Gravesend slipped to their third straight National 3 London & South East defeat as Tonbridge Juddians produced a superb defensive display to claim the derby spoils 35-3 at The Slade.

Narrowly beaten by the Gs in last season’s Kent Cup final, the home side struck first when Mase Leuluniu sent John Tabrett away to score, although Josh Smith kicked a penalty to reduce the arrears to 5-3.

TJs repelled plenty of Gravesend pressure before Tabrett crossed for his second try of the afternoon. Charlie Harding’s penalty sent the hosts into half-time 13-3 in front.

Jimmy Stanford’s try extended the TJs advantage early in the second period although the prop was then yellow-carded for denying the Gs a scoring opportunity.

Gravesend threatened to get back into the game but Ziggy Stevens was then sent to the sin-bin and TJs went on to wrap up the win with three tries in the last 10 minutes.

Stanford returned to score his second, Tabrett completed a hat-trick and Harding also touched down, adding a conversion. TJs remain four points behind league leaders Canterbury, while Gravesend sit eighth.