TWRFC are pleased to welcome all of the clubs attending the mini’s festival this weekend.
Category: Front Page
Match report: TWRFC VETS 36: 5 MAIDSTONE VETS
With New Ash Green, Orpington and Vigo drawn in the league phase of the vets cup the vets were keen to get off to a winning start, and put the disappointment of last season behind them, with a friendly against Maidstone. It’s a crying shame then that nobody explained what the word ‘friendly’ means- to that hairy brutish jock, Mac the strife- or we might have ended the match with 15 on the pitch…and he wouldn’t have had to slink back to the clubhouse in disgrace, his bruised knuckles dragging along the ground. And all this after only 3 minutes of game time. Fortunately for him the red was renegotiated to yellow post match, thanks to the leniency of the ref, the sweetness of ale and the grace of the opposition 6 who, in fairness, was not exactly lily-white where the throwing of punches was concerned.
It also proved a low brow afternoon for Rainbow Rob Harrison who has clearly taken against agricultural pursuits during the summer break (perhaps a farmer turned him down?) and who therefore spent the entire game moaning at team mates who dropped the ball to ’stop shovelling shit’ His mood somewhat improved when he scored and by the end of the match, thank goodness, he seemed to have entirely gotten over his aversion to the passing on effluence. He was joined in his try scoring endeavour by the mercurial Beamo, the greedy Jake (who bagged two), Mr Charles Sleightholme, whose boot served us well all afternoon, and our very own Bilbo Baggins, Mr. Azurdia; standing in for Milo as team midget whilst the latter hitched a ride in Roger Clarke’s pocket to watch the ones play in Guernsey.
Up front Father Ed was back in action after a lengthy lay out. He not only lasted an entire half, leaning against the opposition scrum and causing huge problems simply by virtue of his weight, but also produced a perfect offload – picked up by a marauding Si Parsons which then led to a score. Prop Power! They were assisted in the front row by ten minute Tim McCabe, whose impromptu speeches stirred our souls, and the Methuselah of rugby old man Maynard. Nick Baldock was happy to add to this gorgeous assortment of bulk and heft so it was fortunate that a highly skilled back row of the ever niggardly Tiggy, the awkwardly lumpy Craney, the undeniably heroic yellowman and ever steady Zak, linking up with Rob, were on hand to make it to the break downs. Joking aside some of the link up play in the forwards was first rate with Craney’s impressive ball carrying leading him to be nominated as man of the match.
Not that the girlie backs were shirking. They ran some fabulous lines all afternoon keeping cool heads when playing under pressure. Nick Derbyshire and Charlie Hacker combined well in the centres and barely missed a tackle. Beamo marshalled them well from the back. Jake was a menace with the ball all afternoon ensuring the cocky reputation of scrum halves remains in tact. Steve Daley (happy birthday) and Andy Cunningham were reliable when called on and a great debut from Tim Mole ensured all left the field with heads held high. Indeed it was a great first game against an experience and decent Maidstone side. Bring on the tournament.
Finally a mention to the ref- our very own Croker. He not only red carded one of his own but ensured we knew the new rules by pinging us for every high tackle and every backchat. Not an easy task against the gabbiest of old boys. And so we all trooped back to the bar for a well earned chilli con carne and an excellent game of beer pong. The highlights of which were watching Pengelly taken apart with alcohol. And the suggestion that Mac should get but three grains of rice and a teaspoon of chilli to reflect the amount of work he did on the pitch! Good game, good guys, good banter, good beer pong session. Another good season is brewing for the vets….
This Saturday 12th October
This Saturday 12th October we have:
1st XV – away to Rochford Hundred
2nd XV – home to Old Elthamians Dev
There is a coach going to Rochford but places are limited. If anyone wants a seat this will need to be booked in advance. Please contact Michelle.
