TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS suffered a defeat in their second game of the season in National Two South as they settle in a new squad and reshuffle the side because of niggling injuries.
Canterbury had lost heavily in the opening match but are always a tough nut to crack, especially at their Merton Lane ground.
The away side struggled to put their mark on a game that they could have edged, although a win would have been against the run of play.
The home side scored first and they remained in front throughout the contest.
Their 17-10 lead at half-time could have been more but for a disallowed try. TJs’ first try came from Hugo Watson crashing over late on with Will Robinson adding the extras to an earlier penalty.
Canterbury extend their lead to 24-10 through their impressive full-back Aiden Moss but TJs hit back as the hosts saw their lock sin binned and influential flanker Max Cantwell limping off.
Will Colderick barged over and Robinson again added the extras after he had slotted another penalty. That made the score 24-20 and the game hung in the balance with 10 minutes to go.
But TJs could not find another score and it was Canterbury who managed the ball better and secured a final try, which denied the visitors a losing bonus point.
Only three clubs out of the 16 in the division have won both their opening games so TJs remain confident at the start of the campaign.
London Irish Wild Geese, who have lost both their matches, are TJs’ next opponents at The Slade on Saturday [September 15, kick-off 3pm].
PICTURE: COLD COMFORT: Will Colderick crashes through to score for TJs PHOTO: Adam Hookway
