Juddian survive scare to take the spoils

Tonbridge J ..33 Old Redcliff’ ..24

HUGH Watson scored two tries to give Tonbridge Juddian the points on a slippery and difficult service at the Slade.

Tonbridge started the better and controlled early possession but some poor decision making and offloading skills in the wet saw several opportunities wasted

Their pressure did eventually tell though and a Watson offload sent Dave Irvine over to give the host a 5-0 lead.

The hosts applied more pressure but a turnover in the opposition 22 saw Redcliffians run the ball back 80m with some skilful interplay to score and take a 5-7 lead.

The home side struck back through Watson but Prescott again missed the extra two from the left touchline.

Two penalties for the home side before the break and one for Old Redcliffians sawthe half time score poised at 16-10.

Almost immediately after the restart Tonbridge struck twice, first through Galbraith-Lowe and then Tout but with neither score converted the game was not quite in the bag for the hosts.

Reds scored next through Jones, converted by Bird, and with ten minutes to play the score sat at 26-24 and the game in the balance.

However, it was TJs who finished the stronger and Watson’s second try secured the much-needed points for the home side on a difficult afternoon.