Rochford Hundred 26 Tonbridge Juddians 27: National League 2 East match report

By Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians ended their National League 2 East season on a high with a 27-26 win at Rochford Hundred.

The hosts needed a victory and other results to go their way to have any chance of avoiding relegation, and although they started with intent Judds’ Tom White, in his 400th National League appearance, slid over and converted his score for a 7-0 lead.

The visitors added a second try seven minutes later when Matt Walsh combined with Duncan Tout, the latter crossing the whitewash to make it 12-0.

Rochford hit back with a converted score, their centre scything through, and plenty of huff and puff followed for the remaining minutes of the half but neither side could add to their tally.

TJs didn't have to wait long for their third try as the second half began, early pressure on the Rochford line allowing Walsh to charge down a clearance and go over. White added the extras for a 19-7 lead.

Tonbridge weren't finished there, and five minutes later scored their bonus-point try when James Newey found the speedy Tom Kendrick who raced clear from 30 metres.

There was still time for a Rochford fightback and a converted score reduced the arrears before a White penalty made it 27-14. That was the end of the scoring as far as Judds were concerned, but two more Rochford tries, one converted, made for a tight finale but a big hit under the sticks caused Rochford to fumble and the game was over.

Juddians end the season eighth in the table with 75 points.