If you would like to travel independently to Rochford the address is:
The Rugby Park
Magnolia Road
Hawkwell
Essex SS4 3AD
Last weekend’s results
Guernsey 31 Tunbridge Wells 7
Old Colfeians 20 Tunbridge Wells 2s 34
Tunbridge Wells Vets 36 Maidstone Vets 5
Read the match reports here
Clean Sweep for U11s at Hastings Festival
The Under 11s took a squad of thirteen players down to their first festival of the season at Hastings.
There were new rules to implement, especially kicking, which meant players and coaches were a little apprehensive before the start. But, the players took it in their stride and won 4 out of 4 matches.
The number of different try scorers reflected how well they played as a team and importantly they had great fun playing.
Attention now turns to the TWRFC Minis Festival this coming Sunday where U11s will field three teams.
#oneTWRFC
Guernsey Raiders 31 Tunbridge Wells 7 (plus the Second XV & Veterans)
Tunbridge Wells undertook the early-season “tour” that is the league game away to Guernsey with a much-changed team to the one that had lost at home to Hertford. Stuart Nicholls returned at hooker with Luke Hawkins also back as front row cover on the bench. Arek Janeczko moved to the bench too to accommodate the return of mainstay Josh Hawkins in the second row, whist influential players Mike Hathaway and Nick Doherty came into the back row. In the backs, Frank Reynolds returned from injury at outside half which saw George Montgomery amongst the substitutes as Simon Whatling chose to put his faith in the three-quarter line that finished the last game.
This was always going to be one of the toughest games of the season as Guernsey are an ambitious club who only succumbed to relegation late on last season despite a strong finish to their league campaign. They were looking to bounce back from a defeat to league favourites Rochford Hundred and a large crowd was present to see the unveiling of the ground’s new brightly-coloured running track.
The weather was overcast but warm and the dry pitch was in excellent condition, ideal for Wells’ brand of running rugby if they could secure sufficient set-piece ball – one of the clearly apparent issues in the opening four games.
Wells started brightly and were able to exert some early pressure with good continuity, which saw the industrious Ben Whale very much to the fore. He made ground deep into the Guernsey 22 metre area before a knock-on in the backs halted the attack. The opening scrum ominously saw a penalty awarded to the home team and this facet of the game was, sadly, to prove something of an achilles heel for the Kent team throughout the afternoon. The crowd would have been pleased to see that both teams had open rugby in mind. It needed a typical Hathaway turnover to thwart initial home momentum, before an outstanding Max Hobbs tap tackle thwarted what looked like a certain try. However, a sustained period of Guernsey pressure saw a penalty conceded. Electing for the scrum option, the home team’s number 8 Doug Horrocks picked up the ball and surged over for the opening try, converted by Owen Thomas to make it 7-0 on 21 minutes.
Whilst the scrummage was to be under intense pressure throughout, the Tunbridge Wells line-out was much improved this week with Nicholls consistently hitting both Hawkins and Hathaway. It was disappointing, though, that they were not able to take advantage of having a man advantage for 10 minutes when home hooker Tom Ceillam received a yellow card for a stamp. In fact, it was Wells’ discipline that was poor for this period as they conceded some frustrating penalties. This put the hosts back in an attacking position and after several phases of play a phenomenal long pass from Thomas to winger Matt Armstrong saw him cross for a fine try. With the conversion going wide it was 12-0 on 31 minutes.
Wells were performing with great credit though and came charging back at Guernsey with Hathaway, Reynolds, Ryan Taylor-Dennehy and Mike Doherty combining well. Whale also carried strongly throughout the half. Eventually they earned a penalty in the opposition’s 22 and as last week they opted to kick for the corner and an attacking line-out. Sadly, it was a case of deja-vu as the ball could not be secured. Half Time 12-0.
The boys from St Marks had certainly fronted up in the first 40 minutes and were a shade unlucky not to be on the scoreboard. The backs again looked dangerous with ball in hand with Hobbs popping up all over the field. The spirit and determination of the Wells’ players could not be faulted throughout against the best side they had encountered thus far. Guernsey were able to combine a superb tactical kicking game with a strong set of forwards and a dynamic back-line.
