PJF win but lose top spot

It's a very tight and fraught top of the League now as Tunbridge Wells took pole position, courtesy of a better points for & against statistic of 1 solitary point. PJF were 2 points ahead and scored 30 on Saturday so without the TW result they were 32 points ahead. TW beat Gravesend 45-12 a difference of 33 = 1 point. That's how close it's becoming.

PJF bettered a spirited Brighton side who desperately wanted to make amends for the big defeat they took earlier in the season. PJF worked hard to break the visitors down and were unfortunate to lose Alvarez and O'Brien early in the game to injuries. O'Brien had managed to open PJF's account before his departure as he latched on to a good move, involving several phases, and cross the line for 5 points.

PJF showed patience and control as they worked to gain the territorial advantage from which to score. Matt Vaughan settled the side with a penalty. Then from a powerful scrum against the head No 8 Scott Kerr picked up and drove hard for the line to touch down. Vaughan soon followed this with a superb solo effort and once he converted, PJF were in a commanding 20-0 lead.

The second half beckoned and the crowds expectations were high. PJF scored a driven try through Singleton which was converted by Vaughan. The match then became alittle disjointed and despite playing 14 men for 10 minutes, PJF were unable to score. frustration crept in as territorial advantage did not yield any rewards. Even when PJF lost Amess and Carson at the same time to the sin bin, the visitors were unable to capitalise and rarely got out of their own half. Charlie Fisher dropped a goal that finished the scoring.

It is going to be a hard run in to the end of the season and PJF do not have the luxury of points in the bag. A concerted effort is now needed by the players to ensure we regain our position at the top of the League.