Ash U12's went to Westcombe Park last Sunday for the preliminary's for this years Kent festival. Ash played first in the pool with a match was against a much improved Whitstable. It took the first half for Ash to wake up as per normal and unfortunately the damage had been done by half time. After a positive half-time team chat, everyone switched on and played with skill and confidence but losing 3-1 in the end.

Match two was against Sittingbourne. With a lot more fire in the belly, Ash hit the ground running scoring from the start. Ash kept the pressure up against a weakened but valiant Sittingbourne who managed to contain a strong Ash side in the second half, holding Ash to a 1-0 victory.

The last match of the pool was against a very well drilled Tonbridge Wells. Both teams were ready at the start exchanging attacking moves which resulted in Tonbridge Wells getting the first score. Unfortunately three more came along in quick succession due to a couple of poor decisions and missed tackles but with Ash taking a quick tap penalty to gain a try and the end of the match. Losing 3-1 to Tonbridge Wells put Ash through to the Bowl quarter-final against Ashford.

The match against them started well with all Ash players working together and communicating with each other. Some quick thinking from both forwards and backs caused Ashford to be offside and for new player Peter to run through with support to score over the Ashford try line. The same strategy worked on three more occasions ending in Ash beating Ashford 4-0 convincingly.

As a result of the fantastic performance last Sunday, the team are off to the finals this coming Sunday at Tonbridge Judds. Good luck to all players concerned.