Bulls take the positives
Rugby
Previous weeks would have seen Bulls implode at this point but the home side knew they were still very much in the game and began to chip away at Ashford.
After 15 minutes of pressure they were awarded with a penalty, full-back Chester Clough converting.
More of the same and Bulls were within a converted score five minutes later, Clough again bisecting the posts. But Ashford had the final say of the half, registering another converted score, to lead 19-6.
The hosts began to turn the screw going in to the second 40. Up-front pressure was making life difficult for Ashford and within 10 minutes flanker Dean Avery cut through a hole and dotted down for a converted try. Another 10 minutes passed before a powerful Bulls scrum presented a solid base for the ball to be swung through the hands to wing Tom Gould. Clough added a tricky two points to put the home side in the lead for the first time at 20-19.
The following 20 minutes seemed to play out in slow motion, both sides throwing everything at each other. Bulls continued to push and were almost at Ashford’s line when skipper
Ben Ridout was sent to the bin in harsh circumstances, having complained about a lackadaisical defender. Ashford made the most of their extra man, forging their way down field. Bulls’ defence held strong but before Ridout’s 10-minute cool-off was over Ashford sneaked through a gap and crossed under the posts.
Aylesford are on the road to Uckfield this Saturday.
Tonbridge Juddians dropped to second place in National 2 South after losing at Clifton on Saturday.
They knew they would have to be at their best to beat an improving home side but were pipped 23-22.
Will Robinson’s penalty put TJs in front but they trailed 17-3 before Jack Nay’s unconverted try.
Clifton went 20-8 up after the break but TJs responded with tries for Hugo Watson and Ryan Jackson, both converted by Robinson, to edge ahead. Unfortunately, there was still half an hour to go and a high tackle saw Clifton slot the winning penalty. Tonbridge host Esher this Saturday. Maidstone lost 15-0 at Haywards Heath in London 2 South East – their eighth straight defeat. They host Crowborough this weekend.
Marden received the trophy for winning Division 3 of the Kent County Village League in their first season at the new ground. Captain Alex
Newport collected the silverware at the league dinner and awards night last week.
Ben Tomkinson won the bowling award after taking 33 wickets, with brother and vice-captain Sam accepting the prize on his behalf.
Marden are looking for new players of all ages.
Wateringbury A