posts. Ashford tried to reply again and again, the best opportunity being when Albrow sprinted through the defence from his own 10 metre line only to be hauled down a metre short, things just would not go right. Just to compound the misery, Westcliff created an overlap and closed the match with a converted try on the very last play.
With the final score at 39-5, it was a poor performance for the Ashford side by their own standards and they will be disappointed by the scoreline. However nothing should be taken away from Westcliff who comprehensively outplayed their opponents with excellent forward play at the rucks and fine and fast handling in the backs. Player of the week was scrum half Louis Burdon. Next week Ashford play Thanet.
Gravesend 3, Ashford 14
This week Ashford travelled to Gravesend for what was to prove an interesting contest in bright January sunshine.
Ashford started well, running straight and hard at the home side’s defence, and were denied an opening try in the 4th minute only by a marginal forward pass decision. Almost immediately Gravesend squandered a chance themselves as they failed to control a loose ball which should have gifted them the lead. Inexplicably after 8 minutes, the visitors were deemed to have obstructed a clearing kick on their own 22 metre line and were rather harshly made to pay as a fine Gravesend penalty kick gave the home side a 3 point lead. Ashford drove their way back down the pitch from the restart, their pack working well against the drilled Gravesend defence until, from a line out won just outside the 22 metre line, good hands and powerful running from Number 8 Chris Albrow saw him beat 5 or 6 opposition players to dive over under the posts and redress the balance. With fly half Adam Batt adding the extras Ashford looked in good shape and began to take control, applying wave after wave of attacking pressure. Finally from a offside tap penalty, the ball was fed across to Centre Gareth Jenner who cut back inside and swerved his way in and out, breaking 4 or 5 weak tackles before crashing over to increase Ashford’s lead. Batt again added the conversion and with the score at 3-14, the Ashford forwards, notably Lukas Warrilow, Tom Stewart, George Morgan, Tom Healey, Patrick Macenri and the outstanding Tom Collins started to dominate in the loose and at the scrum. As the game continued, an ever growing number of frustrating decisions went against the Ashford side which could have unsettled the team, however, unlike in last weeks match against Dover where tempers frayed, discipline this week remained excellent. Gravesend fought back in the second half, and were denied a try once again only by a knock on just before going under the posts but it wasn’t to be. Though still entertaining, refereeing decisions seemed to dictate the games direction from here on, and Ashford can feel that they could probably have gone further ahead on another day. The second half drew to a close with no further points added by either team, the final score remaining at 3-14, and another good win for the developing Ashford squad. This week’s player of the match was Adam Batt.
Next week Ashford take on Southend at Kinneys Field.
Dover 10, Ashford 22
For this weeks match with Dover the Ashford U15’s side took on a different look with a number of positional changes made and the opportunity taken to get all of the less experienced players on the park from the whistle.
Early exchanges saw a number of penalties go against Dover for offside infringements, however Ashford were unable to capitalize until the 9th minute when a tap penalty was fed across the field drawing the Dover defence and allowing Wing Tom Moon to use the overlap for a well executed backs try. Unfortunately for Ashford, during the move, a tackle on Full Back Rory Beech left him with a broken bone in his left ankle and more positional changes were required to fill the gap.
From the restart Dover applied good pressure forcing a number of Ashford handling errors in their own half, and for a period the visitors seemed unable to clear their own lines. Frustration at some robust tackling and indiscipline resulted in Ashford conceding a number of penalties and finally a free kick for pushing at the scrum before the ball was put in. This was compounded by not retiring ten metres and eventually the inevitable happened, with the Dover centre crashing in under the posts from the penalty for what was to be a converted try and the lead in the match. Encouraged by their success, Dover continued to apply the pressure, forcing a number of further Ashford handling errors, and almost scoring a second try from loose ball. Ashford looked ragged at this point in the game and eventually through a late challenge 15 metres out from their own line and in front of the posts, they gave Dover the opportunity to increase their lead at half time with a well executed penalty kick.
