By Adam Hookway

Will Holling scored a hat-trick of tries as Tonbridge Juddians ended the year with yet another win in National League 2 East - a 22-0 success over struggling Colchester their 13th from 14 games.

The visitors played with the stiff breeze for the first half and had plenty of the ball, although most of the action was in the middle of the park.

Colchester were full of intent but TJs were happy to soak up any pressure and play the long game, with box-kicks and chasers aplenty.

When the hosts did get into the Colchester 22 they were initially thwarted, but found space on the right and Harrison Sims got his arms through the tackle to send Howard Packman over for an unconverted try.

The game reverted to type for the rest of the half and both sides went into the break wondering whether a change of plan was required.

TJs’ idea would have been to come out strong and make the wind count in their favour. The heavy going made the first part tricky, but they gradually got the upper hand in the kicking and territory game, although things were still tight until the 48th minute, when Holling was driven over for their second try.

In such conditions the kick for the corner then catch-and-drive tactic usually brings rewards and so it proved for TJs as the final quarter arrived. Two more tries from the pack, with hooker Holling scoring them, settled everyone’s nerves and ended any hopes of Colchester win or a losing bonus point for all their efforts.

Josh Tusler slotted the game’s only conversion as Judds went eight points clear of Dorking - although the Surrey club have a game in hand.

Tonbridge return to National League 2 East action on January 11 when they head to Sevenoaks .