TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS made it a four-match winning streak with victory at Henley Hawks, who were sitting in sixth place in National Two South compared to TJ’s 10th spot.
The home side dominated possession and territory for the first 20 minutes and the fact they managed just three points was testament to TJs’ defence on the gain line and last-ditch tackles.
The slightly one-dimensional Hawks were then caught by surprise as TJs scored twice from successful forays into the opposing 22.
First wingman Finlay Coxon-Smith crashed over on the left and then second row Rory McHugh did the same moments later.
Nathan Holmes, having his best game in a TJ shirt at No 10, slotted one of the conversions and TJs took a 12-3 lead into half-time.
Hawks came out again all guns blazing in the second half and narrowed the gap to 10-12 with a converted try before edging in front 15-12.
Things looked ominous for TJs but Henley’s lack of imagination showed again as the TJ defence stifled them repeatedly.
The visitors again headed into Henley territory and Holmes slotted a penalty to make it all square with 10 minutes to go.
Rory McHugh again went close on the left and TJs patiently drove the ball infield before Reece Conlon took the pass and swivelled in the air to swallow-dive over.
TJs had the lead, and though Henley tried again to batter down the TJ door but there was no way through and Tonbridge took another four points in determined and impressive style.
TJs stay in 10th place but Henley dropped to ninth and there are only five points separating fifth place and Tonbridge.
Now they travel to London Irish Wild Geese on Saturday (January 20, kick-off 3pm).