From the restart it was more of the same with handling errors and infringements keeping the Ashford side in their own half. Eventually determined running by forwards Patrick Macenri and Tom Collins rolled the visitors down to the Dover 22 metre line where Collins was duly brought down by an illegal challenge. From the crash ball taken by Collins the recycled ball was received by flyhalf Adam Batt, who stepped and rolled his way past some 7 or 8 defenders to touchdown in the corner and even the score with a fine individual try. Now Ashford were showing a little more composure but Dover conceded a string of penalties instead that just seemed to prevent the game from flowing. Eventually 15 minutes into the second half from a scrum 5 metres short of the Dover line, good work by Number 8, Macenri and Flanker George Morgan saw Morgan dive over and increase Ashford’s lead to 5 points. With the penalty count against Dover increasing, the match started to slip away from them, and 4 minutes later from a scrum won against the head, Second Row Lucas Warrilow dived onto a loose ball over the Dover try line to score a decisive blow against the home side. With Batt’s conversion bringing the game to end at 10-22, Ashford can be happy with the win, however the match hung in the balance for long periods, with errors, infringements, and indiscipline nearly costing them dearly against what is an improving Dover side. Player of the match was Jack Windle.
Next week Ashford take on Gravesend.
Maidstone 0, Ashford 8.
With the disappointment of last weeks home defeat by Sevenoaks still fresh in their minds, Ashford this week travelled away to play old friends and on form side Maidstone. This presented a formidable test for the boys with Maidstone being a quality side, unbeaten over the course of the season to date.
As expected, Maidstone attacked hard from the kick off with their centre almost penetrating the Ashford defence for an early score. Both sides looked nervous and in the muddy conditions, a number of early handling errors and penalties prevented either side from getting into a rhythm. After 13 minutes of fairly desperate play that saw the ball travel from one end of the pitch to the other on a number of occasions, a Maidstone infringement at the ruck gave Ashford a penalty kick attempt on the opposition 22. Unfortunately the kick was pulled wide and the score remained 0-0, however as the game resumed it seemed that the Ashford pack were gaining the upper hand. Excellent work by Second Rows Charlie Williams and Lucas Warrilow saw them steal an increasing amount of line out ball, and in addition, good rucking by Flanker Tom Healey, Hooker George Sladden and Prop Tom Stewart produced a number of good turnover situations. At the scrum Ashford also looked to be gaining an advantage, Scrum Half Luke Ransley pressuring his Maidstone counterpart into mistakes on more than one occasion. With half time rapidly approaching a midfield handling error by Ashford allowed Maidstone to take possession and ship the ball wide in characteristic style out to their fly half, who then beat two or three defenders only to be smashed into touch by a try saving tackle from his Ashford counterpart Rory Beech. The game restarted after the break with the honours even but with Ashford now on the attack, the home side conceded territory with two penalty infringements before finally conceding a third for killing the ball some 5 metres from their own line. Centre Adam Batt slotted the kick to give the visitors the first points of the game after 32 minutes of play. Maidstone fought back but things just weren’t going right for them with further uncharacteristic handling errors relieving the pressure on the Ashford side. On 38 minutes Ashford won a scrum on the Maidstone 10 metre line. Beech put up a high ball which was caught and taken on by Batt to the 22 metre line where, from the resulting ruck, Prop Tom Collins received the ball and stormed through to be held up 2 metres short. Ransley then recycled the ball to Batt who stepped three Maidstone players to dive over and score. With an 8 point advantage and the conversion missed, Ashford seemed to step up the pace. Powerful runs by Healey, Flanker Patrick Macenri, number 8 Chris Albrow, and replacement Full Back Cameron Veitch all made valuable metres and stretched the Maidstone defence before Beech put up another high kick and chase, he and Batt only to be denied a second score by an unlucky knock-on decision. With the clock running down the match continued at pace, but neither team could alter the scoreline, and the game finished 0-8 to Ashford. Player of the week was Luke Ransley.
This was an excellent result for the Ashford squad but thanks and respect must be given to Maidstone for facilitating such an entertaining game. Next week Ashford Under 15’s travel away to Dover.
Ashford 5, Sevenoaks 12.
