By David Challis

Tonbridge Juddians slipped 10 points adrift at the bottom of the National 1 League 1 standings after a 41-5 defeat at Cinderford.

Once again proving the need to put in a full 80-minute performance, a second-half collapse from the travelling side proved the major difference between the two teams.

The first half was largely dictated by the wind which blew across the pitch, forcing both kickers to adjust their tactics substantially.

Cinderford struggled at the lineout in the early stages but TJs failed to take advantage of the possession gifted to them.

The home side managed to make the most of the ball they had and dominance at the maul and scrum put extreme pressure on Judds. This led to an early penalty under the sticks and then a penalty try following a collapsed maul after 20 minutes.

TJs hit back and managed to build pressure in the Cinderford 22. A yellow card ensued as captain Matt Walsh was taken out offside on the line and eventually Luke Boon crashed over in the left-hand corner to keep TJs in touch.

However, some late first half skill from the Cinderford backline and a crossfield kick put TJs 10 points behind going into the break.

During the half-time period, the wind died down leaving TJs’ kicking strategy ineffective. Coupled with getting on the wrong side of the referee, this allowed Cinderford to seize control.

Two yellow cards and a further penalty try at the scrum further tightened the screw as the hosts cut loose in the final third of the game.

Tonbridge visit league leaders Rosslyn Park on Friday night.