Defeat ends Shield hopes

There was a free weekend for Ashford men’s 1sts, so attention switched to the second string, who were in Kent Shield action at Thanet Wanderers.

With Glen Collins again leading the side, the team included experienced players such as Ryan Hammond, Shane Redman, Grant Collins and a particular welcome return for Gary Croxton. There was also a sprinkling of players with 1st XV experience, such as Jack Lockerby, Shane Redman, Ben Gray, Chris Sargent and Aidan Blyth. Newcomers Luca Machalfa, Will Cullen, Ben Edgar and Daniel Chuter took part and winger Harrison Kemp played No. 8. Thanet dominated the early proceedings, scoring two tries from pick and drive moves to establish a 10-0 advantage.

In response Ashford came close to scoring, but a knock-on close to the Thanet line denied them the chance to open their account.

In the second half, with the advantage of the slope, Ashford mounted a series of attacks with good driving play, especially from Glen Collins and Edgar.

Their pressure was finally rewarded with a Croxton try and a Gray conversion, narrowing the gap to three points at 10-7.

Any thoughts that Ashford might strike again to snatch a win were dismissed, though, when Thanet took advantage of a breakdown from deep in their own half to score what turned out to be the final try. The conversion extended the lead to 17-7. Ashford Vets took on Dover Vets in a cup match.

Again, there were high skill levels on display, but the visitors proved too strong for their hosts, winning 22-5. Ashford Academy travelled to Canterbury in the National Colts Cup first round.

In a fast-paced match, Ashford lost to the more-settled Canterbury side, but the performance of the team as a whole, and in particular from individuals such as full-back William Burbridge, whose tackling was outstanding, gives great hope for this season. On Saturday, Ashford’s men’s 1sts welcome Dartfordians in London South East 2, where the team will want to build on their better performance against Old Alleynians two weeks ago and secure their first points of the campaign. On Sunday, Ashford’s women make their first away trip to Southend, following a walkover win in their opening game.