TWRUFC 1st XV 21 vs Tonbridge Juddians III 0

26th Sep 2026, KO 15:00

Tonbridge Juddians III - Home

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Match Report

Ash 1st XV 21 – 0 Tonbridge Juddians 3rd XV

Location: The Rec | Weather: Scorching | Pitch Condition: Harder than a forward’s skull!

The long-awaited return of league rugby arrived at a sun-drenched Rec on Saturday, pitting reigning champions Ash against last season’s lower-tier conquerors, Tonbridge Juddians 3rd XV. It had all the ingredients of an early-season epic: title defenders, newly promoted challengers, and a sideline packed with the Ash Cavalry. Yet, before a single whistle blew, the psychological warfare was already underway in the changing rooms.

Pre-match focus reached its absolute peak when Ash’s own Fin stepped up to prepare his kit, only to realize he had somehow packed two left-footed moulded boots. Whether he was planning to exclusively step inside all afternoon or just wanted an excuse for a poor kick remains unknown. Luckily, a right boot was sourced just in time, but what a plum!

With both sets of supporters creating a proper atmosphere, the game kicked off in the heat. The first 20 minutes were a brutal, physical affair with both packs trading bone-crunching hits to assert dominance.

The planned 20-minute water breaks—salvation for the forwards, who were melting in their kit—had to be brought forward at the 15-minute mark following a grim moment for No. 8 Fin Parfitt, who went down with a nasty knee/leg injury. Once safely shifted off the pitch, Fin was installed on a makeshift sideline throne, where he immediately recovered enough voice to start barking tactics at everyone within earshot. In all seriousness, the whole club wishes Fin a speedy recovery and hopes he’s back out there soon.

Once play resumed, the Green and Whites found their rhythm. At the 20 minute mark, captain Kieran Munn-Hollands set the example by barging over from forwards set play, to open the game’s scoring tab. Jason Statham, known as Brad Blaxland, added the extras. (7-0). 5 minutes later, Alex Manning found his sprinting boots, slicing through some of Tonbridge’s defenders from a backs move for Ash’s second, with Brad again striking the ball between the posts. (14-0). Play continued for the rest of the half, with the heat still blaring down on all the players. Luckily for the forwards of both sides, the referee blew the half time whistle to bring on the water and med bag!

Half-time allowed the Neil to rotate the bench, giving game time to new faces and testing fresh combinations. A shoutout goes to Connor and Frank on their Ash debuts—both put in absolute shifts with big carries and even bigger tackles.

As the sun continued to bake the pitch, Tonbridge’s light 16-man squad began to take a toll from injuries, dropping them down to 14 players. Showing proper rugby camaraderie, Ash’s special Doctor, Stefan, generously donned the Tonbridge shirt to keep the game contested. Good on you, Doc, and we wish the injured Tonbridge lads a swift recovery.

Ash added to the contest in the final quarter. At the 60 minute point, Guy Williamson powered over to cap off a solid team move, with Brad maintaining a 100% record off the tee. (21-0). The game turned as TJ’s capitalised on Ash ill-discipline and made attempts to get onto the scoresheet with some strong attacking phases on the Ash 5 metre line. The men in green and white held on and turned to an old friend, their defensive efforts, to stop a growing in confidence TJ side from scoring. The game finished 21-0 to Ash.

Huge respect to Tonbridge Juddians for traveling light, putting up a proper fight, and playing the game in fantastic spirit. We look forward to the return fixture at your place in the New Year.

Massive thanks to the ref, coaches, sponsors, partners, and the brilliant Ash Cavalry on the touchline. Rest those sore bodies, dry out the sweaty kit, and note to all players… make sure to bring the correct boots and ideally, a left footed boot and right footed boot for the next game!