Kentish Express Ashford & District
First-half try burst decisive
Ashford 2nds ran in five tries to win 29-5 at home to Sittingbourne in Late Red 3 on Saturday.
Four of them came in the first half to leave Ashford firmly in control, with the fifth try providing the only points after half-time.
The 3rds put up a spirited display in a 32-12 defeat at Dragon Fire 4 West leaders Leigh.
Ashford Ladies lost 26-0 against leaders Guernsey
Ashford v Tunbridge Wells, Burnt Ash v Worthing, Eastbourne v Crawley, Gore Court v Maidstone, Holcombe 2nds v Old Bordenians, Sevenoaks 2nds v Folkestone. in Women’s NC South East South 1.
The long trip to the Channel Islands involved a 5am start, the beginning of a tough day for the Kinneys Field side, who conceded two early scores
Ashford then launched strong resistance, especially in tackle and contact situations.
The weather contributed to handling errors from both sides and strict sanctions on University of Kent, Holcombe 2a v Burnt Ash 2nds, Maidstone 2nds v Marden Russets, Old Bordenians 2nds v Blackheath & OE 2nds. Sevenoaks 3rds 3 Ashford 3rds 2. Ashford 3rds v Holcombe 3rds, Canterbury Millers v Herne Bay, Old Williamsonians 2nds v Blackheath & OE 3rds, high tackles saw Guernsey lose a player to the sin-bin but still led 14-0 at half time.
They added two more tries, one of them converted in the second half before Ashford were left one short when Leanne Kelly was forced off with a knee injury, with no replacements available.
Ashford still produced several well-worked moves but were unable to earn any reward for their hard work.
Sevenoaks 5ths v Sevenoaks 4ths, Gravesham & Wellcome v Burnt Ash (Bexley) 4ths, Herne Bay 2nds v Gore Court 4ths, Holcombe 4ths v Ashford 4ths, Marden Russets 2nds v Tunbridge Wells 3rds, Folkestone Optimist 4ths v Canterbury 5ths.