Old Albanians 32 Tonbridge Juddians 20: National League 2 East match report

By Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians were denied a third successive win in National League 2 East after a 32-20 defeat at Old Albanians.

Tom White gave Juddians the early advantage with a fifth-minute penalty, but the Old Boys quickly hit back with three tries in 15 minutes.

Hugo Watson scored Judds' first try, finishing off a better phase of play as the visitors upped the tempo and drove to the line, but his good work was wiped out from the restart when the hosts hit back for their fourth and bonus-point try.

The conversion left Tonbridge trailing by 14 points but they had the last word of the first half.

With Stefan North coming off the bench to make his debut TJs enjoyed another purple patch, and White scythed through after the forwards had driven to the line. He added the extras to leave the visitors just seven points at the break.

However hopes Tonbridge could carry on where they left off were dashed by another converted home try, and although Watson's second score gave them a boost - and changes were made, including a debut for Charlie Self - there was to be no dramatic finale.

Instead the final points came from the boot as Old Albanians added a penalty with 10 minutes to go.

The defeat leaves Tonbridge eighth in the table ahead of Saturday's home game against Guernsey.