Play-off ends in heartbreak
TON JUDDS BARNSTAPLE
There was heartbreak for Tonbridge Juddians on Saturday when a stoppagetime penalty denied them promotion.
TJs, who finished the regular season second in National 3 London & South East, welcomed Barnstaple to The Slade for a winner-takes-all play-off.
They led through Tom Nicoll’s early try, converted by Ryan Fuller, only for the visitors to hit back with three of their own.
Barnstaple were level when Jordan Petheridge added the extras after a maul was driven over the TJs try line.
James Bath and Nat Bayet also crossed for Barnstaple, either side of a yellow card for the hosts’ Jono Armstrong.
Petheridge converted both tries to put Barnstaple 21-7 ahead and seemingly in control.
TJs needed a response and it came in the form of two Fuller penalties which reduced the half-time arrears to eight points.
Sam Monaghan’s try at the start of the second half, converted by Fuller, meant it was game on again.
And the home side hit the front when Armstrong sent Hugo Watson clear for their their third try. Fuller kicked the conversion to put TJs 27-21 in front. However, Barnstaple captain Winston James touched down at the other end and Petheridge maintained his 100% record from the tee to nudge the visitors back in front.
TJs kept battling and Fuller kicked a penalty to leave them on the verge of National 2 South. But with the second half 50 minutes old, Barnstaple were awarded a penalty for an offence at the scrum and Petheridge slotted the kick to shatter TJs’ dreams. Tonbridge Juddians: Alex Reid (Tom Murray), Mike McBeath (Sam Bailey), Mike O’Sullivan, Toby Martin, Cole Campbell, Blair Nangle (Claude Springer), Adam Darracott, Jono Armstrong, Blake Henman (JJ Murray), Sam Monaghan, Ryan Fuller, Jon McMahon, Tom Nicoll, Hugo Watson, Will Ward.