This weeks match saw Ashford under 15’s take on Sevenoaks at Kinneys Field. The game started at pace and the opening exchanges revealed that the two sides would be very evenly matched in attack and defence. On 7 minutes the deadlock broke when Fullback Louis Burdon fielded an opposition clearing kick and ran the ball back into contact on the Sevenoaks 10metre line. Quick ball from the ruck saw a charging Number 8 Chris Albrow take play up further where the ball was again recycled and fed across field to Winger Harry Atkins. Atkins took a cheeky pass to sprint down the left touchline and open the scoring for the Ashford side.
The equalibium then returned to the match with neither side being able to break down the others defence.
The game restarted after the half-time break with the 5-0 nil advantage still to Ashford, however a number of changes to the already mobile Sevenoaks backline seemed to revitalise their attack and the home side were under pressure. Eventually after a period of determined defence by Ashford, the Sevenoaks Fly half and Centres combined to register a solid try in the right corner and even the score. With their confidence lifted, Sevenoaks continued their attack and eventually, from a line out inside the Ashford 22, quick ball and good hands saw the home side punished again in the right corner, this time by the Oaks winger. A well struck conversion increased the score to 5-12 and with 5 minutes to go, there proved no way back for the Ashford boys. Ultimately, despite some very good play, a few poor decisions, simple mistakes and a couple of concentration lapses by Ashford let their opposition back into the game when they could, and probably should have won it. Player of the week was Louis Burdon.
This close match between two similar sides proved entertaining though ultimately frustrating for Ashford who will need to analyse their strategy ahead of next weeks away match against on form side Maidstone.
Ashford 44, Thanet 0. (East Kent Final)
Ashford under 15’s produced an excellent performance against Thanet at Canterbury this weekend, securing The East Kent Cup for the second year running. The boys started the match at pace running hard at the Thanet defence and forcing a knock on 5 metres out from their try line. The resulting play saw Hooker George Sladden, pick up and dive over to open the scoring. From the restart, the powerful Thanet pack fought hard to gain territory but good rucking work at the breakdown by the Ashford forwards allowed Thanet little possession and created platform after platform for the Ashford backs and back row to attack at speed. The relentless pressure inevitably produced gaps in the Thanet defence which were exploited twice within 4 minutes by number 8 Chris Albrow, who delivered 2 fine tries in characteristic fashion.
With the score at 15-0, Ashford looked confident. The game resumed with the restart kick fielded and fed to Centre Adam Batt who showed his pace by taking on and beating the Thanet defence and running from just outside his own 22 to touch down under the posts. With the conversion by full Back Harry Atkins bringing the score to 22-0 at half time, Ashford took the opportunity to make a number of substitutions.
The second half saw Ashford resume their tactic of running at the defence and spreading the ball wide whenever possible, resulting in a well worked try for flanker Patrick Macenri some 3 minutes in. 2 minutes later Thanet were made to pay further for a defensive error when a quick tap penalty taken by scrum half Luke Ransley was fed out to replacement Winger Gareth Jenner, who on his first appearance for the season following a hand injury, scorched in from the Thanet 10 metre line to score a deserved try. With the Ashford boys now clearly on a roll, a lovely inside ball from Fly Half Rory Beech put a charging Albrow in space on the halfway line from where he beat 3 or 4 Thanet defenders to score another excellent try and complete his hat trick. Atkins added the conversion and play resumed with yet another meaningful attack, Flankers Macenri and Healey making hard yards to get Ashford back once again within sight of the Thanet try line. From here with recycled ball, Prop Tom Collins received at pace and smashed his way over to score the final points of the game at 44-0.
It was an outstanding performance by the Ashford Team, but due credit must be given to Thanet who never gave up the game and showed great spirit and sportsmanship throughout. There were many fine performances by the Ashford players but player of the match was deservedly awarded to second row George Morgan.
Team; Collins, Sladden, Stewart, Morgan, Warrilow, Healey, Macenri, Albrow, Burdon, Beech, Moon, Caton, Batt, Mead, Atkins, Ransley, Jenner, Tong, Litchfield, Slann, Williams, Windle, Gould, Watts.
