Ben Abbott on the charge Pic: Kieron Hyams

Kent Exiles 13 Berkshire Renegades 30

Head coach Tony Bainbridge conceded costly errors robbed Exiles of the chance to record a surprise victory over table-topping Renegades on Sunday.

The home side gained an early lead in a thrilling first half, but their Berkshire opponents pounced on every slip up to race to victory.

Bainbridge said: “Not many gave us a chance in this game, but we held our own well and played some good football.

“A couple of key turnovers and a spate of dropped passes really contributed to our downfall.

“Despite that we still played well in phases and gained nearly 400 yards on offence – a statistic which would normally lead to much more scoring.”

Exiles made the perfect start when, on the third play of the game, quarterback Zac Ritchie passed to Colin Chislett, who made an 80-yard dash for the first score.

A quick-fire double score saw Renegades move in front soon afterwards though, as Exiles gave away possession cheaply.

But this end-to-end contest soon swung back in the Exiles favour when the powerful Ben Abbott led a strong drive – gaining 87 yards – and Ritchie found Jon Miller four yards from the end zone to tie the score.

On the very next play the wind was quickly taken from the Exiles sails, as the Renegades returned the kick-off 79 yards for the touchdown.

Ritchie then threw an interception, which the Renegades capitalised on with a 32-yard field goal to finish an explosive first half with a 10-point lead.

The second half started with the Renegades on the ball and they drove to score again on a two-yard run and extend their lead.

Exiles defence finally worked out how to stop the Renegades, with Kerry Gray and Adam Pearson making lots of tackles.

But a lack of opportunities at the other end of the field meant the remainder of the game was played out with no further score.