Not so easy for Folkestone this time!

Having been beaten very elegantly 4-0, by one of the best development teams we have ever played at the start of the season, the Highwaymen expected a tough game this time.

The signs were not good when Folkestone went ahead within a minute and three down in twenty-five! This, however, was to be the signal for a determined fightback. The Highwaymen defence held while their attacks began through the mid field into the opposition’s D. (It is surprising what passing directly to a red shirt rather than trying to play through defenders can do.)

The first Highwaymen goal came from Gary de Souza, and another followed by half time from Matt Robinson.
Within 5 mins of the restart the home-side went another goal down to make it 4-2. The battle remained hard fought. Andy Moore battled through to score the final goal of the game.

Instead of running rings round the Highwaymen the young legs of Folkestone began to flag in the last 15 minutes. Without the skill and energy of their outstanding captain (No5) the result could, easily, have gone the other way. The opposition were really struggling when the final whistle was blown. OK I’s a loss but the Highwaymen felt it was a very satisfying game.

The real highlight of the game was seeing Ed Smyth back on the field for the first time since his heart attack. It maybe a little while before we get a full game from him, but the skill is still there, if a little rusty!

Thanks again to Gary and Paul for umpiring and coping with a little too much critical advice from the Highwaymen!

The squad
Rupert Greaves, Stephen Gilbert, Matt Robinson, Richard Cleall, Phil Kinch, Phil Bunker, Steve Miller, Gary d Souza, Andy Rose, David Forsyth, Rich Mills, Ed Smyth, Andy Moore, Ravi Wickramasuriya