Despite strong defensive work from the likes of Nick Doherty, on 59 minutes Guernsey scored wide in the corner when full-back Anthony Armstrong combined with his brother Matt and the wing bagged his brace of tries and a third team try. Thomas struck a fine conversion from the touchline to make it 19-0.
Janeczko was now on for Josh Hawkins, but the lock’s respite was temporary as he quickly returned for the injured Chris Brown. This saw the impressive Whale move to flanker where he continued his strong carrying and defensive work in a man of the match performance. A penalty against the scrum saw Wells again on the back foot but just as it looked like the rolling maul would cross it was disrupted and it was Hawkins who came up with the ball. However, there was to be no escape as the defensive scrum succumbed to another penalty and from the ensuing attacking line-out this time the maul did power its way over. It was home captain Lewis Hillier who dotted down and although the conversion was missed, the try bonus point was safely secured. 24-0 on 64 minutes.
Luke Hawkins replaced Carl Straeche, and shortly afterwards Montgomery joined the fray for Ollie Allman. Wells now enjoyed a good passage of play and when Reynolds put Mike Doherty into a gap his hard-running line took him clear from 30 metres for another try to add to his impressive collection. Reynolds slotted the extra points to make it 24-7 with 5 minutes to play.
There was, though, still time for one last Guernsey try to seal a thoroughly deserved win. The outstanding Thomas kicked through for left wing Amanaki Veamatahau to gather and score. With the Welshman’s conversion the full time score was 31-7
This was a resounding win by Guernsey but full credit should be paid to the Wells lads for maximising their efforts right to the end. The hosts were very welcoming to all officials, players and supporters and should have a very exciting season ahead of them. For Wells it does not get any easier as they travel to play Rochford for the first time. With the home team joint top of the league and protecting a 52 match winning bonus point run, there will be no time for the players to feel sorry for themselves. However, there is no danger of that with this group and they will no doubt re-double their efforts in training ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Essex. Kick off is 3pm and all travelling support will be gratefully received.
Squad: Ollie Allman (George Montgomery); Richard Webster,Ryan Taylor-Dennehy (Capt), Mike Doherty, Max Hobbs; Frank Reynolds, Eddie Croft; Kamil Wiecaszek, Stuart Nicholls, Carl Straeche (Luke Hawkins), Josh Hawkins (Arek Janeczko), Ben Whale, Mike Hathaway, Chris Brown, Nick Doherty.
Elsewhere in the LeagueWimbledon and next week’s opponents Rochford Hundred remain locked together on a maximum 25 points after impressive wins at home to Bedford Athletic (53-13) and away to Sidcup (22-45) respectively. Guernsey are now third on 20 points ahead of Sidcup on 17 and Hertford on 16, after they beat London Irish Wild Geese 36-14. We are 6th on 14 points ahead of Dorking (who beat Sevenoaks 26-23) and Tring who won 26-47 at Guildford. In the battle of the two bottom teams CS Stags 1863 will be very relieved to have travelled back from Brighton with a 25-34 win in the bag.
Two other Tunbridge Wells teams took the field and they both gained emphatic wins.
The Second XV won 20-34 away to their Old Colfeians counterparts, where a youthful side had to show great character after a slow start. After 25 minutes they had conceded two unconverted tries but when Angus Horne crossed the line for a try converted by Tom Burgess they were back in the game. Five minutes later Lucas Scully crossed and it was against the run of play when the home team scored a breakaway try on 35 minutes. Crucially, though, Wells went into the interval in front when Tom Follows powered over on 38 minutes.15-17.
Wells dominated the second half, recovering well from having a seemingly legitimate Scully try disallowed and receiving a yellow card. However, it took until the 70th minute for them to extend their lead when Jack Bear (playing his first game in 5 years) scored a try. Soon afterwards, prop Ciaran Lee got a deserved try (converted by Burgess) to make it 15-29. The Colfes forwards managed to get another try but it was fitting when Harvey Colangelo crossed for the final score to make it 20-34 at full time.
