Everyone was shocked that the sun was out, no rain and a fairly warm Slade heralded TJs v Barnes in N2E race for the title. The surprise element continued as Barnes outplayed TJs for much of the game to secure a 23-32 win and send TJs to only their second defeat of the season.
TJs started the brighter but gifted Barnes a couple of tries to trail 6-10. That worsened to 6-22 at the break and despite a second half rally there was no back for TJs against a Barnes squad who rarely looked like giving up the lead.
Three tries from Will Holling (2) and Tom Kendrick meant TJs missed out on a try bonus point for only the third time this season and it was TJs first Nil points too. The result puts Barnes just one point behind TJs now but TJs still have a game in hand, away to Guernsey at the end of March
It was a happier Saturday for the 2s though as they beat Sittingbourne 43-19 to claim the Counties 3 Kent title with a couple of games to spare. They take a weekend off before heading to Old Gravesendians before finishing their season at home to T Wells