By Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians took a significant step towards the National League 2 East title after a 49-21 win at Guernsey on Saturday.

With no one else playing on an otherwise-free weekend TJs had to make this rearranged fixture count - and they did to lead the standings by eight points with three matches left. If results go their way this weekend they will be champions.

Guernsey made the brighter start, crashing over for the opening try with extras after 11 minutes, but if there’s ever a catalyst in the Tonbridge ranks it’s Connor Lloyd at scrum-half. Another snipe and dart for the line put TJs level after 21 minutes with Sam Evans converting.

The away side went in front five minutes later, Tom Kendrick finishing off in the corner with Evans again doing the rest. The two followed up with another try and conversion just after the half-hour.

Guernsey though hit back through the forwards just before the break to leave it all still to play for, but Judds flew out of the blocks when the second half began and Curtis Barnes zoomed over for the try bonus point. Evans, once again, converted.

Skipper Tommy Nicoll then showed a clean pair of heels from 40 metres as he took a flat ball from Evans in the middle to scamper downhill to the try line. Evans topped up the score from the tee and Judds led 35-14 on the hour.

Guernsey rallied for their third converted try, but a few minutes later their resolve was broken. Duncan Tout took the ball in a congested backline and fended off three defenders to scamper over.

Lloyd added his second try and Judds’ seventh after 70 minutes and Evans made it seven from seven with the conversion.

Tom White came off the bench for a cameo role and earned a yellow card for his efforts in the 80th minute, but this was another result to savour - TJs’ 20th win of the season - ahead of Saturday’s trip to mid-table Henley.