By Adam Hookway

There was disappointment for Tonbridge Juddians as Westcombe Park took the final-day National League 2 East spoils 42-33.

TJs had the better of the first half but couldn’t hold on to their advantage and finish fifth in the standings.

Luke Talbot touched down after eight minutes following good approach work from the pack and Will Holling was then rumbled over in the corner.

Tom White added the extras for a 14-0 lead, but further Tonbridge chances were spurned while Westcombe hit back with their first converted score.

The remainder of the half was full of huff, bluster and intent from both teams but very little tryline threat. However with TJs seven points in front hopes were high their second-half surges would take them clear.

The early signs were good, too, as Juddians found space down the left and the ball was whipped back and then right for Guy Rogers to speed over.

They couldn’t maintain any control, though, and Combe found space and chances aplenty as they turned over ball, picked up dropped presents and generally took all that was offered with tries on 49 and 51 minutes to go 21-19 ahead.

Tonbridge rallied to send Holling crashing over for his second try, but the restart was poor and Combe found a fourth score, swiftly followed with two more, all converted, to go 42-26 up after 73 minutes.

The visitors managed one last hurrah as a slick first-phase move saw Rogers come off his right wing to scythe through on the left and with White again converting Judds had a glimmer of hope.

It was not to be, though. Instead the final two minutes saw more errors before the ball left the field for one last time.