Vase defeat hard to take

TROJANS AYLESFORD

Coach Jay Jenkins said the pitch at Trojans was the worst he’d seen in 30 years as Aylesford lost in the Senior Vase quarter-finals.

It may have looked playable at kick-off on Saturday but quickly turned into a mud-bath and by the second half it was difficult to tell the players apart.

Aylesford were heading for the semi-finals but Southampton-based Trojans pinched victory with a try two minutes from time after Ed McConnell was incorrectly yellowcarded.

Jenkins said: “It was a tough day, a horrible trip to Southampton in horrendous weather conditions and the pitch was terrible.

“It deteriorated rapidly and spoilt what would have been a good game between two well-balanced sides who were looking to play good rugby.

“There were loads of unforced errors, knock-ons and losing the ball in contact. The ball was like a bar of soap. I felt for the guys because they couldn’t have given any more.

“To a man, their legs must have been so heavy playing in those conditions. It’s the worst pitch I’ve seen in 30-odd years.”

Trojans had the best of the opening 20 minutes but Aylesford led with Ben Pass’ try and a Dion Comerford conversion.

The hosts were heavier up front and went into half-time level thanks to a penalty try.

Trojans edged in front with a penalty in the second half but the Bulls led 14-10 when Dean Avery crossed the line and Comerford added the extras.

The turning point came when the referee missed a trip on McConnell and instead sent the Bulls man to the sin-bin and awarded a penalty for offside after he went flying.

Trojans kicked to the corner and eventually got over the line, also adding the extras.

Aylesford return to London 3 South East action at struggling Sheppey on Saturday.