With the weather taking it's toll across the country and forcing TJs to switch their N2E game to Vizards, instead of the waterlogged Slade, it took all their pace and skills to secure a tough win over Henley Hawks to stay top of N2E
With a strong and gusty wind, for most part across the pitch, and bouts of rain playing conditions were very difficult for both teams from the start. Handling errors were to the fore and neither side were able to string together lengthy phases of play before the ball was dropped or passed forward or dislodged in some way. Lineouts were particularly tricky throughout and in some way you were better off without the ball.
As a result the game was a stop start affair for long periods and the only first half run of note came from Hugo Culverhouse who charges 30 metres from the base of the scrum inside the TJ half to put Henley under pressure in their own 22. Shadyn Osgood was quickest to support and he was on hand to tumble over the line to score after 20 minutes. Sam Evans converted and TJs led 7-0.
Things returned to a tricky state of affairs and it wasn't until the end of the half that either try line was again threatened. Henley kicked to the corner and went for the catch and drive followed by several efforts to get over the line from close quarters. TJs held them out twice, illegally, before holding the Henley forwards up over the line to secure the half time whistle and both teams scampered to the relative warmth of the changing rooms.
We assume the Henley changing room wasn't so warm as they were out early for the second half and seemingly in the mood to challenge the scoreboard. However the weather was worsening as icy rain joined the fun and the wind felt as if it was favouring TJs as the second half got underway.
TJs as a result enjoyed plenty of territory but Henley's defence was largely up to the task albeit TJs had their moments with the returning Curtis Barnes adding pace on one wing and Touty power and pace on the other. But it was Sam Evans who stepped up to boot a penalty goal to take TJs to 10-0 after 48 minutes as points continued to be at a premium.
The introduction of Connor Lloyd added some extra zip to the breakdown and quick tap and go from penalties but every metre was still hard to gain but TJs continued to loiter for long periods in the Henley half. And whenever Henley managed to break through the initial TJ defence the TJ pace was quick enough to recover and snuff out any gains quickly
TJs territorial advantage finally brought further rewards as a series of drives took them to the Henley line and as space was created on the left captain Tommy Nicoll was on hand to flop over the line to score and Evans converted on 70 minutes to take the game away from Henley at 17-0.
The visitors had a final flurry upfield and TJs lost Shadyn Osgood to a late yellow card but the TJ defence again held strong and Henley were left pointless.
The win sees TJs remain top of N2E by 4 points from Dorking although they do have a game in hand. Next Saturday TJs make their first ever trip to Oxford Harlequins and a 3pm KO