Tonbridge Juddians hosted their final National 2 East game of the season at The Slade against Sevenoaks in front of a packed crowd boosted by a ‘Sponsors Day’ lunch for 360 guests.
TJ sponsors, supporters and friends were joined by a number of Oaks fans who had made the not too tricky trip from just up the road. With just two games left Oaks were in search of a win to end any relegation fears whilst TJs were hopeful of another home win, although movement up or down from their eighth position in the table can’t happen.
As it was TJs secured the win in a stop start game with tries from Bryan Hotston and Hugo Watson in the first half and one from Duncan Tout in the second. Tom White converted two and added a penalty. Oaks managed two penalties around the half hour mark from Ben Adams, but they simply couldn’t get past a resolute Juddians defence for a try.
Two squads at the end of a very long and hard season each struggling to impose themselves on one another but Tonbridge just had that little more speed and accuracy to get three backs over the try line.
Not too much open and exciting rugby for the large crowd but rolled up with a super lunch and post-match entertainment ensured at least the TJ faithful went home happy and in good spirits.
Sevenoaks will now go into their final game of the season at home against bottom of the table Westcliff RFC, with a win needed to secure their stay in the National 2 East Division.