Battling Bulls show encouraging signs

AYLESFORD H’WARDS HTH

Aylesford Bulls let a 14-point lead slip, sharing the spoils against Haywards Heath. Bulls can’t be too disappointed with a draw against a side fourth in London 3 South East. But after 80 minutes every player left the pitch aware that an extra two points went begging. The performance was not one of a bottom-placed side, with Bulls’ superior physicality punishing the East Sussex team in what turned into an ill-tempered afternoon at the Jack Williams Ground. The long-awaited return of Michael Jackson, who played out of position in the centre, cranked up the intensity, with some big hits and powerful runs. It was a Jackson run which set up the first score, with Ben Turner — who was also making a return after a short absence — crossing in the corner. Dion Comerford slotted the conversion to make it 7- 0. Bulls continued to pile on the pressure for the remainder of the first half. Tensions eventually boiled over, resulting in Heath’s fly-half taking a 10-minute break for punching. Soon after, the home side capitalised on the man advantage, with Lewis Goodrich gathering a Comerford off-load and jinking his way over the try line, with Comerford again converting. The second half began slightly more shakily for Bulls, who were doing their best to protect a two-try lead. The pack continued to punish Heath but Bulls’ defence started to creak. Eventually, Heath broke them down and in a fiveminute period, scored two converted tries. Aylesford: McConnell, Jalink, Hollister, Tenters, Murdoch, Webdale, Proctor, Turner; Lawton, Comerford, Rowe, Jackson, Lott, Goodrich, Geer. Replacements: Pass, Savignon, Ingram.