We’ve only ourselves to blame

Lloyd Stokes says Ashford’s opening day London South East 3 defeat at Broadstairs was self-inflicted.

Seven-nil up after 15 minutes, they conceded two quick tries and two penalties to reach half-time 18-7 down.

Team manager Stokes said: “We had our tails up but it was shortlived as Thanet’s pack started to control the set piece and break down and making significant inroads in midfield through their inside centre who had an excellent game.

“We only had ourselves to blame due to poor tackling, stupid choices and ill-discipline.”

Ashford started brightly, dominating the early exchanges, showing physicality and energy in the pack through Will Welsh and Jake Fletcher among others which seemed to catch Thanet cold.

The early pressure was converted into points as Ashford hit through midfield before skipper Rhys Fussell switched blind, feeding Macauly Jordan who evaded the last tackle, before a smart finish under the posts. Steve Tanner converted.

Thanet prospered from Ashford’s shortcomings to lead by nine points at half-time, with Stokes admitting the opening 20 minutes after the restart proved another turning point in the game.

He added: “Thanet showcase their promotion favourites credentials with a strong set piece, a fast back row securing excellent quick ball and a backline which had both power and finesse.

“We were caught off the pace and weren’t matching the opposition in any area of the pitch.

“This coupled with further needless mistakes meant Thanet scored three more tries and another penalty taking the score to 40-7 – game over.”

Ashford lost Ben King early on, THANET WDRS ASHFORD replaced by Jimmy Cox, before throwing on Harry Norman and Kyeran Shilling in the final 15 minutes.

The home side upped their game, matching the opposition up front, led by man-of-the-match Dan Brown.

The backline also showed the potential they possess and with Shaun Woolford running great lines and Jordan coming off his wing at every opportunity, Ashford should have scored again, only to be denied by dogged Thanet defence, before another mistake led to the home side’s final seven points.

Stokes added: “We hope to have several players back for the home derby against Folkestone on Saturday and need to ensure we are ready for what is always a titanic battle.”

Scrum-half Chris Hunt suffered a dislocated elbow as Ashford 2nds lost 48-0 against Thanet in a friendly.

They trailed by 12 points at half-time, as several injuries – Hunt’s being the most serious– hampered their progress in a match which became a one-sided contest.

Ashford 2nds open their Shepherd Neame Late Red 3 campaign with a trip to Tonbridge Juddians, while the 3rds start under new captain Richard Haynes at Tunbridge Wells.

Ashford Minis convenor Scott Booth was delighted with the turnout of boys and girls to register for the new season on Sunday.

The teams, aged between six and 12, took part in their first training sessions, with a good level of interest in the under-sixes – the youngest of the age-groups – attracting 24 youngsters.

New coach Jamie Booth-Wilde says he is looking forward to seeing them progress as the season continues.

Ashford Barbarians start their Dragon Fire 4 East season at Canterbury 5ths on Saturday.

‘We were caught off the pace and weren’t matching the opposition in any area of the pitch’

Folkestone 54 Old Dunstonians 29, Haywards Heath 25 Gillingham Anchorians 0, Lewes 5 Pulborough 53, Park House 7 Eastbourne 10, Sheppey 12 Aylesford Bulls 10, Thanet Wanderers 47 Ashford 7.

Ashford v Folkestone, Eastbourne v Lewes, Gillingham Anchorians v Aylesford Bulls, Old Dunstonians v Park House, Pulborough v Haywards Heath, Thanet Wanderers v Sheppey.