On Saturday we were on the road again for our ninth game of the season, facing newly promoted Tonbridge Juddians from Kent. It was the first-ever meeting between the clubs, with Tonbridge just behind us in the league and boasting a strong home record.
After a long six-and-a-half-hour journey to the “Garden of England,” the Tigers were hoping for an open, entertaining game in the sunshine — but it turned into a tough afternoon as the hosts ran out 56–0 winners.
Despite the fine weather, the small pitch was heavy underfoot, which suited Tonbridge’s physical approach.
From the kick-off, they spread the ball wide and their winger broke two tackles to score under the posts. Moments later, we lost prop John Blanchard to a rib injury, a major early setback.
Tonbridge continued to attack from all areas, keeping the ball alive and testing our defence. Their inside centre added a second converted try after sustained pressure, before an intercepted pass handed their outside centre a third score from 60 metres out. At 21–0 down after 25 minutes, the Tigers were struggling to find rhythm.
A penalty on the half-hour mark gave the hosts a lineout close to our line, and their hooker finished off a well-driven maul for the bonus-point try. Injuries mounted as Matt Law was forced off before halftime, leaving us 28–0 behind at the break.
Hoping for a response, the Tigers looked to cut out errors and retain possession, but an early second-half interception by the Tonbridge winger made it 35–0. Soon after, the same player completed his hat-trick following a flowing move across the pitch.
Despite battling hard and showing character, we couldn’t break their defence. Two further converted tries — including another interception — sealed a comprehensive 56–0 defeat.
Tonbridge were the better side, capitalising fully on our mistakes. It was a hard lesson, but the effort from the squad couldn’t be faulted.
Sam Thorpe was named Tigers’ Man of the Match for his energy and work rate — a bright prospect for the future.
We’ll regroup, train hard this week, and look to bounce back at home next Saturday against Birmingham Moseley. Please come and get behind the Tigers!