Juddians juggernaut rolls into Chichester - but Blues are happy with progress

In hot sunshine at Chichester College, Chichester hosted two warm-up games against Tonbridge Juddians. It was an entertaining afternoon with the first XV losing 21-12 and the seconds winning 17-12.

The Blues should be encouraged by their performances and there will be healthy competition for selection when the season starts on September 1.

Chichester 12 TJs 21

Jon Lindsay led out his team against the semi-professionals from Kent who finished second last season in National League three south.

Chichester fielded a rich mixture of familiar faces, graduates from the successful Colts squad and promotees from the seconds. It was fast and physical with plenty of open play, strong running and mistakes by both sides under pressure. TJs prevailed by three converted tries to two tries and one conversion.

Chris Johnson was soon charging forward, knocking opponents aside. TJs replied with a swift move stopped by full-back Ross Fairbairn.

Richard Adams twice kicked accurately over the top to set up useful positions before putting a penalty to the corner. Reece Cavossi fed from the lineout and a big drive by the forwards took them to the try line with Niall Goldie just held up.

Exchanges became overheated and Chichester lost possession. A clever cross-kick by the visitors was dangerous but scrum-half Jack Walker came to the rescue. An Adams intercept and kick forward looked promising but TJs were quickly on to it and counter attacking.