Canvey Island 14, Ashford 39
This week Ashford under 15’s made the journey across the Thames and down the A13 for a match against Canvey Island. As they are not part of the Essex League their form could not be researched making them a bit of an unknown quantity.
The game started at a frantic pace with Ashford applying pressure but unable to make it count. It was clear that Canveys impressive pack were going to be their strength, with plenty of aggression on show at the breakdowns. On 9 minutes a handling error by the Canvey number 12 on the Ashford 10metre line saw his opposite number Glen Caton intercept and run the length of the pitch to score the first points of the game. Within 2 minutes Canvey replied with a similar breakaway try but added the conversion to take the lead 7-5.
Another period of deadlock followed with Ashford applying pressure but somehow unable to finish. On 20 minutes good work by the Ashford forwards and in particular George Morgan saw the ball popped up for Fly Half Harry Atkins to weave his way over and touch down. He then added the conversion to make the halftime score 7-12.
Part of the purpose of this weeks match was to ensure that all of the squad players got a game and so the second half saw some positional changes in the Ashford team with a number of rolling substitutions. From the restart, Canvey knocked on and from the resulting scrum a nice switch move saw Caton cut through the defence to score his second of the match. Sustained Ashford pressure saw Caton complete his hat trick in similar fashion some 4 minutes later and it looked like Ashford were taking command of the game. Directly from the restart Ashford kicked the ball back to Canvey, who played the ball on the floor to concede a penalty. From the quick tap the ball was fed across the pitch to Wing Tom Mead for him to touch down in some style and bring the score to 7-27. Within minutes Ashford won an opposition line out and the ball was fed across to Centre Adam Batt just over the halfway line who then ran round the outside of the opposition defence on the right to increase the scoreline further.
With a touch of complacency creeping in, Ashford then conceded a number of penalties inside their own half which the tough Canvey pack duly took immediate advantage of, driving over for a try and bringing the score back to 14-32. Lifted by the score Canvey went on the attack and with penalty after penalty being given against them and eventually having a player yellow carded, Ashford had to absorb a huge amount of pressure to preserve the scoreline. With the clock running down, and a last rotation of players, Ashford went back on the attack. With quick ruck ball won by the forwards, a kick through by Batt saw an impressive chase by Number 8 Christopher Albrow, beat the Canvey Full Back to score the final try of the game. With the conversion added by Batt, the final score of 14-39 was an impressive win for the whole Ashford squad. Player of the match was George Sladden for his outstanding rucking work during the game.
Ashford U15’s 26, Canterbury 12 U15’s 12.
This weeks East Kent Cup semi final saw Ashford entertain Canterbury in a re-run of what was eventually last years final between the two very evenly matched sides. Ashford won on that occasion but no-one was assuming that the result of this years meeting would be the same.
