By Adam Hookway

A thrilling display of running rugby was the perfect way for Tonbridge Juddians to secure the National League 2 East title with a 69-19 win over Oxford Harlequins.

Judds had a five-year plan to return to National League 1 after relegation in 2022 so they return ahead of schedule.

“We had a plan in place to get us back to National 1 within five years of dropping down after 2021/22 season,” chairman Darren Grasby revealed.

“The work put in by the players, coaches and support staff has been amazing. And the support from supporters and sponsors has enabled us to achieve our goal. Next season we will go again and with Jordan Turner-Hall directing things we are in a very good place.”

Director of rugby Turner-Hall was equally effusive. “We showed a great deal of intensity today and put Oxford under pressure - both in attack and defence,” he said.

“[It was] great to see homegrown talent combining so well with others sharing the same pace and power.

“We still have a game to go and our minds are very much on finishing well at Dorking. We can have a bit of a rest then before our plans for National 1 start to take shape and I’m super excited to see TJs at the next level next season.”

Tonbridge got off the mark when Josh Tusler sped over after three minutes. Oxford, though, quietened things down with two converted tries but TJ touchline nerves were settled as the champions-elect upped the pace and intensity.

Curtis Barnes came off the left to power through for a try, with Sam Evans converting, and the TJ backs continued to stress the Oxford midfield to create room for Tusler to grab a second for a 19-14 lead after half an hour.

The power and pace kept on coming and the irrepressible Duncan Tout was the finisher under the posts and TJs went in 26-14 to the good at the interval.

The second half provided more of the same with man-of-the-match Connor Lloyd the spark for much of what TJs did well, with four more tries before the hour mark.

Lloyd started the scoring with a speedy break and step to dot down. Two minutes later he sniped down the short side and a quick step and pass found Charlie Self on the inside and he cantered over.

Lloyd added his second try three minutes later as he supported Tout and Osgood down the middle before finishing off in the corner, and it was Lloyd again the provider to dart behind the tiring Oxford defence and free Vince Everitt after an hour.

Oxford saw red after 63 minutes and Judds exploited the extra man to put Tom Kendrick in, with Evans converting.

Oxford grabbed a third try of their own but as the game edged to the finish line there was still time for Tout and Tusler to cross, both scores unconverted.

Judds end their season at Dorking on April 26.