By Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians’ first-ever trip to Esher turned into a try fest, but they came out on the wrong end of a 48-31 scoreline in National League 2 East.

Back in action after three weeks, it wasn't rustiness that hurt Judds but that little bit of extra quality from the home side at crucial moments as 12 tries were scored, five for the visitors.

Esher struck with a converted score after just three minutes. TJs pegged them back with a Howard Packman try but Sam Evans couldn't convert and the hosts, despite a yellow card and two enforced substitutions, added three converted tries within the next 15 minutes.

Things got worse for the away side when they lost Duncan Tout to a shoulder injury, but Will Holling reduced the deficit after a catch-and-drive from close range. Esher had the last word of the half, however, with a drop goal to change ends 31-12 ahead.

The hosts scored the second half’s first try, too, although the conversion was missed. Holling finished off another well-worked catch-and-drive from the TJ pack as the game ebbed and flowed, Esher again touching down afterwards for another unconverted score.

Esher’s second yellow card of the match and some renewed energy from Tonbridge saw Alex Reid over the whitewash for their fourth, bonus-point try, with Evans adding the extras, but they then conceded a penalty try after a maul was collapsed with Holling sent to the sin-bin.

Juddians finished with a flourish after Shadyn Osgood’s converted score and the side, sixth in the standings, host 12th-placed Wimbledon on Saturday.