From the kick off, Canterbury started strongly taking the first scrum against the head and launching a unrelenting attack which resulted in a try within the first 2 minutes for their impressive number 5. It was exactly the start Ashford didn’t want and Canterbury looked ominously like they might dominate the game. From the restart it seemed that the shock of the early score had thankfully woken the Ashford boys up as the next 15 minutes saw the game played almost exclusively in the Canterbury half. Pressure from the Ashford pack was by now building, but good rucking work by Canterbury meant that they turned the ball over on a number of occasions and denied them the opportunity to convert their good work into points. The Canterbury backs did a good job of protecting their line but their clearance kicks were more often then not run back at them giving them little opportunity to build any quality possession. Then, in a midfield ruck, frustration and a moment of indiscipline saw the Canterbury Fly Half yellow carded for use of the knee and his side were put under more pressure. From the resulting penalty kick to touch Ashford won the line out on the Canterbury 22 and surged forward. From there, Hooker Tom Collins took the ball from the back of the maul and popped a pass out from the back of his hand to Number 8, Chris Albrow who ran in under the posts for an excellent try. With the conversion missed and the scores levelled, the game restarted at pace, with both sides trying to stamp some authority. On the 22nd minute a Canterbury clearance kick was fielded by Flanker Charlie Williams who ran the ball back down the left wing with Albrow in support, Albrow then took the offload and went over in the corner for his second try of the match. The conversion by Full Back Adam Batt brought the score to 12-5 at half time. Some positional changes at the break saw the Ashford Backs brought more into the game and some excellent running rugby displayed by both teams saw play go from one end of the field to the other. Eventually in the 38th minute after an attack involving all 3 Ashford back row forwards, Williams crashed over to score a try, which was then converted by Batt to widen the points gap to 19-5. Unfortunately things then got worse for Canterbury almost immediately when within minutes of the restart, Albrow collected an opposition line out throw cleanly inside his own 10 metre line and ran the ball down the right for the full length of the pitch to complete his hat trick of tries. Batt then added the extras with the conversion to extend the lead. With minutes to go Ashford gave away a penalty close to their own line and Canterbury scored a well worked try to bring the final score to 26-12 and bring down the curtain on what was an extremely entertaining and competitive match. The win was an excellent team effort by the Ashford squad and one which will now see them go on to take part in their second East Kent Cup Final in consecutive seasons. The player of the match was prop George Morgan.
Ashford 5 Barking 10
Coming off the back of consecutive wins against Dover by 42 points to 3 and Whitstable by 62 points to 0 respectively, Ashford under15’s faced a sterner test this week against a tough Barking side with a robust reputation.
The match started at frantic pace with a sustained period of Ashford pressure drawing both teams into a number of fierce ruck and counter ruck situations, spilt ball and a number of handling errors however denied them the early score. Eventually after repeated assaults on the opposition try line where the final pass just would not go to hand, the Ashford boys won a scrum on the Barking 22. From the base a switch move by the backline saw the ball passed out to wing Tom Moon who finished in the left corner for his second try in as many weeks. 5-0. The rest of the half continued as it had begun with a number of missed opportunities for the Ashford side and some dangerous attacking runs from the big, physical Barking backs. The score remained the same at the break though despite the home side having produced some very good rugby.
Following their half time talk the Barking side came out in more determined mood and having taken the ball from the kick off, it saw them apply serious pressure to the Ashford line for the first time in the match. Ashford defended well again and again but eventually a wayward clearance kick was fielded by the opposition and run in for the score out wide. The conversion was missed and the score was all square. From this point the teams seemed evenly matched with good attacking play on show from both sides. Some 15 minutes into the second half from a 5 metre scrum Barking spread the ball out to their winger who jinked and handed off players on his way to touch down and give his team the lead for the first time. Ashford replied by returning to the rugby they played in the first period, only allowing Barking into their half on a couple of occasions right until the final whistle, however despite a good team effort by all, the Ashford side were unable to even the score and the match ended 5-10 to the visitors. There is certainly no disgrace in defeat in this game. The team played the better rugby for the majority of the time and were prevented from winning only by an uncharacteristic failure to finish and by some physical and streetwise forward play from the opposition. Player of the match was Prop Patrick Macenri.
Old Gravesendians 0, Ashford 34,
This week Ashford travelled away for a match against Old Gravesendians, a side which they have not played since their days of mini rugby and one whos strength was unknown.
On a pitch which sloped fairly heavily, the boys found themselves playing the first half going downhill. The early exchanges proved that the OG’s were a good side defensively when there followed a period of sustained pressure delivered by the Ashford forwards which found them camped inside the Gravesend half. Eventually the deadlock broke and recycled ball found its way to Centre Glen Caton who ran in from 10 metres out to open the scoring. The conversion was missed and the restart began a period of play which saw Ashford cross the try line a number of further times only to be adjudged held up on each occasion. With some other refereeing decisions going against them and breaking up the flow of their game, the boys could not fully realise the downhill advantage and they appeared to lose their way a little, the 0-5 score line remaining until halftime.
