By Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians began their National League 2 East campaign with a 45-31 home success at Dorking’s expense.

Curtis Barnes set the tone with a try after six minutes, while Dorking suffered a yellow card a few moments later to leave them on the back foot.

Howard Packman then pounced for his first try of the campaign after a Tom White cross kick bounced off a Dorking defender into his arms - White converted for a 12-0 lead.

Dorking had their moments but they couldn’t keep the pressure on for long enough, and when TJs headed downfield again the visitors offended and White added a penalty to the scoreboard.

A Dorking penalty closed the gap to 15-3, however after good approach work from the Tonbridge forwards the ball was spun left with a bounce where Packman slipped his hands through the tackle to offload to Barnes to score his second try of the game. White topped up the try and TJs led 22-3.

Forwards and backs making the hard yards saw Packman over again, White doing the rest from the tee for TJs to lead 29-3 with the try bonus point secured.

Dorking hit back after turning TJs over in midfield and a penalty to the corner saw the ball moved to midfield where their left-wing sauntered through to score under the sticks. A second yellow card for the Surrey side before the break wasn’t capitalised on, though.

The second half started just as brightly for the hosts as they made inroads down the right before the ball went left and as the Dorking defence closed Packman nudged the ball through for Barnes to regather and dot down. But another defensive lapse allowed Dorking to again stroll through to close to 36-17.

TJs had to turn to defence as Dorking kept coming and after another penalty TJs got a yellow card. A penalty try for the visitors reduced the gap to 12 points. Juddians though were not done and the defensive effort for Dorking was starting to tell and as they offended TJs went for goal.

Although the first penalty was missed Sam Evans slotted three after Dorking again found room for another try.

Tonbridge travel to league newcomers Colchester this weekend.