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A huge defensive effort in the dying stages of the game secured a vital win for Guernsey Raiders’ men at Footes Lane.
But it was a contrasting story for the Ladies, who opened up the day and they are still looking for their first victory of the season.
The men’s side are looking to put daylight between them and the relegation places in National League 2 East and the result against Tonbridge Juddians leaves them six points clear of those spots.
Pictured: Dom Rice lets out a roar after the final whistle.
They kept the crowd on edge on those closing stages and it was a game in which each time they looked to gain control it slipped from their hands.
After a strong start in which Ciaran Mcgann scored a penalty and Hugo Culverhouse crossed for a try, Raiders’ precision deserted them and TJs took advantage.
In a five minute period halfway through, the visitors scored two converted tries to lead 14-8.
But Raiders piled on some points either side of the break.
Pictured: Hugo Culverhouse celebrates one of his two tries.
Culverhouse powered through again on 37 minutes, and that was converted by Mcgann, before just two minutes later a spectacular Tom Teasdale break was also converted.
With the halftime talk still ringing in their ears, Raiders took no time at all in adding another seven points thanks to Mcgann’s cutting diagonal run, which he again converted.
But with so much time on the clock, being 29-14 up was no guarantee against a strong side and TJs did not lie down.
Howard Packham crossed for a try on 48 minutes and Alexander Brown added another five points on 62 and they were right back in things.
It was a nervous closing period but a huge testament to Raiders defensive resolve that they held out as Tonbridge kept battering the try line.
Below Raiders, Worthing picked up a try bonus point in a 49-26 loss to Barnes while Wimbledon won away at Westcombe Park. They are both six points back with bottom side North Walsham still winless and having picked up one point all season.
Westcombe Park are five points ahead having played one game more.
Raiders travel to top-of-the-table Esher next week, before a crucial home tie against Wimbledon on Saturday 27 January.
Guernsey Raiders Ladies also entered the second part of their season against Tonbridge Juddians.
It was a game which marked the 100th appearance for Fi Power.
Pictured: Fi Power is interviewed after gaining her 100th cap for Guernsey Raiders Ladies.
Raiders Ladies ended the first part of the season in a positive fashion with a hard fought draw, but they could not build on that momentum as they lost 43-0 in the NC 1 South East (South) encounter.
Pictured top: Tom Teasdale breaks the defensive line on the way to his try.
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