Men's 1XV vs Ashford 2XV

Swanley’s 1XV made the trip to Ashford looking to bounce back from Dover, and they didn’t disappoint running in seven tries, showing some attacking flair, and taking a well-earned 47–31 victory on the road.

First Half

Swanley flew out of the blocks. George Miller wasted no time in making his mark, storming through for the opening try, with Gareth Lewis adding the extras.

Ashford hit back quickly, though, finding gaps to score two converted tries in succession, before adding another try (unconverted) to take control. A fourth Ashford try, this one converted, left Swanley chasing the game at 24–7.

But just when it looked like Ashford were pulling away, Swanley found their rhythm. Charley powered over to narrow the gap, before Daniel Maloney muscled through for another, converted by Lewis. Momentum shifted.

Before the half was done, Swanley struck again George grabbing his second of the day, and Lewis again on target with the boot. Suddenly it was Swanley back in front, showing their attacking teeth.

Second Half

The visitors picked up where they left off. Daniel Maloney scored his second of the match, Lewis kept his 100% record from the tee, and George completed his hat-trick soon after again converted.

Ashford tried to respond with another unconverted try, but Swanley’s attack had too much firepower. George crossed for his fourth, capping an incredible individual display, and Lewis’s boot added two more points.

There was still time for Tom Fowler to have a brief ten-minute “rest” courtesy of the referee, and Ashford took advantage to score twice more, one of them converted. But the damage was already done.

Final Whistle

The scoreboard read 47–31 to Swanley at full time a big away win built on power, pace, and ruthless finishing.

• George Miller led the charge with four tries.
• Daniel Maloney bagged a brace.
• Charley got himself on the scoresheet with his debut try.
• Gareth Lewis was metronomic from the tee with six conversions.
• Tom Fowler collected the only yellow card of the day.

It was a performance full of attacking intent, with plenty of tries to celebrate and a much-deserved victory on the road.