Juddians dethroned as it gets tight at top

Clifton .............. 23 Tonbridge J .... 22

CLIFTON came into this game full of confidence based on collective and individual belief, and needed every ounce of those qualities – plus some dogged defence – to edge out the league leaders.

Both sides played with high tempo and made early statements of intent through some lively passages of play.

Juddians drew first blood with Will Robinson kicking an easy penalty before Clifton had a try disallowed.

Brad Barnes soon brought the scores level before a breakaway sent elusive Clifton skipper Chris Levesley over for the game’s first try.

The home side were in the driving seat and a well worked catch-and-drive powered prop Mark Roberts across the tryline Barnes converted both efforts but just before the interval Juddians lock Jack Nay broke from a lineout to run for the line and bring his side back into an intense game.

Clifton continued to match the physicality of their opponents and a

Barnes penalty extended their lead further amid some tough tackling from both defences.

The visitors then enjoyed a sustained period of pressure and after several penalties swift passing sent in winger Hugo Watson, with Robinson converting.

A Clifton yellow card saw the numerical advantage benefit as Juddians hooker Ryan Jackson scored, with Robinson’s conversion giving the away side the lead for the first time.

Clifton were not done and had the better of the final stages, during which a further Barnes penalty restored their narrow lead and ensured the victory.