Match Report: Sedgley Park Tigers 28 – 31 Tonbridge Juddians
On Saturday we welcomed Kent side Tonbridge Juddians to Park Lane in what was always going to be a stern test. Promoted to National One this season, Tonbridge have enjoyed an impressive first campaign and arrived sitting comfortably mid-table with several notable results against the division’s top sides. Having been beaten convincingly in the reverse fixture, we knew a full eighty minute performance would be required.
The game could not have started worse for the Tigers. Within two minutes Tonbridge struck from a set-piece scrum, winger Lewis Gjaltema breaking the line to score under the posts. Scrum-half Connor Lloyd converted, and moments later he intercepted a long pass to run in a second try from distance, again adding the extras to give the visitors a 14–0 lead with barely ten minutes played.
Tonbridge continued to move the ball ambitiously from all areas and a well-worked passage of play saw winger Thomas Kendrick cross for their third try, extending the lead to 19–0 midway through the half. At that stage it looked a daunting task, but the response from the Tigers was outstanding.
We began to build sustained pressure in the Tonbridge 22 and were rewarded when a well weighted chip was gathered by full-back Josh Ree, who finished smartly. Oli Glasse converted to reduce the deficit to 19–7. A yellow card to Bob Birtwell just before half-time meant we would start the second period a man down.
Tonbridge secured their bonus-point try early in the second half through Kendrick, stretching the score to 24–7. Matters became more challenging when Rhys Henderson was shown a yellow card, leaving us briefly with thirteen players. However, the introduction of the bench brought renewed energy and momentum.
Replacement prop Danny Rylance powered over following a sustained spell of close-range pressure, Glasse again converting to make it 24–14. Confidence grew and we continued to take the game to the visitors. A towering box kick was spilled by the Tonbridge full-back, allowing Henderson to gather and sprint in from forty metres. Glasse added an excellent conversion and suddenly the Tigers were back within three points at 24–21.
The momentum was firmly with us, but a third yellow card proved costly. During the period of reduced numbers Kendrick completed his hat-trick in the corner to give Tonbridge breathing space at 31–21 entering the final stages.
Once again the Tigers refused to fold. A patient build-up close to the line ended with Rylance crashing over for his second try of the afternoon. Glasse’s conversion brought us back to 31–28 with minutes remaining, setting up a tense finish. Despite late pressure, Tonbridge held out to claim the victory.
The two losing bonus points may prove valuable come the end of the season, but the overriding feeling was one of frustration after such a spirited comeback from 19–0 down. The effort and character shown by the entire squad was immense, with Rhys Henderson particularly influential throughout.
It was an entertaining contest for the neutral, with nine tries and fifty-nine points scored, but one that ultimately slipped away.
We now have a rest week before travelling on 14th March to face old rivals Birmingham Moseley in another crucial fixture at the foot of the table.
Cheers,
Steve Hazz