TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS travelled to winless A&C knowing that only a bonus point win would do as they look to stay on top in National League Three London & South-East.
Conditions were reasonable despite the weather having an impact on other fixtures in the division and both sides started brightly.
It took TJs 25 minutes to get on the board but then both Ryan Fuller and Mike O’Sullivan dotted down and Liam Prescott added a penalty.
The hosts also grabbed a try and the half ended at 5-13 to TJs. They had been impressive but the floodgates had not yet opened.
The second half saw TJs go up a gear as Murray Galbraith-Lowe added two more tries with Fuller adding his second and Dave Irvine another.
Liam Prescott converted the last two and the all-important bonus point win was secured.
Elsewhere in the division Wimbledon notched another half-century of points as they saw off -Southend Saxons 50-17. That win keeps them second, just one point behind TJs as the sides meet on Saturday at The Slade.
Third-placed Hertford are 15 points further back so this weekend’s game is important in the chase for automatic promotion.
“It was a good performance today from the squad,” said Coach Pete Dankert. “We came through it relatively unscathed and got the BP win which we wanted.
“We can now focus on next weekend’s game as we know Wimbledon will turn up this time after we beat them 12-25 at their place.”
TJs will be making the most of the new 3G pitch at Tonbridge’s Judd School for training and will be hoping that the facility gives them an extra edge over other teams who are still stuck in the mud.
The 2nd XV also enjoyed a victory with a 15-17 win over their nearest rivals in Zoo 3 South. That result puts them one point clear of Sutton & Epsom at the top but TJs have a game in hand.
