Wimbledon 14 Tonbridge Juddians 29
TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS began preparations for the new campaign in National Two South with a win over old rivals Wimbledon, who were relegated last season.
TJs have managed to keep most of last season’s sixth-placed squad together, and there were also two Academy players returning to the squad.
Wing Ade Lipede was back from Saracens – where he has added bulk to his electrifying pace – and Matteo Petrozzi was at scrum-half having been selected for Italy’s Under-18 squad.
Tom Simmonds was also in the mix having spearheaded the Academy’s National Cup-winning efforts in May 2015.
He had been out for a year with a serious injury but played at fly-half for part of the game, sharing the role with Will Robinson in what looks to be an exciting back line.
Duncan Tout switched from wing to centre but looked sharp after a stellar first season at The Slade, and Toby May was in good form after a spell at Cornish Pirates, slotting in at full-back.
The competition for places will be healthy, and it should be an exciting season for both the first and second XVs with the latter playing in a competitive revamped Invicta 1 this season.
TJs now take on neighbours Tunbridge Wells at St Marks on Saturday [August 18, kick-off 3pm].
PICTURE: TAKING WING: Ade Lipede added bulk to his pace at Saracens
