Elthamians beat one of the competition favourites and last year’s National Under-17 Cup winners, 10-8 in a hard-fought and nerve-racking second round encounter at the Marathon Ground.

Tries by Austin Emmerson and Josh Chanthrakumaran had given Elthamians a slender 10-3 lead at the interval. Then OEs produced a superb defensive effort in the second half, including a 28-tackle goal-line stand, to hold out against a TJs side who had not only won two national titles in three seasons, but also beat Elthamians in last season’s Kent Cup final.

“I thought the boys were absolutely outstanding - a credit to the club,” Garratt said. “Our defence was unbelievable, especially in the second half. We knew Tonbridge Judds were a quality side and we also knew the game was going to be decided by defence and what we did without the ball. And every boy stood up to be counted.

“To hold out on our goal-line against a side as good as Judds was a credit to the work and commitment the squad have put in this season. We work so hard on our defensive alignment in training and I think that showed against TJs.”

Garratt continued: “I think the game was won in the first 10 minutes though. We had a really good chat in the dressing room beforehand and looking around, there was a real determination among the group and an intensity which I hadn’t seen before. And we came out of that dressing room fired up and tore into TJs for the first 10 minutes, putting in some massive tackles. I think the boys realised then that it was a game they could win.”

Now the club have been given another tough draw in the third round of the competition away to Ealing Trailfinders on March 4th. And Garratt believes the victory over Tonbridge Juddians will give his squad much needed confidence for the challenges to come.

“We are certainly not getting carried away,” he said. “Ealing are a long established, strong Academy side and it’s going to be another huge test for our squad. But hopefully last Sunday’s victory will have instilled the belief in the boys that they can compete with the best sides in the competition.

“There’s still plenty of room for improvement - you don’t suddenly become the best side overnight after one victory. But I’m a firm believer in progress in increments and this group are heading in the right direction with every game they get under their belts. Their commitment and attitude has been absolutely spot on so far this season, and I can’t ask for any more than that.”