‘We can get down and dirty’

HASTINGS AYLESFORD BEATEN BY ONE POINT

Hastings’ attempts to bully Aylesford backfired as the Bulls ran out comfortable winners on Saturday. The hosts decided a bit of rough stuff was the only way to stop the London 3 South East promotion chasers. But Jay Jenkins’ side know how to look after themselves, as well as play and returned from Sussex with a win that keeps the pressure on leaders Thanet. Jenkins said: “It was a tough road trip in awful conditions but, despite that, we played some of the best rugby we’ve produced this season. “At half-time the home side changed tactics and tried to bully us but it didn’t work. It was a physical game, against abrasive opponents, but our rugby won the day. “Teams try to be physical against us but we tend to deal with that and we have done all season. We want to try and play good rugby but we can get down and dirty if we have to.” Dion Comerford was Bulls’ main man, scoring two tries, three conversions and a penalty for a 19-point haul. There was also tries for John Rumsey and Pete Webdale. Jenkins said: “It’s been good having Dion back this year. He missed most of last season through injury and picked up a knock at the start of this season but he’s back with us and making a difference, as are all the other guys. “We had nine missing last week and seven this week but we’ve got that strength in depth.” The match marked Dave Tenters’ return after seven weeks out with a shoulder injury. Aylesford travel to Crawley for a rearranged game on Saturday, knowing victory could send them top. Tonbridge were edged 14-13 by Chinnor in National 2 South on Saturday. The sides produced an excellent game in difficult conditions at the Slade, with the pitch so muddy it was difficult to tell the players apart by full-time. Tom Nicoll intercepted an ambitious Chinnor pass and ran in Tonbridge’s opening try after only a minute. The visitors replied with a converted try but Tonbridge led 8-7 at halftime thanks to Liam Prescott’s penalty. TJs’ driving game saw flanker Ed Varney go over but the conversion was missed. Tonbridge’s grip on the game gradually loosened and while they produced some determined cover and tackling, Chinnor pinched victory with a converted try. Judds, who remain eighth after collecting a losing bonus point, travel to Gloucestershire on Saturday to face leaders Cinderford.