Tunbridge Wells Veterans also had a comfortable win beating Maidstone Vets 36-5 at St Marks. Jake Herman (2), Simon Beamish, Rob Harrison, Rob Azurdia and Charlie Sleightholme scored tries, with the last-named also slotting three conversions.
#oneTWRFC
Graham Withers
Guernsey Raiders 31 Tunbridge Wells 7 (plus 2nd XV and Veterans)
Tunbridge Wells undertook the early-season “tour” that is the league game away to Guernsey with a much-changed team to the one that had lost at home to Hertford. Stuart Nicholls returned at hooker with Luke Hawkins also back as front row cover on the bench. Arek Janeczko moved to the bench too to accommodate the return of mainstay Josh Hawkins in the second row, whist influential players Mike Hathaway and Nick Doherty came into the back row. In the backs, Frank Reynolds returned from injury at outside half which saw George Montgomery amongst the substitutes as Simon Whatling chose to put his faith in the three-quarter line that finished the last game.
This was always going to be one of the toughest games of the season as Guernsey are an ambitious club who only succumbed to relegation late on last season despite a strong finish to their league campaign. They were looking to bounce back from a defeat to league favourites Rochford Hundred and a large crowd was present to see the unveiling of the ground’s new brightly-coloured running track.
The weather was overcast but warm and the dry pitch was in excellent condition, ideal for Wells’ brand of running rugby if they could secure sufficient set-piece ball – one of the clearly apparent issues in the opening four games.
Wells started brightly and were able to exert some early pressure with good continuity, which saw the industrious Ben Whale very much to the fore. He made ground deep into the Guernsey 22 metre area before a knock-on in the backs halted the attack. The opening scrum ominously saw a penalty awarded to the home team and this facet of the game was, sadly, to prove something of an achilles heel for the Kent team throughout the afternoon.
The crowd would have been pleased to see that both teams had open rugby in mind. It needed a typical Hathaway turnover to thwart initial home momentum, before an outstanding Max Hobbs tap tackle thwarted what looked like a certain try. However, a sustained period of Guernsey pressure saw a penalty conceded. Electing for the scrum option, the home team’s number 8 Doug Horrocks picked up the ball and surged over for the opening try, converted by Owen Thomas to make it 7-0 on 21 minutes.
Whilst the scrummage was to be under intense pressure throughout, the Tunbridge Wells line-out was much improved this week with Nicholls consistently hitting both Hawkins and Hathaway. It was disappointing, though, that they were not able to take advantage of having a man advantage for 10 minutes when home hooker Tom Ceillam received a yellow card for a stamp. In fact, it was Wells’ discipline that was poor for this period as they conceded some frustrating penalties. This put the hosts back in an attacking position and after several phases of play a phenomenal long pass from Thomas to winger Matt Armstrong saw him cross for a fine try. With the conversion going wide it was 12-0 on 31 minutes.
Wells were performing with great credit though and came charging back at Guernsey with Hathaway, Reynolds, Ryan Taylor-Dennehy and Mike Doherty combining well. Whale also carried strongly throughout the half. Eventually they earned a penalty in the opposition’s 22 and as last week they opted to kick for the corner and an attacking line-out. Sadly, it was a case of deja-vu as the ball could not be secured. Half Time 12-0.
The boys from St Marks had certainly fronted up in the first 40 minutes and were a shade unlucky not to be on the scoreboard. The backs again looked dangerous with ball in hand with Hobbs popping up all over the field. The spirit and determination of the Wells’ players could not be faulted throughout against the best side they had encountered thus far. Guernsey were able to combine a superb tactical kicking game with a strong set of forwards and a dynamic back-line.
Despite strong defensive work from the likes of Nick Doherty, on 59 minutes Guernsey scored wide in the corner when full-back Anthony Armstrong combined with his brother Matt and the wing bagged his brace of tries and a third team try. Thomas struck a fine conversion from the touchline to make it 19-0.
