TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS travelled to third-placed Hertford with the league leaders in National Three London & South-East facing a must-win game in very wet and tricky conditions.
The encounter saw plenty of endeavour from both sides, with Tonbridge’s defensive effort keeping the home side at bay while a handful of chances saw them cross for three tries.
The game started with Hertford dominating possession but making little headway. TJs made every tackle count, eventually forcing them back and having to try and kick out of defence. Tonbridge charged down and Hugo Watson hacked through for the try.
TJs followed this up with more defensive work, which resulted in a turnover and penalty kick to the corner. The Juddians pack drove Zain van Rensburgh over for a 10-0 lead and two tries from two chances.
After the break, Tonbridge lost two of their front row to injury and the scrums went uncontested. This took away Hertford’s main weapon. They did manage a penalty, but this simply allowed TJs to regroup and return to Hertford’s half.
From here, they manufactured an attacking position which Hugo Watson exploited to go over again. Liam Prescott converted to give TJs a 3-17 lead with 15 minutes to go.
Hertford kept trying, but TJs were simply too good in defence as time and again Hertford attacks were hit backwards in the tackle. Tonbridge did not take a backward step and held on to the momentum.
TJs coach, Pete Dankert, said: “That was a massive performance from the boys today in tricky conditions against a very good side. We never gave an inch, and to score three tries with so little ball was very impressive.
“There are a lot of tired and injured bodies in the changing room now so we will be working hard to get the boys up and firing again for Combe away next Saturday.”
