With the league beginning to break down into two distinct halves, TJs look to have almost dragged themselves into the top 5. This game would be crucial to both teams’ league positions; dropped points here could prove costly for Edenbridge.

After the very poor display over in Tonbridge last month Edenbridge had a point to prove. Add to that the history between the two clubs and this was always going to be a feisty encounter. True to form this was a game played with real passion with neither side wanting to give an inch.

Despite the return of Mat Fenner to the second row, Edenbridge were struggling at the scrum and frequently being forced backwards. In the loose however Edenbridge looked the better team and much improved from the away fixture. The backline made use of the ball provided and looked dangerous but always let down by the last pass.

TJS were the first to score with a try just to the right of the posts. Their kicker missed the easy extras which would prove all important at the full time whistle. Half time followed shortly and the Edenbridge team was tweaked with Perry replacing Allwood, Berry for Coates and Smith for Lilley.

As the second half got underway the visiting pack was beginning to tire and Edenbridge gained parity in the scrum. As has so often been the case this season Edenbridge’s young and lightweight pack had better fitness levels than their opponents. This showed as the Black and Gold pack drove over the try line only for Batchelor’s try to be declared held-up.

15 minutes into the second half Purvis charged down an attempted TJs clearance from their 10 metre line, collecting the loose ball he then ran in with relative ease to dot down under the posts for Edmonds to convert. 7-5 and a determined fight-back from the visitors to contend with.

‘Bridge kept their heads and coolly played the game out. Another try was nearly scored, Ben Smith judged as having put a foot into touch just before the line. The last 15 minutes saw 4 turnovers won by Mussi who had come on to replace Fenner. Edenbridge held TJs outside of the 22 and ran the clock down with a final penalty attempt that went just wide.

An excellent game well taken by Edenbridge marred slightly by the carding of the TJs flanker for shoving the referee in almost the last action of the game.

Edenbridge

Scorers:

Tries: Purvis

Cons: Edmonds

Pens:

Team:

15. Sedgwick, S; 14. Clarke, R; 13. Smith, T; 12. Tipler, J; 11. Allwood, D (rep. Perry, S); 10. Edmonds, J; 9. Purvis, A; 1. Lacey, P; 2. Lilley, C (rep. Smith, B); 3. Coates, M (rep. Berry, M); 4. Barnes, T; 5. Fenner, M (rep. Mussi, J); 6. Batchelor, B; 7. Weaver, B; 8. Stevens, B (rep. Mitchell, D)