Sat 26 Sep 2026
The start of all Regional and Counties campaigns were pushed back a month by drought.
Bulls, who mark their 50th anniversary this season, made the most of a tricky situation with some hastily arranged warm-up games.
But thoughts rarely strayed far from the looming journey up Detling Hill to face a team riding high after a stellar season in which they won the league, county vase and narrowly missed out on national honours.
Bulls on the other hand were desperate to build on a phenomenal end-of-season run which brought them to the brink of promotion.
Sittingbourne struck first, crossing in the corner after eight minutes. The conversion was pushed wide.
But Bulls were in front 10 minutes later, a solid shove at the scrum opening up space for winger Christian Dolley to shrug off defenders and celebrate his 50th cap in style. Fin Ashdown-Denney converted.
It wasn't long before the hosts were back on top, though, a deft crossfield kick miraculously finding hands thanks to some skillful juggling. The conversion was neatly slotted and the score after 40 minutes stood at 12-7.
Sittingbourne added to their lead minutes into the second half, trundling through defenders out wide for a third try. The conversion was added, opening up a 12-point gap.
Bulls were staying in the game thanks in no small part to a superior scrum and well-drilled lineout that posed a nuisance to the hosts all afternoon.
And it was imposing tighthead prop Jordan O'Leary who turned the pressure into points, bundling over after some well worked phases. Ashdown-Denney added a simple two points to bring the score to 19-14.
But despite mounting pressure at the set-piece that's where the scoreboard stayed.
Coach Jon Alderton said: "We were disappointed not to get the win following a positive pre-season, but there were plenty of positives to take from this opener. We know there’s still plenty to work on as we continue building toward our standards. Credit to Sittingbourne, a tough, old-school side who will no doubt do well in this league. We’ve got great depth across the senior set up, with a few players making their debuts. We’ll continue to work hard on the training pitch and look forward to another tough battle at home this weekend."
Bulls' attention now turns to an encounter with old foes Charlton Park, whose own campaign got off to a rocky start at the hands of Maidstone. Kick off 3pm on Saturday at the Jack Williams Ground.
Bulls, who mark their 50th anniversary this season, made the most of a tricky situation with some hastily arranged warm-up games.
But thoughts rarely strayed far from the looming journey up Detling Hill to face a team riding high after a stellar season in which they won the league, county vase and narrowly missed out on national honours.
Bulls on the other hand were desperate to build on a phenomenal end-of-season run which brought them to the brink of promotion.
Sittingbourne struck first, crossing in the corner after eight minutes. The conversion was pushed wide.
But Bulls were in front 10 minutes later, a solid shove at the scrum opening up space for winger Christian Dolley to shrug off defenders and celebrate his 50th cap in style. Fin Ashdown-Denney converted.
It wasn't long before the hosts were back on top, though, a deft crossfield kick miraculously finding hands thanks to some skillful juggling. The conversion was neatly slotted and the score after 40 minutes stood at 12-7.
Sittingbourne added to their lead minutes into the second half, trundling through defenders out wide for a third try. The conversion was added, opening up a 12-point gap.
Bulls were staying in the game thanks in no small part to a superior scrum and well-drilled lineout that posed a nuisance to the hosts all afternoon.
And it was imposing tighthead prop Jordan O'Leary who turned the pressure into points, bundling over after some well worked phases. Ashdown-Denney added a simple two points to bring the score to 19-14.
But despite mounting pressure at the set-piece that's where the scoreboard stayed.
Coach Jon Alderton said: "We were disappointed not to get the win following a positive pre-season, but there were plenty of positives to take from this opener. We know there’s still plenty to work on as we continue building toward our standards. Credit to Sittingbourne, a tough, old-school side who will no doubt do well in this league. We’ve got great depth across the senior set up, with a few players making their debuts. We’ll continue to work hard on the training pitch and look forward to another tough battle at home this weekend."
Bulls' attention now turns to an encounter with old foes Charlton Park, whose own campaign got off to a rocky start at the hands of Maidstone. Kick off 3pm on Saturday at the Jack Williams Ground.
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