By Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians gave Henley a tougher test second time around on Saturday, losing 24-17 in National League 2 East.

Judds lost 23-10 in October but led 10-0 early on after Luke Talbot's second-minute converted try, followed by a Tom White penalty - despite a last-minute reshuffle after an injury to Max Hayes in the warm-up.

However with the heavy going, a few lineout malfunctions and two well-matched sides, Henley grew into the game and hit back with two unconverted scores.

The visitors' catch and drive was bringing them some rewards, including one of those tries, and it rewarded them again just before the break but this time with a penalty try as the maul was dragged down.

Henley stretched their lead at the start of the second half with another forward bundled over, and the extras made it 24-10.

Talbot's second try set the stage for a thrilling final 15 minutes, but Henley dug in to move above Tonbridge in the table.

Juddians, in sixth, return to The Slade on Saturday for their rearranged game against Canterbury (2.30pm).