Bulls on a losing streak

EASTBOURNE AYLESFORD

Aylesford Bulls fell to a disappointing fourth loss on the trot at Eastbourne last Saturday. Last year’s promotion contenders have struggled to find form so far this season, and are yet to get their London 3 South East campaign off the ground. Bulls competed well in the first few exchanges, moving the ball confidently and once again winning the battle with a well-drilled home pack. However they conceded two disappointing scores against the run of play. The visitors hit back, wrestling their way onto the scoresheet with centre Lee Gilchrist picking a great line off second row Pete Webdale to run in under the posts for a converted score, Gareth Cresswell adding the extras with ease. But Eastbourne responded with a third try before the break. Unfortunately for the visitors the second half continued in a similar vein, with three clear scoring opportunities missed. Bulls spent most of the second half locked in a seemingly never-ending forwards battle, with the ball rarely finding its way to the backs. Typically strong performances from flanker Ben Turner and scrum-half Daz Kistner, coupled with a brilliant display by 17-year-old debutant Kieran Gray, were not enough. A string of injuries have rocked the squad and Bulls now sit second from bottom, ahead of old foes Ashford by six points. They will look to get back to winning ways at home to Old Dunstonians tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm). Aylesford: Rowe, Bonwick, Gilchrist, Hargreaves, Lott, Proctor, Kistner, McConnell, Jalink, Hollister, Gray, Webdale, Pass, Turner, Savignon. Replacements: Fitzpatrick, Cresswell, Sutton.