Youngsters have a day to remember

Saturday was a special day for Ashford under-12s who travelled to Twickenham to take part in a tournament hosted by Harlequins, before joining in at the Stoop Memorial Ground for their hosts’ Premiership game against Worcester Warriors, forming an honour guard as the senior players took the field.

The under-14s continued their rich vein of form, with an impressive 33-5 win over Sidcup in a second round Kent Cup tie.

Despite stout resistance from the visitors, Ashford registered five tries thanks to scores by Curtis, Newbury, Spicer, Wright and Morgan, plus four conversions by Knighton. Ashford under-15s edged the result in a fiercely competitive match against local rivals Cranbrook, courtesy of the game’s only try scored by Louie Beniston.

Ashford’s defence proved resolute despite a prolonged Cranbrook assault, earning Toki Abeybongben his man-ofthe-match award.

The under-17s rounded off a successful Sunday for the club’s junior sides with a 24-17 win against Elthamians.

Their points came from tries by Dan Hatton, Chay Ballantyne, and Anthony Conybear, with Jack Dixon adding three conversions and a penalty.

■ Ashford 3rds drew 33-12 in a friendly against Anchorians. ■ It promises to be a busy weekend at the club. On Saturday, the 1sts travel to Aylesford, the 2nds host Aylesford 2nds, and the 3rds travel to Edenbridge. On Sunday, Ashford Minis play Dover, the under-12s are at Colfeians, the under-13s at Canterbury, the under-14s at Dover, the under-15s at

Thanet, the under-16s at home to Sidcup, and the under-17s at home to Gravesend.

It is also a big day for the girls and women’s teams, with the under-13s having their first team outing of the season, and the under-15 and under-18 squad joining with Channel BaBa players for games at Aylesford.

In the afternoon, Ashford ladies host Guernsey.

Coach John Heaver has been encouraged by the increased turnout in training, with more than 30 players in attendance during the week, ensuring competition for places.

Adam Knight breaks through to score his try against Uckfield