Bulls doze to let another lead slip

AYLESFORD THANET WDRS

After a disappointing display against bottom-side Ashford, Aylesford were faced with the daunting prospect of hosting second-placed Thanet.

The sides last met in the final game of Bulls’ disappointing London 2 campaign two years ago, with Thanet winning with ease.

Despite that and the memories of last week still fresh on Bulls’ minds, the match started in positive fashion with Aylesford winning most of the early exchanges last Saturday.

A Thanet penalty four minutes in didn’t dampen Bulls’ determination and they produced some of their best rugby of the season, eventually breaking down the left through Dion Comerford only for youngster David Rowe to be illegally tackled metres from the line.

A penalty try was awarded which Comerford converted to make it 7-3.

But as has so often been the case this season, Bulls let their early lead slip in dramatic fashion, going to sleep in the final 15 minutes of the half and conceding a flurry of tries to find themselves staring down the barrel of a second drubbing in as many weeks.

Despite the 31-7 half-time score, Bulls rallied and started the second half in similar style to the first, winning a penalty which Comerford converted.

The match was far more competitive. Thanet scored two more converted tries in a fiveminute period to forget for the hosts before the visitors had three players yellow carded.

However, all Bulls could gain from a hard-fought final few exchanges was a Liam Ingram try, again converted by Comerford, bringing the final score to 45-17.