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BackFri 19 Dec 2025 · National League 1
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1st XV
12
17
Tries: L Gjaltema, J Staples, T MannixConversions: S EvansYellow Carded: T Nicoll
TJs Shine Brightest
Adam Hookway20 Dec 2025 - 13:54
TJs dominated the territory for much of this game under Friday Lights and ran out deserved winners in a tight tussle at Park
It was Friday Night under the Lights at Rosslyn Park for this Round 14 match up between the hosts and TJs. A game that never quite sparked into life was controlled for large parts by TJs who secured a splendid away win against Park
Rosslyn Park played with the slight slope in the first half in near, albeit slightly chillier, perfect conditions on their all weather pitch. Early exchanges were frantic from both sides as players looked to stay on their feet and defences were tight.
However Park escaped from a lineout and scampered away for a try whilst others were focussed on the more physical side of the game. No conversion and Park led 5-0 after 10 minutes
TJs upped the ante in attack and spent long periods in the Park half but not long enough to trouble the scoreboard. The TJ defence was rock solid in return though and the game was being played at a fast but unproductive pace
Having lost Connor Lloyd in the pre match warm up Lewis Gjaltema returned to his normal position at scrum half and he was the spark to start things moving for TJs after 42 minutes as he darted over to level things at 5 each. Sam Evans, back on kicking duty with Lloyd missing, couldn't add the extras
TJs were now on a roll and 5 minutes later Jimmy Staples, in at hooker from the start, powered over to extend the TJ lead to 5-10 and thin gs were looking good for TJs. Park found very little room to put TJs under pressure and TJs kept them well away from scoring distance and on the hour mark Tommy Mannix found space to sprint clear and over. Evans added the extras to make it 5-17 and TJs were very much in control
A fourth try and extra bonus point is always a nice to have but an away win comes first and TJs spent the final 20 minutes continuing to win the territory battle and shutting down any Park attack with a diligent and focussed defence. Park did force their way through and over on 70 minutes to make the last 10 nervier for TJs but the result was in little doubt and TJs were delighted to have got over the line against one of the top three sides in the division.
TJs take a break now and return on 10th January for a home game against Dings Crusaders. Plenty of time for the squad to recover from a few injuries and with 3 home games in January it will bi a big month in which TJs should be looking to push on for greater consistency and to add a few more green Ws to the results column
Rosslyn Park played with the slight slope in the first half in near, albeit slightly chillier, perfect conditions on their all weather pitch. Early exchanges were frantic from both sides as players looked to stay on their feet and defences were tight.
However Park escaped from a lineout and scampered away for a try whilst others were focussed on the more physical side of the game. No conversion and Park led 5-0 after 10 minutes
TJs upped the ante in attack and spent long periods in the Park half but not long enough to trouble the scoreboard. The TJ defence was rock solid in return though and the game was being played at a fast but unproductive pace
Having lost Connor Lloyd in the pre match warm up Lewis Gjaltema returned to his normal position at scrum half and he was the spark to start things moving for TJs after 42 minutes as he darted over to level things at 5 each. Sam Evans, back on kicking duty with Lloyd missing, couldn't add the extras
TJs were now on a roll and 5 minutes later Jimmy Staples, in at hooker from the start, powered over to extend the TJ lead to 5-10 and thin gs were looking good for TJs. Park found very little room to put TJs under pressure and TJs kept them well away from scoring distance and on the hour mark Tommy Mannix found space to sprint clear and over. Evans added the extras to make it 5-17 and TJs were very much in control
A fourth try and extra bonus point is always a nice to have but an away win comes first and TJs spent the final 20 minutes continuing to win the territory battle and shutting down any Park attack with a diligent and focussed defence. Park did force their way through and over on 70 minutes to make the last 10 nervier for TJs but the result was in little doubt and TJs were delighted to have got over the line against one of the top three sides in the division.
TJs take a break now and return on 10th January for a home game against Dings Crusaders. Plenty of time for the squad to recover from a few injuries and with 3 home games in January it will bi a big month in which TJs should be looking to push on for greater consistency and to add a few more green Ws to the results column
Further reading