By Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians bounced back from last week’s derby defeat with a 36-25 win over Guernsey in National League 2 East.

A 26-3 half-time lead paved the way, but TJs needed two second-half tries to seal the win.

With Guernsey's arrival delayed, kick-off was pushed back to 3pm, and early pressure from the visitors gave them a three-point lead after opting for a pot at goal rather than the corner.

TJs were unfazed and set about their work at pace, with Tom Kendrick moving to scrum-half zipping the ball away and Kwaby Koomson debuting in the back row adding some early grunt.

Howard Packman opened the Tonbridge account after some good approach work by the forwards with Sam Evans converting. The backs then found a hole through Shadyn Osgood. Jack Lucas followed him through and James Newey finished it off for a 12-3 lead.

On the half-hour mark Kendrick stretched for the line but he couldn't quite get there. However the ball was recycled quickly and Jack Whitmarsh pounced to claim his first Tonbridge try after more than 100 appearances. Evans added the extras.

The last hurrah of the half came from TJs as Koomson crashed over from close range under the sticks for the bonus point. Evans converted for a 23-point lead.

Guernsey were not going to go quietly, though, and they started the second half well with tries in the 44th and 54th minute, but were unable to convert despite enjoying the breeze at their backs.

Replacement Ryan Munnelly finished off a catch and drive after 58 minutes to settle the nerves a little as TJs edged to a 31-13 lead. But Guernsey came again and TJs slipped off a few tackles to allow them two more tries on 62 and 65 minutes, with the last one being converted.

The home backs still had some life in them, though, and a foray down the left saw player-of-the-match Osgood spring free and he outstepped the defence to go over.

Judds, sixth in the table with two wins from three, visit Old Albanians on Saturday (3pm).