By Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians' hopes of keeping pace with the leading sides suffered a new year blow after a 31-10 National League 2 East defeat at Bury St Edmunds.

The loss dropped Judds to seventh in the standings, with defeat compounded by early hand and shoulder injuries to Perry Parker and Tom Nicoll respectively.

Although Judds reorganised, home pressure eventually told with two tries - with one converted - for a 12-point lead.

The visitors reduced the deficit when one foray just a few metres over the halfway line caused Bury to offend and Tom White slotted the three points into the strong wind.

Two yellow cards in quick succession for Tonbridge put them on the back foot, however, and the home side crossed for a third try to go 17-3 in front.

Juddians started the second half on the offensive but Bury stood firm and, although they gave a number of penalties away, TJs could not find a way through.

TJs then had their third yellow card and when BSE found a way out of defence they made progress down the right through their lively No.9, who found space to put away their fliers for tries in the 46th and 56th minutes. Both were converted for a 28-point lead.

Howard Packman gave Tonbridge the last word when he slid over for a converted try, but despite a late flurry of penalties against Bury and a yellow card the game fizzled out.

Judds host second-placed Old Albanians on Saturday.