The second half saw a much more determined assault on the OG’s goal line and within 2 minutes of the kick off second row Lukas Warrilow hacked the ball through for both him and wing Tom Moon to chase. Unfortunately neither of them were able to control the ball and touch it down but it was definitely a statement of intent for what was to come. Now Ashford stormed forward at every opportunity, hooker George Morgan and props Tom Collins and Patrick Macenri smashing away at the defence and eventually winning a penalty close to the posts. Ashford opted to run the ball with Collins who was held up short, however once again from recycled ball number 8 Chris Albrow received well and crashed over for the try, 0-10.
The ball was caught cleanly from the restart by second row Tom Putnam who was duly wrapped up by OG’s, happy to be in the opposition end for the first time in the half. Some over enthusiastic ball handling by a player off his feet though conceded the penalty and Ashford took the quick tap, feeding the ball out to centre Adam Batt who took an arcing run down the right wing from his own 10 metre line to touch down under the posts. Full Back Harry Atkins added the conversion and at 0-17 Ashford looked to be opening the game up. Another try from Caton followed shortly after some good interplay between the backs and Batt slotted the conversion to extend the lead. By now the boys looked in complete control, and after fielding the restart close to their own 22, the ball passed through 15 pairs of Ashford hands unchecked before being adjudged held up once again over the OG’s tryline for the 5 metre scrum. Albrow picked up from the back, crashed over and was driven back short, but the ball came back Ashfords way and out to fly half Rory Beech who spun in to score the try.
The pressure from Ashford was relentless and after clearing their line to touch following yet another meaningful attack, scrum half Louis Burdon took the quick throw to Beech and then Batt who punished OG’s further by finding space and running in another 5 pointer.
To their credit the OG’s never gave up but despite some severe pressure in the last 5 minutes, the Ashford defence held fast to leave the final score at 0-34.
There were some fine individual performances by flanker Jack Windle and wing Cameron Veitch but for his work at the line out and restarts second row Tom Putnam was named man of the match. The second half performance was probably Ashfords finest yet this season however they will need to produce the same form for the full match period against stronger opposition.
Next week Ashford under 15’s take on Dover at home.
Tonbridge Juddians 20, Ashford 29
This week Ashford Under 15’s travelled to Tonbridge for a match against a Juddians side that have been building a strong reputation this season. With some Ashford players missing and others changing positions there was an experimental feel about the starting line-up that took to the field. Within minutes Ashford were on the attack, Chris Albrow, back at number 8, picking up from the back of the scrum and crossing the try line only to lose the ball before it could be grounded. The pressure on the Tonbridge line continued for the next 6 or 7 minutes until finally Fly Half Rory Beech opened the scoring, stretching to touch down after a fine run down the left touchline. With the conversion missed, the Tonbridge side, now 0-5 down, worked the ball into the Ashford half for the first time and were rewarded with a penalty as a result of indiscipline in front of the posts. The points were duly taken and the restart saw Ashford once again taking control, Albrow breaking through once again this time to score under the posts, the conversion then added by Centre Adam Batt to bring the score to 3-12. Tonbridge replied with a breakaway try after a loose ball was kicked deep behind the defence and the game was back on. Ashford continued to apply pressure to the half time whistle, but despite a number of close calls failed to increase their points tally.
The half time talk by the Judds Coach appeared to revitalise his side as a quick converted try was scored within 3 minutes of the restart and they took the lead in the match for the first time. In recent weeks the Ashford pack has struggled to win ruck and line out ball but a vastly improved performance in this game especially by Prop George Morgan, and Second Row, Tom Putnam, saw them at last providing a platform for the back line to work with. On 32 minutes, some great work from debutant Hooker Stephen Slann on the opposition 10 metre line allowed quick ball to Centre Batt who sprinted round the outside of the Judds defence for the try and the score was back to 15-17. Further indiscipline from Ashford followed and allowed Tonbridge a unsuccessful shot at goal, but from the restart determined runs from Second Row Lukas Warrilow and Flanker Charlie Williams brought the play back up to halfway. At the breakdown the ball was fed out to Glen Caton, making his first start at Centre, who showed his pace to run in under the posts. With Batt adding 2 points off the upright things looked good at 15-24.
