Old Redcliffians 10
Tonbridge Juddians 21
Despite their lowly league position the home defence was sound against concerted Tonbridge pressure.
In one of their rare incursions into TJ territory, they were awarded a penalty 30 metres out which Ashley Groves duly slotted.
Despite their dominance TJs seemed unable to hold onto the ball in the last few strides to the line and they remained scoreless at the half-time break.
The visitors finally managed to get on the scoreboard when winger Noah Ferdinand combined with centre Finlay Coxon-Smith down the right-hand touchline and the latter ran in to score a converted try.
Having taken the lead, they extended it just three minutes later when centre Duncan Tout broke with Ferdinand and Coxon-Smith in support. Once more Coxon-Smith was the try-scorer and Will Robinson added the extras.
Despite the change of emphasis ORs did not give up, and they began to turn the tables with some flowing rugby of their own.
When a penalty was recycled, wing-forward and captain Dan Fry cut through at speed to touch down for a converted try, reducing the arrears to 14-10.
TJs had to respond quickly and from a line-out near the OR line lock forward Rory McHugh, with the help of his colleagues, forced his way through to touch down, Robinson converting.
The victory keeps TJs just one point ahead of second-placed Henley with Taunton five points off the pace.
Next TJs take on Bournemouth for their first ever visit to The Slade on Saturday, January 11.
