PJF trounce Folkestone

The attendance at this game was boosted by the earlier Club Youth side match against The John Fisher School XV. In a pretty busy encounter the Club managed to beat the school by a couple of scores. All in all it was a well played, spirited match and we are happy that so many came along to the game.

Further swelling the crowd were the attendees of the pre match lunch, mostly past players from bygone years. So it was fitting that PJF signed off at the Pightle with a good display.

None took up this mantle more so than Matt Vaughan and Charlie Fisher collecting 20 & 21 points respectively. Vaughany's was through scoring 4 tries, and it was in achieving this feat, together with the manner in which he took them, that he deservedly was made Man of the Match. Papa Charlie ran him very close as he shrugged off an early blood binning to score 8 conversions, one of which was for his own well taken try. The supporting cast of Ruairi Campbell-Carson, Ryan Tracey and Nick Owen each scored 2 tries to complete the tally.

PJF started well scoring a try in the first 5 minutes, Vaughan's first. The crowd bayed for the kill but the game entered a lull for 15 minutes as PJF struggled to find themselves, giving away several silly penalties, and were unable to suppress their opponents' spirit. So PJF reverted to type and through their dependable and solid front five began, to secure good field positions. The back row of Alvarez, Kerr and Booth were quicker to the breakdown than their counterparts and showed an adeptness with ball in hand to recycle possession. As ever the amorous Doyle proved to be a thorn in the backside of his opposing scrumhalf, it was from such phases of pressure that PJF began to hit back. Asserting their authority on the game PJF saw back to back tries by winger Tracey and a thundering score for Campbell-Carson left PJF 22-0 in front at half time.

With the wind at their backs PJF cut loose. Charlie & Doyley began to dictate affairs as well judged kicks and quick hands saw PJF capitalise on their quality possession. A flurry of tries followed which had the crowd purring contently. PJF's backs ran straight, drew their man and timed their passes allowing Vaughany to punish Folkestone with 3 quick tries and Charlie with one. With full credit to Folkestone, they managed a consolation try from a nothing situation, but really this was the only time that they were in the PJF half.

PJF had by know found the formula, solid play up front, quick breaks from the back row, recycled possession and straight hard running. Nick Owen capitalised on this by taking two similar tries in succession, collecting the ball and then running hard from 40 yards out. Ruairi charged a kick down was quicker to react than the defence and crossed the whitewash for his second.

So with 11 tries, all form the backs, PJF showed that they do have sufficient armoury to go on to better things. Automatic promotion is really out of our hands now (Tunbridge Wells won 79-0 against Dartfordians) and we must focus and concentrate on the likelihood of the playoffs against second place in London SW3, perm any one from three out of Reigatians, London Irish Ams or Camberley.

PJF's next match is away to Chichester on April 22nd. Charabangue to be confirmed.