Tonbridge Juddians 38 Dings Crusaders 5
They ran in four tries early on to give them the bonus point and put aside some of the problems the leaders have experienced in recent weeks.
TJs were soon on the front foot, full-back Toby May and wing Murray Galbraith-Lowe interpassing for May to score a try in the corner which was not converted.
Dings responded from a line-out, strong forward play driving the maul over the line for hooker Joe Hawkesby to touch down for an unconverted try.
When TJs regained possession in Dings’ territory they broke to the right for centre Duncan Tout to burst through the defence and score, Will Robinson adding the extras.
Lock forward Rory McHugh was held up after a gallop down the left but quick recycling sent the ball all the way out to the right wing, where his fellow lock Dave Irving had space enough to score an unconverted try.
Centre David Priest off-loaded to Tout to hand him his second try, which Robinson converted to give the home side a 24-5 lead at the break.
TJs were soon into their stride in the second half as scrum-half Charlie Edwards took a quick throw-in and centre Priest found acres of space to run in the try, Robinson converting.
After a scrappy period of play, Murray Galbraith-Lowe fielded a clearing kick and initiated a crossfield passing move.
This involved Robinson, May and finally Tout who, with another muscular run down the left wing, made it over the line for his hat-trick.
Robinson converted TJs’ sixth try with a fine kick from wide out to complete the scoring with three minutes remaining.
TJs extended their lead over Henley to two points, three in front of Taunton.
Tonbridge now travel to Bury St Edmunds on Saturday [December 14, kick-off 3pm].
