Bulls pay price for lack of cutting edge

Aylesford Bulls’ failure to turn pressure into points cost them in a 25-10 Kent 2 defeat at Sidcup 2nds.

Bulls dominated for much of the first 40 minutes in south London, repeatedly demolishing the opposition scrum, pilfering lineouts and coming within metres of scoring on several occasions.

But, ultimately, fluffed chances out wide left the door open for a resurgent Sidcup to take the win in the second half.

The hosts’ impressive speed over the tackle saw Bulls concede penalty after penalty for holding onto the ball and minutes into the second period Sidcup opted to kick the points to break the deadlock.

The score brought the game to life and the home team added the first try of the afternoon before rapidly stretching the lead to 15 points.

Despite Bulls’ pack continuing to dominate, it was Sidcup’s defence which was proving near impossible to penetrate. Eventually a breakthrough came from sheer grunt, second-row Luke Garnham the beneficiary of a slick penalty move to make it 15-5.

A second try would come courtesy of some Addison Geer magic, the centre chipping through and pouncing on the ball to drag the visitors to within a score.

But Sidcup, who for so long had looked outclassed, performed a stunning about-face and were by now in total control of the game, emphasising the point by crossing twice more to put the game to bed and secure five points.

Bulls, still fifth in Kent 2, now have a week off before welcoming Dartford Valley to the Jack Williams Ground on February 17.

Bulls ladies, fresh from a rest week, host Guernsey on Saturday (2pm).

Also in Kent 2, eighth-placed Maidstone were beaten 47-24 at Westcombe Park 2nds.

They have a free weekend this Saturday before they return to action at home to leaders Park House.

A much-changed Cranbrook side were well beaten 64-5 by a resurgent Heathfield & Waldron team in Kent 1.

Early on, the pattern of the game was illustrated by a break which Cranbrook only just halted before try-line pressure was ended by hooker Josh Pankhurst.

But, soon after, a try was scored out wide, followed by a catch-and-drive score for the hosts.

Cranbrook did respond with some try-line pressure and, when the ball was moved wide, winger Elliot Barbour scored.

The away side continued to struggle and suffered a yellow card and two injuries that forced them into substitutions. And Cranbrook’s patched-up team proved no match for some pacy Heathfield running, as further tries were added to put them 38-5 ahead by halftime.

Cranbrook started the second half on the attack and were close to scoring from a number of catch-and-drives and only well-organised and committed defence - at the cost of a yellow card for a high tackle - kept them out.

Further Heathfield & Waldron tries then resulted from good back play, with struggling Cranbrook too weak in the tackle.

The basement boys were well beaten and will need the return of key players when they take on Dartfordians on February 17 after a free weekend this week.