Typically, a defensive lapse saw Judds then reply out wide and they threatened another comeback. However, as the eventual receiver of a ball run out from the Ashford 10 metre line by Wing Harry Atkins, recycled by Albrow and Scrum Half Louis Burdon, and then passed across field through the hands of the entire back line, Batt scored his second to restore the advantage and ultimately finish the scoring.
For large parts of the game, Ashford dominated the play in both the forwards and the backs, however some poor tackling and defensive weakness prevented the winning margin from reflecting it. Improving all the time and with this their best performance of the season so far, Ashford can look forward to their next match away at Old Gravesendians.
Player of the match was Glen Caton.
Tough tour for the Ashford Boys
Ashford Under 15s experienced the highs and lows of youth rugby during their recent tour to the Midlands.
Other commitments meant a depleted squad of 17 boys, including 2 under 14’s players, travelled up for a weekend that would include matches with strong Hereford and Wolverhampton teams.
The first match on Saturday involved Hereford Under15’s, a quality team that included 21 out of 25 players from their County Squad, and a side that had been unbeaten in three years. It was expected that it would be a tough ask for the under-strength Ashford side and ultimately proved to be so. The Hereford forwards powered their way over the gain line again and again, winning ruck after ruck and enabling their backs to repeatedly find gaps in the Ashford defence. Despite the seemingly endless onslaught, the Ashford lads never gave up trying to protect their line, and get themselves back into the game, launching some promising attacks themselves late in the match. The final score did not reflect the toughness of the game which was by no means a walk over for Hereford, but at 40-0, it ranks amongst the biggest ever defeats suffered by this Ashford squad. The player of the match was Prop Tom Collins who typically gave his all for his team.
The following day brought a game against Wolverhampton, also a side with a strong reputation. Carrying a number of injuries from the previous day’s bruising encounter, the boys looked tired and within 5 minutes had conceded two quick tries. Parents and Coaches alike looked worried, but then something clicked and some self belief returned. Full Back Harry Atkins was on the end of an across field, team move and ran in a fine try out wide, then converted by Captain Adam Batt, who shortly after the restart, danced through the Wolverhampton defence himself to touch down. The conversion was duly added by Atkins to bring the score back to 12-14. Wolverhampton typically replied with unconverted tries either side of half time to go ahead once more, but in a match which neither team seemed ready to concede, the Ashford forwards, led by Tom Healy, Patrick McEnri, Charlie Williams and Lukas Warrilow, started to win more ball in the loose giving a better attacking platform on a number of occasions. Two well executed Ashford tries followed quickly, scored by Scrum Half Rory Beech and Centre, Batt, and the Ashford team was momentarily in the lead again, before a dubious Wolverhampton try from an illegal squeeze-ball play put them back in front once more. With less than ten minutes to go, Atkins, now playing 10, picked up the ball on the halfway and headed off toward the opposition line, weaving and stepping his way past two or three defending players to score an outstanding try under the posts. With the conversion by Batt the score was now 29-31 to Ashford, and despite Wolves battering the defensive line, and peppering Full Back Luke Ransley, with high kicks until the last whistle, a great final effort by the team held on to the 2 point advantage and victory. Player of the match was Wing Tom Mead, and special recognition was given to our two under 14’s players, Max Rose and Owain Fussell who did a magnificent job throughout.
After Saturday’s sizeable defeat, the spirit shown by the boys to produce Sunday’s performance was encouraging to say the least, and things look promising for the coming season.
Wing, Tom Moon was named most improved player over the weekend, and the player of the tour award was given to Adam Batt.
The attached photo shows the Ashford Tour Squad in their new training/warm up tops, generously donated by Groundwork South East, Building and Civil Engineering.
Ashford U15’s Tour Squad;
Christopher Albrow, Harry Atkins, Adam Batt, Rory Beech, Tom Collins, Tom Healy, Patrick McEnri, Tom Mead, Tom Moon, Luke Ransley, George Sladden, Jason Tong, Lukas Warrilow, Curtis Watts, Charlie Williams, Max Rose, Owain Fussell.
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