TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS travelled to north Devon hoping to reverse the result of the play-off match at The Slade in May 2016 when won 31-30 with the last kick of the match.
The game started untidily amid a heavy icy shower. The hosts scored an early try and after an exchange of penalties TJs went in 10-3 behind at half-time.
TJs were grateful that despite Barnstaple’s possession and physicality they had only conceded one try.
At the start of the second half the hosts had a man sent to the sin bin but TJs could not press home the advantage.
Barnstaple managed to turn ball over at crucial moments and scored twice from five-metre line-outs, the pack rumbling over and then their scrum-half sniping for the second.
It was a disappointing display by TJs, who drop to 10th place in National League Division Two South.
Next they entertain Wimbledon at The Slade on Saturday [December 2, kick-off 2.30 pm].
