Sat 13 Sep 2025
Aylesford Bulls delivered a much-improved performance despite a tough 13–50 loss to a well-drilled Tonbridge Juddians side at the Jack Williams Ground.
While the scoreline may suggest a one-sided affair, the Bulls showed significant progress in both attack and defence compared to their season opener. After conceding early, centre Fin Ashdown-Denney slotted a confident penalty to bring the score to 3–7 within the first 10 minutes, giving the home crowd something to cheer.
Tonbridge’s pace and physicality proved difficult to contain, and the visitors dominated the remainder of the first half. However, the second half told a different story.
Aylesford came out with renewed energy and purpose. The forward pack began to assert themselves, with tighthead prop Jordan O’Leary earning three scrum penalties and the pack losing just one of their own set pieces for the rest of the match. This platform allowed the Bulls to push into TJs’ territory more frequently.
Their efforts were rewarded with a well-worked try from full-back Tom Hughes, followed by a moment of brilliance from Tom Burnett off the bench. The utility forward powered through three defenders to score a stunning try in the corner, igniting the crowd and lifting team spirits.
Although the Bulls couldn’t add to their tally, the second-half resurgence was a testament to their character, resilience, and growing cohesion as a team.
With clear signs of progress and a fighting spirit on display, Aylesford now turn their focus to this Saturday’s home clash against Crawley in the first round of the league cup - a perfect opportunity to build on this momentum and chase their first win of the season.
While the scoreline may suggest a one-sided affair, the Bulls showed significant progress in both attack and defence compared to their season opener. After conceding early, centre Fin Ashdown-Denney slotted a confident penalty to bring the score to 3–7 within the first 10 minutes, giving the home crowd something to cheer.
Tonbridge’s pace and physicality proved difficult to contain, and the visitors dominated the remainder of the first half. However, the second half told a different story.
Aylesford came out with renewed energy and purpose. The forward pack began to assert themselves, with tighthead prop Jordan O’Leary earning three scrum penalties and the pack losing just one of their own set pieces for the rest of the match. This platform allowed the Bulls to push into TJs’ territory more frequently.
Their efforts were rewarded with a well-worked try from full-back Tom Hughes, followed by a moment of brilliance from Tom Burnett off the bench. The utility forward powered through three defenders to score a stunning try in the corner, igniting the crowd and lifting team spirits.
Although the Bulls couldn’t add to their tally, the second-half resurgence was a testament to their character, resilience, and growing cohesion as a team.
With clear signs of progress and a fighting spirit on display, Aylesford now turn their focus to this Saturday’s home clash against Crawley in the first round of the league cup - a perfect opportunity to build on this momentum and chase their first win of the season.
