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Aylesford Bulls (red) attempt to stop Colfes bursting through

A spirited performance still wasn’t enough to earn bottom club Aylesford Bulls their first London 1 South win of the season losing 32-17 at home to Old Colfeians on Saturday.

They played some excellent rugby at times but conceded two tries late in the first half to trail 17-10 at the interval and three more second half scores proved decisive.

Bulls, fielding a much changed side, were given an early boost when debutant scrum-half Matt Baker dived over in the second minute but Kieran Fitzgerald missed the conversion.

Baker’s passing, and the work of centre Lee Lawrence and winger Alipate Vakasawaga served Bulls well, but Colfe’s took the lead after 20 minutes, against the run of play, with a converted try.

Bulls No.8 Ledua Jope, on loan from London Scottish, restored their advantage, reading an inside pass to outpace the defence to lead 10-7.

However the game turned on its head in the final minutes of the first half as Colfe’s scored twice in five minutes.

Bulls restarted well but were held up by sprited defending.

The visitors scrum-half then crashed over to put them 22-10 ahead but home lock Dave Smith’s try and Fitzgerald’s conversion pulled it back to 17-22.

Baker was sin-binned for his first infringment, Colfe’s escaping punishment despite several warnings from the referee.

They made their numerical advantage count with two late scores but the scoreline certainly flattered them

The Bulls are away to Old Elthamians on Saturday (2.30pm)