Ridout return helps Bulls see off rivals

AYLESFORD ASHFORD

Aylesford beat Kent rivals Ashford in a London 3 South East relegation scrap on Saturday. Bulls, boosted by the return of Ben Ridout from Dover, were comfortable winners over their fellow strugglers. Victory moved them up a place to 10th – the final relegation spot – with three teams to go down automatically. Ashford, well adrift at the foot of the table, won the first meeting but Bulls turned the tables at the Jack Williams Ground. Coach Jay Jenkins said: “It took a while to break down Ashford’s resolve but once we did, we got on top and won fairly comfortably. “We probably left two tries out there but we’re getting better in all areas and it was a great win to take us into the next five games.” Jake Lott had a good game at No.13, scoring two tries. Captain Darren Jalink also crossed the line, while Dion Comerford converted his own try and slotted a penalty. Ridout’s return is timely with Bulls still struggling with injuries. Jenkins said: “He went to Dover at the end of last season but decided to come back. He played well. He had a good impact and it’s good to get him back. We’ve now used 48 players in 16 games this season which is ridiculous. That’s been picking our strongest side every week, too. “It’s great in that it shows the depth in the club but not in the sense that we’ve had to keep changing the team just to get a side out. It’s not been easy for the youngsters.” Aylesford go to leaders Thanet tomorrow (Saturday), with Jenkins hoping his side have learned from their early-season meeting. He said: “It’ll be a tough game at Thanet – they’re well drilled and well coached. “We’ve got to focus on what we can do and if we get our bits right, then you never know.”