Right results will guarantee Bulls’ survival

AYLESFORD LEWES

Aylesford moved out of the London 3 South East relegation zone with a big victory over Lewes – and could be safe this weekend. They’re three points clear of Park House with two games left and know a win at secondplaced Haywards Heath on Saturday would clinch survival if their drop rivals lose to leaders Pulborough. Bulls have been through more than 50 players this season but had their strongest side of the campaign out against Lewes. They caught the visitors by surprise, scoring three unanswered tries in either half. Dion Comerford and Pete Webdale claimed two each, with Will Kelly and Ben Ridout completing their tally. Kelly also added three conversions for an Aylesford side who welcomed back Dan Batstone from a long-term knee injury. Coach Jay Jenkins said: “We definitely needed that. We caught Lewes on the hop. I don’t think they were expecting that from us, given we took a weaker side down to them. “I think they were a little shellshocked that we’d started so well. “We played well, we nullified their strengths – they have a useful No.8 who’s their go-to guy – and the win could have been more emphatic because we left a couple of tries out there. “It’s the first weekend where we’ve actually had a debate for selection and it made a big difference. “Previously we’ve had to go with the 18 that are available.” Haywards Heath present a big challenge as Bulls try to secure safety with a game to spare. Jenkins said: “This is a tough gig for us, particularly as we’re back to having three or four missing again. “That said, there’s no reason why we can’t go and get a result if we prepare right and our heads are right. “They’ve only lost two games so we know how difficult it’s going to be but we’re capable of getting a result.”