By Adam Hookway

The try count was shared but the boot of Connor Lloyd made the difference as Tonbridge Juddians edged Westcombe Park 25-20 in National League 2 East.

Leaders Judds are setting the standards this season but faced hosts on a seven-game winning streak and Combe’s initial focus was to play to their strength in the pack.

That all worked well early on before TJs found territory and as the ball went right and returned left Isaac Ridge was on hand to gallop to the line and open the scoring.

Much of the game was played out in the middle of the park for the following 10 minutes and as TJs set up to box kick the ball squirted out for a Combe forward to pick up, scamper down the line from 25 metres and level the scores.

Juddians retook the lead five minutes later. Their pace out wide found an overlap and they were able to send Curtis Barnes away for the touchdown. Another try went begging when the final scoring pass was lost and Combe took advantage to add their second try and make it 10-10.

The final moments of the half were TJs’ as Sam Evans finished off some good handling by both backs and forwards and Lloyd added the conversion for a seven-point interval lead.

Both sides found it difficult to make inroads in the third quarter before Shadyn Osgood fended off three would-be tacklers and went over for the bonus-point try - but Combe weren’t finished just yet.

The home side continued to probe and with 10 minutes left claimed their third try. TJs added a penalty through Lloyd to ease any nerves, but Combe had the last hurrah with their own bonus-point score.

The result leaves Juddians six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand over second-placed Barnes, who visit The Slade on Saturday for a game which could have a significant impact on the race for the title.