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TJ Glass Half Full or Half Empty
Adam Hookway31 Dec 2025 - 09:07
Festive cheer often involves hydration and as we know a glass half full can usually mean one thing, a decision drink is required.
New year – a new chapter, new ramblings and new typoes, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.
A Festive Pause: Reflecting on TJ Senior Rugby Progress
As we take a festive break from our senior rugby efforts, it is an opportune moment to reflect on how the TJ Senior squads have performed so far this season. From the touchline, the journey has provided plenty to discuss, with both highs and lows shaping our perspective.
National 1: The Tale of Two Halves
The classic debate of whether the glass is half full or half empty arises from TJs National 1 campaign, where the 1st XV squad has registered seven wins and seven losses from their first fourteen rounds. It's difficult to get more balanced than that, but a broader view is needed, considering the 2nd XV, 3rd XV, and TJ Ladies before drawing any final conclusions.
National 1 matches naturally draw the most attention, often serving as the yardstick by which outsiders gauge the Club. There have been notable highs this season, beginning with an opening day away victory over Leicester Lions, indicating that this year’s squad possesses qualities surpassing those of the 2021-22 team. The squad has been bolstered by the arrival of Nathan Earle and Lewis Gjaltema, the pedigree of Dan Laventure, Oscar Waite, and Archie White joining the back row, and the return of key players such as George Merrick and Alfie Scopes. These additions, alongside established TJs, have elevated the team's quality, with players like Curtis Barnes, Tom Kendrick, and Connor Lloyd particularly benefitting and showing promising early form.
Other highlights include a memorable home win over Plymouth Albion (35-25) and a remarkable defensive display against Birmingham & Moseley (31-17), where the visitors were left a little confused by the final scoreline. The 56-0 triumph against Sedgley Park stands out as another high, though this is tempered by the team’s heaviest low: a 40-point defeat at Blackheath, where the scoreline ran away in the final quarter.
The last two victories of 2025—away wins at Clifton (12-28) and Rosslyn Park (12-17)—were particularly satisfying. The Clifton match saw TJs secure maximum points with four converted tries, all kicked by Connor Lloyd, who has led the points tally since assuming kicking duties. Early tries from top scorers Curtis Barnes (nine tries in thirteen games) and ever-present Tom Kendrick (eight tries in fourteen) set the tone, with a disciplined second half sealing the win as Clifton failed to find a way through or round the TJ defence.
Overall, for the National 1 squad, the outlook is undoubtedly positive. Competing in a league where every side is a challenge and nothing is given freely, the touchline experience has been exhilarating (with the exception of Blackheath away). The highs have far outweighed the lows, and there is real anticipation for what 2026 will bring in National 1 rugby.
Senior TJ Men and Women: Success Across the Board
Turning to the wider senior squads, both the men’s and women’s teams have delivered performances worthy of celebration too.
2nd XV: Undefeated and Dominant
The 2s earned promotion to Counties 2 Kent this season, carrying high expectations under the leadership of James Rooke and Jack Mutch. They have lived up to these, achieving an undefeated run with ten wins from ten matches. The squad’s cohesion has been strengthened by the seamless integration of ex-Academy players, making for both impressive rugby and enjoyable team spirit. Second rower Toby Brown leads the try scoring with eight tries in nine matches, while the quicker backs continue to share the spoils.
Competition for places remains intense, fuelled by the prospect of being featured in the creative match reports, where even the apostrophe debate provides entertainment for readers. The team sits ten points clear at the top of Counties 2 Kent, with an average scoreline of 41-14. Nevertheless, the journey has not been without its challenges, as Westcombe Park 2s and Thanet are eager to close the gap in the season’s second half. With ten games remaining, there is still much to play for.
3rd XV: Trailblazing in Kent B Rural
The 3s are making waves in Kent B Rural, boasting eight wins from ten rounds. The efforts of selectors and players are commendable, as the club regularly fields a third senior men’s squad. Although statistics are sparse, an average score of 34-15 has kept them just one point behind league leaders Medway 4s and three ahead of Maidstone 2s. At the halfway point of the season, the 3s are set to face Sittingbourne 2s—one of only two teams to defeat them so far—on 17th January 2026.
Following the squad’s exploits, both on and off the pitch, has been entertaining, and there is much anticipation for more players to join in as the season progresses.
TJ Ladies: Resurgence and Growth
TJ Ladies are making headlines with their return after a challenging 2024-25 season, during which they struggled to field a full team and had to withdraw from the league. However, the squad’s resilience and hard work over the summer and early part of this season have enabled a triumphant return to league rugby. They currently lead Women’s NC3 South East (South East) after four wins from four matches. The team benefits from a blend of youth, experience, and new recruits, all contributing to their success. With eight rounds remaining, the second half of the season promises to be pivotal as they continue to develop and provide opportunities for both new and seasoned players.
After a difficult period, the TJ Ladies are showing clear signs of recovery, with smiles back on faces and a renewed sense of purpose. With the junior age groups thriving, it is vital that the senior ladies’ squad continues to offer rugby for aspiring stars, ensuring future growth for the club.
Conclusion: The Glass More Than Half Full
From the perspective of the internet touchline, the answer to whether the TJ glass is half full or not is clear—without a doubt, it is half full and rising. This positive momentum is just as it should be, promising a bright future for all of TJs senior rugby squads.
