Juddians are back in the big time!

By GARETH WITHERS

Top guys: Flanker Vince Everitt goes over to score and, below, TJs celebrate winning the title

PICTURES: Adam Hookway

Tonbridge J……69pts Oxford Quins….19pts

TONBRIDGE Juddians returned to National 1 after a three-year absence after an emphatic 11-try triumph over Oxford Harlequins ensured they can no longer be caught at the top of National 2 East.

A huge crowd at the Slade enjoyed an entertaining game in the sun as both teams set out to move the ball and play an attacking brand of rugby.

TJs wasted no time in showing intent, with Josh Tusler the beneficiary of some hard yards and swift ball movement.

However, the visitors responded, first with scrum-half Joseph Pigott scurrying over before the half-back turned provider with a sumptuous offload to send centre Adam Field crashing over.

Winger Ross Cooke converted both, but far from rattled the promotion-chasing TJs who struck back with three tries before half-time to regain control, take the lead and claim the try bonus point.

First, winger Curtis Barnes burst clear after gathering a spilled ball, then Tusler crossed for his second following a powerful Duncan Tout run, before Tout himself glided over. Fly-half Sam Evans converted all three scores as TJs took a healthy advantage into the break.

Sensing the promotion finishing line within sight, TJs started the second half on fire, crossing four times in the third quarter.

Scrum-half Connor Lloyd broke blind to show his trademark speed and dot down in the corner before second-row Charlie Self finished a flowing move a mere three minutes later.

And Lloyd added another from fine Barnes and Tout offloads.

Flanker Vince Everitt was next to cross as TJs showed patience, power and subtle attacking lines.

Evans converted three of the four scores.

Winger Tom Kendrick scored TJs ninth, gathering a clever kick-through from Lloyd.

To Oxford’s credit, they never gave up, despite a red card for tight head Joel Hopkins handed out for a high tackle, and were rewarded with a late try from Michael Onobhayedo.

But there was still time for TJs to have the last say, with Tout crossing for his second.

Head coach Seb Sherwood said that promotion was “well deserved and the culmination of a long season of hard work” whilst paying tribute to the whole player group who had contributed to the success.

Chairman Darren Grasby added that: “We set out on this journey five years ago.

“National 2 East is an incredibly hard league to get promoted from, and we are obviously already very excited for next season.”