Victory puts rivals top
Aylesford Bulls suffered just their second defeat of the London 3 South East season, going down by 15 points at Bromley, who take over at the top.
Bromley went into the game with a 100% home record and they began strongly, playing down the slope and pinning Bulls in their own half.
The hosts broke the deadlock with a wellworked try and a second score followed midway through the half after a break from halfway, with the conversion added to leave Aylesford trailing 12- 0.
Aylesford hit back from the restart, capitalising on a spilt ball and then holding their own at the resultant scrum before spinning the ball wide for back row Jake Stringer to stretch over the line, with Will Kelley adding the extras.
Bulls were in touch and although Bromley were dominating in the set pieces, the visitors were securing enough ball to keep the home defence busy.
Bromley remained solid, however, and Aylesford couldn’t find a way through.
Their frustration was compounded when Bromley finished the half in spectacular fashion with two breaks from deep, one of which resulted in a try in the corner.
The conversion was missed but Bromley still turned around 17-7 ahead and began the second half as they left off, using the referee’s advantage from the restart to shift the ball along the line to tee-up a break to the corner from halfway for another spectacular score.
The conversion was missed but Bromley never looked back after the bonus point try, which seemed to take the wind out of Aylesford’s sails.
Bromley came close to further tries a couple of times after opting not to kick penalties, although it was Aylesford who rallied towards the end, seeking a losing bonus point.
Despite battering the Bromley line, the defence again held firm and the visitors left empty handed.
Things could have been worse for Bulls. Rivals Heathfield & Waldron only managed a draw at home to Park House, leaving Bulls third, three points off the top.
Maidstone return to action in London 1 South East with the visit of leaders Sutton & Epsom tomorrow (Saturday, 2pm).
The Mote-based side were beaten 31-17 on the road in September and have not played since the 20-12 defeat at Chiswick on December 19, having seen last Saturday’s clash with third-placed Sidcup called off due to a waterlogged pitch.