A Reminder to everyone playing/watching a game of TJs rugby – enjoy your rugby and if you feel inclined to ‘share’ that enjoyment then send us your insights, match reports and more to results@tjrfc.co.uk – nobody does but it’s nice to know the possibility exists. Otherwise we will continue to be as creative as we want safe in the knowledge all mistakes are typos - Happy New Year
As we take a festive break from our senior rugby efforts, it is an opportune moment to reflect on how the TJ Senior squads have performed so far this season. From the touchline, the journey has provided plenty to discuss, with both highs and lows shaping our perspective.
National 1: The Tale of Two Halves
The classic debate of whether the glass is half full or half empty arises from TJs National 1 campaign, where the 1st XV squad has registered seven wins and seven losses from their first fourteen rounds. It's difficult to get more balanced than that, but a broader view is needed, considering the 2nd XV, 3rd XV, and TJ Ladies before drawing any final conclusions.
National 1 matches naturally draw the most attention, often serving as the yardstick by which outsiders gauge the Club. There have been notable highs this season, beginning with an opening day away victory over Leicester Lions, indicating that this year’s squad possesses qualities surpassing those of the 2021-22 team. The squad has been bolstered by the arrival of Nathan Earle and Lewis Gjaltema, the pedigree of Dan Laventure, Oscar Waite, and Archie White joining the back row, and the return of key players such as George Merrick and Alfie Scopes. These additions, alongside established TJs, have elevated the team's quality, with players like Curtis Barnes, Tom Kendrick, and Connor Lloyd particularly benefitting and showing promising early form.
Other highlights include a memorable home win over Plymouth Albion (35-25) and a remarkable defensive display against Birmingham & Moseley (31-17), where the visitors were left a little confused by the final scoreline. The 56-0 triumph against Sedgley Park stands out as another high, though this is tempered by the team’s heaviest low: a 40-point defeat at Blackheath, where the scoreline ran away in the final quarter.
The last two victories of 2025—away wins at Clifton (12-28) and Rosslyn Park (12-17)—were particularly satisfying. The Clifton match saw TJs secure maximum points with four converted tries, all kicked by Connor Lloyd, who has led the points tally since assuming kicking duties. Early tries from top scorers Curtis Barnes (nine tries in thirteen games) and ever-present Tom Kendrick (eight tries in fourteen) set the tone, with a disciplined second half sealing the win as Clifton failed to find a way through or round the TJ defence.
Overall, for the National 1 squad, the outlook is undoubtedly positive. Competing in a league where every side is a challenge and nothing is given freely, the touchline experience has been exhilarating (with the exception of Blackheath away). The highs have far outweighed the lows, and there is real anticipation for what 2026 will bring in National 1 rugby.
Senior TJ Men and Women: Success Across the Board
Turning to the wider senior squads, both the men’s and women’s teams have delivered performances worthy of celebration too.
2nd XV: Undefeated and Dominant
The 2s earned promotion to Counties 2 Kent this season, carrying high expectations under the leadership of James Rooke and Jack Mutch. They have lived up to these, achieving an undefeated run with ten wins from ten matches. The squad’s cohesion has been strengthened by the seamless integration of ex-Academy players, making for both impressive rugby and enjoyable team spirit. Second rower Toby Brown leads the try scoring with eight tries in nine matches, while the quicker backs continue to share the spoils.
Competition for places remains intense, fuelled by the prospect of being featured in the creative match reports, where even the apostrophe debate provides entertainment for readers. The team sits ten points clear at the top of Counties 2 Kent, with an average scoreline of 41-14. Nevertheless, the journey has not been without its challenges, as Westcombe Park 2s and Thanet are eager to close the gap in the season’s second half. With ten games remaining, there is still much to play for.
3rd XV: Trailblazing in Kent B Rural
The 3s are making waves in Kent B Rural, boasting eight wins from ten rounds. The efforts of selectors and players are commendable, as the club regularly fields a third senior men’s squad. Although statistics are sparse, an average score of 34-15 has kept them just one point behind league leaders Medway 4s and three ahead of Maidstone 2s. At the halfway point of the season, the 3s are set to face Sittingbourne 2s—one of only two teams to defeat them so far—on 17th January 2026.
Following the squad’s exploits, both on and off the pitch, has been entertaining, and there is much anticipation for more players to join in as the season progresses.
TJ Ladies: Resurgence and Growth
TJ Ladies are making headlines with their return after a challenging 2024-25 season, during which they struggled to field a full team and had to withdraw from the league. However, the squad’s resilience and hard work over the summer and early part of this season have enabled a triumphant return to league rugby. They currently lead Women’s NC3 South East (South East) after four wins from four matches. The team benefits from a blend of youth, experience, and new recruits, all contributing to their success. With eight rounds remaining, the second half of the season promises to be pivotal as they continue to develop and provide opportunities for both new and seasoned players.
After a difficult period, the TJ Ladies are showing clear signs of recovery, with smiles back on faces and a renewed sense of purpose. With the junior age groups thriving, it is vital that the senior ladies’ squad continues to offer rugby for aspiring stars, ensuring future growth for the club.
Conclusion: The Glass More Than Half Full
From the perspective of the internet touchline, the answer to whether the TJ glass is half full or not is clear—without a doubt, it is half full and rising. This positive momentum is just as it should be, promising a bright future for all of TJs senior rugby squads.
A Reminder to everyone playing/watching a game of TJs rugby – enjoy your rugby and if you feel inclined to ‘share’ that enjoyment then send us your insights, match reports and more to results@tjrfc.co.uk – nobody does but it’s nice to know the possibility exists. Otherwise we will continue to be as creative as we want safe in the knowledge all mistakes are typos - Happy New Year
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