All I can do is apologise beforehand on the delay of any content pre and post-Christmas holidays, all I can say is that I’ve not had the time to sit down and write these, so if there is anybody that would like to take over the reins, then please let me know.

Since the Winchester game pre-Christmas Ts have played 5 games, winning 2 losing 3, they sit 6th in the London South West 2 league with only 5 points separating the bottom half of the table so its all to play for this back end of fixtures.

Ts first of the 5 fixtures was away to Tottonians, another coach journey for Ts as they headed down south, but as we’d seen in recent result Tots turning over sides considerably higher in the league than them.

Ts at first came out the blocks well, applying pressure on the Tots side pinning them deep and getting a lot of Ts ball deep in the home side’s 22. Ts went up 17-3 with a remaining 15 mins on the clock until the half, but those 15 mins saw Ts implode before the break, silly penalties and a Yellow suddenly, the half time score was 17-17. Tots came out the strong side in the 2nd half and eventually went 24-17 ahead, Ts finding themselves frustrated with the ref, but also themselves as it was their own undoing that gave Tots the opportunities.

However, the home side stepped up and took them, Ts levelled to 24-24 but with only 5 mins on the clock Tots managed dot over once more and secure a penalty on the final play of the game to get the 10 point gap, it was a tough day on the road for Ts.

Ts continued their 3 weeks on the road with a game against Old Emanuel, a side new to the league last year, but caused some problems, especially away. Fantastic conditions on the day, paired with the wide expansive pitch OE’s have to offer it was suited towards Ts style of play. Both sides very evenly matched and was tight throughout, strong defence and backs that could score form anywhere.

Ts had the advantage, but OE’s came back to make it level, but it was the never die attitude from Ts that brought them back into the game in the 2nd half, running from everywhere and getting behind the OE defence. It wasn’t over, and with just 1 minute left on the clock the decision to go for touch, the lineout, rolling maul to win another penalty within range on last play of the game, Goddard slots it for the win!

The final game of the decade was home to local rivals Old Tonbridgians a side you never know what you’re going to get on the day but will not give up and push you for the 80 mins. The 2 sides have had some very tight games over the years and we’re sure this wouldn’t be so different.

Although the conditions favoured the slower forward orientated style of play, that wasn’t in both side minds when the game got underway, suing their forward carriers well and getting behind the defences but once behind it was open play and the width that threatened each sides defences. OTs struck first with the score but Ts responded with 2 of their own. OTs continued the fight throughout the match especially how tight it was it could have gone anyway. Dan Wilde having an outstanding match in this one, and the end score was 34-29.

The first game back in the new year was against Eastleigh, a side Ts beat for the first time on the road this year, but also a side we’d never lost to at home. However, both sides ready for this fixture, the conditions held out, not raining but a strong wind.

It seemed Ts today weren’t at the races in the opening 20 minutes, as Eastleigh got 22 of their total points in that period of time. Ts then gave themselves a mountain to climb, although they played some excellent rugby in patches, E proved why they are contending at the top, making it difficult for the full 80 for Ts to break through. The 2nd half only saw 2 scores which made it the final 27-5 but the game was not much to report back on from a Ts perspective.

Finally, to last week, Ts travelled to top of the league Farnham who had only lost once this year, and was a tight match at Parkfields earlier in the season. Ts had around 8/9 players unavailable for the fixture which is never ideal when making a trip to any side.

However, it was Ts spirit that triumphed, before the game the message was not to be disheartened by whatever the score line is today as the pressure to win was all on the home side, but to play with 100% effort and to try things on the field. With 2 debuts, for Pat Morgan & James Crowe it was a milestone for both those guys stepping into the 1st XV but also a milestone for Arthur who managed to get his first 1st XV try so congratulations to all 3 players.

Farnham were well drilled and stretched Ts across the field, their quick phase play and consistent waves of attack often meant Ts were slightly narrower in defence which allowed the home side to exploit out wide. Ts continued to fight of the full 80 minutes, creating opportunities and at times putting some doubt in the minds of the Farnham players.

Next week Ts come back to parkfields for their 2nd match at home against Old Reigatians, a side Ts always have tight games against so we look forward to a huge weekend of rugby as the 2nd team are also at home.

Apologies for not getting anything out sooner to you all, if anyone would like to take control of reports do let me know.
Until next time
JH