Juddians turn on the burners to race clear

BOURNEMOUTH fell to a fourth consecutive defeat.

They expected a difficult afternoon but the home crowd were given early hope as TJs open-side flanker Ryan Ward was sent to the bin for slowing a quick-tap penalty.

Bournemouth fly-half Grant Hancox landed the penalty for a 3-0 lead.

But home prop Luca Firetto returned the favour as he received a yellow card and Bournemouth were forced into changes in the front row.

The first half was a tense arm-wrestle, with Lions in the ascendancy for long periods.

Unforced errors allowed TJs to break the resistance twice, through Hugo Watson and Charlie Edwards on the stroke of half-time. Both were converted by stand-off Will Robinson taking them to half-time with a 14-3 lead.

Lions were forced into further changes at the break, with centre Freddie Gleadowe and secondrower Sam Knott replaced.

The second half was oneway traffic as Will Robinson, Max Hayes,

Murray Galbraith-Lowe and Matt Walsh crossed in the space of 20 minutes to make it 35-3 before Ben Russell’s 65th-minute try gave the hosts consolation.

A yellow for Gleadowe – returned to action as an injury replacement – anda further converted try from TJs’ Tom Chapman at the death left the final score at 49-10.

Tonbridge continue a run of four victories in which they average more than 50 points and look like a side making big moves for promotion this season. Bournemouth can be proud of never giving up and will reflect on a tough opening month.