Vigo Spartans continue to impress with a hard fought victory over Tonbridge Juddians, who are two Divisions above Vigo’s youngsters. Unbeaten now all season, just one draw against Whitstable to blemish their record, Vigo probably need to win one of their remaining matches against Sidcup or Westcombe Park to gain promotion. But, on Sunday, Juddians gave them a stern examination.
It started so well as Vigo had first use of the slope and a stiff wind behind them, and with all the confidence their record suggests, came hard at their opponents. Carrying the ball in the forwards, they made good inroads in Juddians territory, driving and rucking quick ball, before County prospect Stan Vincent showed his deceptive strength to force his way over. Oliver Szodi, who was to enjoy a fine match, converted. Juddians immediately fought back, their half backs keen to get the ball to the tall figure of Stryker Knight. They forced a line out near to Vigo’s line, but Vigo held up the catch & drive before turning over the ball and attacked from deep. Jake Sidnell tried to force his way over in the corner but was held up by a bunch of defenders. But Vigo were not to be denied. Juddians struggled to get the ball away, attempting to run from deep, but the predatory Kieran Kalfe turned over the ball, Stan Vincent whipped the ball out and Reece Benfield running a beautiful line, crashed through the Judds’ defence to score. Szodi added the extras.
Again Juddians tried to get their attack moving, but a combination of Vigo’s rush defence and poor handling - the weather was allegedly warmer, but still decidedly chilly, plus the wind and a slippery pitch – all combined to thwart Juddians attacking ambitions. Their pack was giving Vigo’s pack a thorough test, probably the first pack this season to do so, but Vigo feasted on any loose ball, while the half back combination of Vincent and Szodi varied the game, making Juddians think all the time. Vigo continued to dominate the loose, their rucking strong and quick, and another good passage of short, sharp passing and quick rucks saw the ball reach the tall number 8, Jake Chandler, who crashed over. Szodi converted with aplomb. Vigo’s second row and loose forwards were giving Juddians no time, even Knight was unable to turn a few threatening runs into something meaningful, and when superb work by Sebastian Denly won a turnover on the 22, Vigo attacked. Once again excellent Juddians defence halted Sidnell in the corner, but the winger showed great strength to keep the ball, Vigo rucked swiftly and Chandler drove over for his second try. Szodi converted from the touchline with a magnificent kick (showing Fin Russell how it should be done perhaps !).
So, half time, Vigo with a commanding lead, but having to negotiate the slope and a stiff wind in their faces. Any of the old geezers with experience of this pitch will happily tell you that the slope is worth between 15 and 18 points, so it was essential Vigo hold on . However, dropping the kick off, didn’t help and Juddians were quick to win the scrum and spread the ball wide. Outstanding defensive work by full back Dino Hatzidimos stopped the first attack, but just as Juddians had found in the first half, the wind would hamper any rescue work by Vigo, and, indeed, Juddians attacked again, this time successfully, Ben Smith forcing his way over. If you can score uphill on this pitch, it is a bonus, and that is just what Vigo did, almost immediately from the kick off. Their forwards took it up, Vincent found Szodi who put in a quite beautiful grubber kick through the onrushing Judds’ defence. Reece Benfield chased, and with the ball rolling towards the line, refused to panic, seized the ball and drove over for a superbly executed try.
Again there was an immediate response by Juddians. And again, it was started by Vigo dropping the kick off. Their high ball catching technique just needs a bit of working on, as they cannot afford to concede easy possession, especially after scoring. From the scrum, Juddians scrum half went blind, fed Stryker Knight who proved too strong for even Vigo’s outstanding defence. Oliver Green converted with an superb conversion from the touchline. Vigo fought back, seizing on any loose ball, Archie George producing one barnstorming run, that tested the courage of Juddians tacklers, but generally it was Juddians who were enjoying the lion’s share of the ball. Only their fallible handling, and Vigo’s swarming defence, was keeping the visitors at bay. Juddians' scrummage was strong, their lines out as good, Vigo working overtime to repel the many attacks threatening their line. Juddians eventually found their reward as Vigo gave away a succession of penalties under the pressure. After a tap and go had been stopped by Vigo’s defence, Green booted the next penalty into touch. Juddians caught and drove, Yashas Pothuraju emerging from the pile to score.
Juddians were throwing everything at Vigo now but with not long to go, Vigo managed to hole on, even threatening themselves when George Savas made a wonderful break, that might have brought a try, but for some excellent cover defence by Juddians. With Szodi neatly directing operations, cleverly mixing up different avenues of attack, and some sterling defensive work by all the team, Vigo were able to see out the game for a worthy victory.
Vigo’s MVP’s were Oliver Szodi in the threes and Sebastian Denly in the pack, whilst Juddians MVP’s were Stryker Knight and Louis Smith.

Tries: Vigo: Vincent (5’), Benfield (10’, 38’) Chandler (25’, 29’). Cons: Szodi (4). Juddians : Tries: B.Smith (32’), Knight ( 40’), Pothuraju (54’). Cons: green (1)
• The Under 15’s play 30 minute halves.