By Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians gave high-flying Barnes a run for their money in a 16-12 National League 2 East defeat.

Having run previous league leaders Dorking close last time out, TJs’ third-placed opponents only edged in front inside the last 10 minutes to take the victory.

Playing down the slight slope and with a gusty wind mainly at their backs TJs started strongly, putting Barnes under early pressure with astute kicking and harassing. That early pressure was converted into a try for hooker Will Holling, bundled over after some powerful driving by the pack. Sam Evans, however, missed the extras.

Midfield mayhem for the next 20 minutes meant neither side particularly threatened, but Barnes were starting to find a bit more territory and as the away side appeared to have snuffed out a lineout drive from five metres out the hosts somehow found space in the left corner to dive over for an unconverted try to level matters at the break.

The wind and slope was in Barnes’ favour for the second half but Judds enjoyed a faster start, Evans sent through and over for a fine try he converted on 52 minutes.

Barnes hit back six minutes later after Judds had failed to gather a high ball in their own half and from the resulting scrum and phase play their momentum created space against a scrambling defence and their winger went over again but they couldn’t convert.

Tonbridge held their slender lead until a 72nd-minute penalty edged Barnes in front at 13-12. A second penalty, with two minutes to go, sealed the win leaving Judds with a losing bonus point but two strong performances against two of the top three sides bodes well for the rest of the season.

Sixth-placed Tonbridge host seventh-spot Canterbury on Saturday in their final game of 2023.