Deal & Betteshanger go on the attack against Old Elthamians

Deal & Betteshanger suffered the double disappointment of league and cup defeat at the weekend.

In one of the few games to take place on Saturday, London 2 South East leaders Tonbridge Juddians won 43-3 at the Drill Field.

The hosts went into the match, their first since December 12, missing key players to injury and sickness and it showed as Tonbridge weathered early Lions pressure to take control.

The hosts turned round 17-3 behind, with Leighton Docherty’s penalty giving them hope but it proved their only highlight as Tonbridge racked up a further 26 points.

A combined 1st and 2nd XV took to the field for Deal’s Kent Cup second round match against London 1 South Old Elthamians on Sunday but went down
23-5.

Boasting a powerful pack of forwards, the Old Boys dominated the set pieces and their lively scrum-half set his backs moving with good supply of ball.

Having scored an easy try through some weak tackling, Elthamians were flattered with a score from an interception near their line as the Lions pressed for a try themselves.

Ali Chamberlain had to go off with a knee injury to add to the home side’s woes and the visitors scored two more tries before coming under severe Deal pressure for the last quarter.

The hosts were rewarded when a chink in the defence was finally found and George Cullis went over for a consolation try.