Onslaught a reverse of fortunes

A poor second-half display, which saw 39 unanswered points conceded, cost Ashford the chance of recording their third London South East 3 win of the season.

Ashford led 17-5 at half-time but the coaching staff and supporters were left mystified by the capitulation, as the visitors failed to earn another point.

Team manager Lloyd Stokes said: “Anchorians showed great determination and character but were hardly the better team ability wise, nonetheless they thoroughly deserved the win.”

Injuries and unavailabilty in the Ashford ranks saw Jimmy Cox and Kyrien Gayson both added to the squad and they both did well after coming off the bench as second-half replacements.

Gillingham started with much more urgency and a combination of a lack of concentration and missed tackles led to an easy score by Anchs’ left winger who proved a danger throughout the match.

Ashford roused themselves 10 minutes into the game, spending the next half-hour putting pressure on Gillingham and should have scored more points than they did.

The defence rarely looked comfortable all game, though, GILL ANCHS ASHFORD with Anchs’ attacks resulting in several last-ditch tackles.

Jack Weaver scored another excellent try, following his impressive score against Aylesford the previous week, picking up ball off the top of the line-out, before cutting through to touch down under the posts, with the returning Charlie Colman converting.

The set-piece was solid all day for Ashford and they used it well to attack Anchs and establish good field position.

Camped in the opposition 22, they added two more tries, from Colman and captain Dan Brown – his sixth of the season – but neither were converted.

Ashford face leaders Pulborough at Kinneys Field on Saturday, with the West Sussex club boasting a 100% record – seven wins out of seven – putting them six points clear of Thanet Wanderers at the top. Ashford wrap up Gillingham

Achorians on Saturday