TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS 22–29 ROSSLYN PARK
13/09/25
Rosslyn Park secured their second consecutive win in National One with a gritty seven-point victory over Tonbridge Juddians in a tense encounter away from home. In a match defined by momentum swings and physical intensity, Park’s composure and clinical execution proved to be the difference.
The hosts opened the scoring early, capitalising on sustained pressure and a high tackle in front of the posts to slot three points. Park responded almost immediately. A scrum deep in Juddians’ territory allowed the backs to move the ball sharply to Luke Mehson, who found a gap to cross the line. Bill Johnston added the extras to make it 3–7 inside the opening five minutes.
Park extended their lead shortly after, with Johnston producing a pinpoint 50:22 to set up a lineout five metres out. From the set piece, Sam Kennaugh sliced through the defence for Park’s second try. Johnston’s conversion made it 3–14.
Juddians then enjoyed a strong spell, pinning Park in their own half. Their pressure paid off when a collapsed maul created space for their scrum-half to dart over and reduce the deficit.
Park responded well. After building phases inside Juddians’ half, Mehson exploited space on the fringe of a ruck to score his second of the day, with Johnston again converting. Despite further pressure from Park, they were unable to convert late opportunities, and the sides went into the break with Park holding a narrow lead.
Park started the second half with intent. A turnover led to quick ball, and after a few sharp phases, Charlie Mulchrone finished from close range to stretch the lead.
Juddians refused to back down. A penalty at the breakdown gave them field position, and they worked the ball wide for their winger to score, narrowing the gap to nine points. Park then suffered a setback as Mehson was shown a yellow card for holding a player back, and Juddians made the most of the extra man, mauling over to make it a two-point game.
From the restart, Park regained control. Sustained pressure inside the Juddians’ 22 led to a well-worked move finished by Charlie Walker, who beat multiple defenders to score. Johnston’s conversion restored breathing room.
With just over ten minutes remaining and Mehson returning from the sin bin, Park’s defence came to the fore. Despite being down to 14 men for a spell, they held firm. In the final minute, a late high tackle (and subsequent yellow card) from Jack Digby gave Juddians one last chance, but George Orchard rose to the occasion, stealing the ball at the lineout and sealing the win.
Final Score: Tonbridge Juddians 22 – 29 Rosslyn Park
A resilient performance on the road sees Park continue their strong start to the season, with two wins from two and plenty of positives to build on.
Rosslyn Park
Tries: Mehson (4’, 22’), Kennaugh (9’), Mulchrone (43’), Walker (65’)
Conversions: Johnston (4’, 22’, 65’)
Penalties: –
Yellow Cards: Mehson (59’), Digby (78’)
Team: Mo Nwakor, Max Fraine, Matt Woodward, Jake Cleet, Tom Bell, Henry Spencer, Arthur Ellis (c), George Orchard, Charlie Mulchrone, Bill Johnston, Benji Marfo, Sam Kennaugh, Tom Stanton, Charlie Walker, Luke Mehson
Replacements: Charlie Piper, Ali Wade, Jack Digby, Ewen Fenley, Steff James
Tonbridge Juddians
Tries: Gjaltema (18’), Barnes (48’), Holling (60’)
Conversions: Evans (48’, 61’)
Penalties: Evans (2’)
Yellow Cards: –
Team: Boon, Holling, Bratton, Scopes, Merrick, White, Everitt, Laventure (c), Gjaltema, Evans, Barnes, Sims, Osgood, Kendrick, Earle
Replacements: Brosse, Wheeler, Cavubati, Tout, Lloyd
Up next: Rosslyn Park are back at The Rock this Saturday 20th September against Birmingham Mosely, 3pm KO!