Ashford Rugby Club's experimental side progressed into the second round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase after a narrow 16-12 win at Rye on Saturday.

With the forward pack made up of under-19s and several 2nd XV players given a chance, Ashford were grateful for the influence of experienced scrum-half Mike Watson, making his first start for the club four years after his last start, for National League 3 side Kettering.

Jonathan Murray opened the scoring with a penalty before centre Dan Brown dummied his way through to score the first try.

A lapse in concentration saw Rye score a converted try against the run of play after 15 minutes but Murray kicked another penalty to make it 11-7.

Winger Chris Baker forced his way over after good work from Shane Redmond to extend the lead to nine points at half-time and, despite Rye playing with the wind after the break, they could only produce a single unconverted try.