Janeczko was now on for Josh Hawkins, but the lock’s respite was temporary as he quickly returned for the injured Chris Brown. This saw the impressive Whale move to flanker where he continued his strong carrying and defensive work in a man of the match performance. A penalty against the scrum saw Wells again on the back foot but just as it looked like the rolling maul would cross it was disrupted and it was Hawkins who came up with the ball. However, there was to be no escape as the defensive scrum succumbed to another penalty and from the ensuing attacking line-out this time the maul did power its way over. It was home captain Lewis Hillier who dotted down and although the conversion was missed, the try bonus point was safely secured. 24-0 on 64 minutes.
Luke Hawkins replaced Carl Straeche, and shortly afterwards Montgomery joined the fray for Ollie Allman. Wells now enjoyed a good passage of play and when Reynolds put Mike Doherty into a gap his hard-running line took him clear from 30 metres for another try to add to his impressive collection. Reynolds slotted the extra points to make it 24-7 with 5 minutes to play.
There was, though, still time for one last Guernsey try to seal a thoroughly deserved win. The outstanding Thomas kicked through for left wing Amanaki Veamatahau to gather and score. With the Welshman’s conversion the full time score was 31-7
This was a resounding win by Guernsey but full credit should be paid to the Wells lads for maximising their efforts right to the end. The hosts were very welcoming to all officials, players and supporters and should have a very exciting season ahead of them. For Wells it does not get any easier as they travel to play Rochford for the first time. With the home team joint top of the league and protecting a 52 match winning bonus point run, there will be no time for the players to feel sorry for themselves. However, there is no danger of that with this group and they will no doubt re-double their efforts in training ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Essex. Kick off is 3pm and all travelling support will be gratefully received.
Squad: Ollie Allman (George Montgomery); Richard Webster,Ryan Taylor-Dennehy (Capt), Mike Doherty, Max Hobbs; Frank Reynolds, Eddie Croft; Kamil Wiecaszek, Stuart Nicholls, Carl Straeche (Luke Hawkins), Josh Hawkins (Arek Janeczko), Ben Whale, Mike Hathaway, Chris Brown, Nick Doherty.
Elsewhere in the League
Wimbledon and next week’s opponents Rochford Hundred remain locked together on a maximum 25 points after impressive wins at home to Bedford Athletic (53-13) and away to Sidcup (22-45) respectively. Guernsey are now third on 20 points ahead of Sidcup on 17 and Hertford on 16, after they beat London Irish Wild Geese 36-14. We are 6th on 14 points ahead of Dorking (who beat Sevenoaks 26-23) and Tring who won 26-47 at Guildford. In the battle of the two bottom teams CS Stags 1863 will be very relieved to have travelled back from Brighton with a 25-34 win in the bag.
Two other Tunbridge Wells teams took the field and they both gained emphatic wins.
The Second XV won 20-34 away to their Old Colfeians counterparts, where a youthful side had to show great character after a slow start. After 25 minutes they had conceded two unconverted tries but when Angus Horne crossed the line for a try converted by Tom Burgess they were back in the game. Five minutes later Lucas Scully crossed and it was against the run of play when the home team scored a breakaway try on 35 minutes. Crucially, though, Wells went into the interval in front when Tom Follows powered over on 38 minutes.15-17.
Wells dominated the second half, recovering well from having a seemingly legitimate Scully try disallowed and receiving a yellow card. However, it took until the 70th minute for them to extend their lead when Jack Bear (playing his first game in 5 years) scored a try. Soon afterwards, prop Ciaran Lee got a deserved try (converted by Burgess) to make it 15-29. The Colfes forwards managed to get another try but it was fitting when Harvey Colangelo crossed for the final score to make it 20-34 at full time.
Tunbridge Wells Veterans also had a comfortable win beating Maidstone Vets 36-5 at St Marks. Jake Herman (2), Simon Beamish, Rob Harrison, Rob Azurdia and Charlie Sleightholme scored tries, with the last-named also slotting three conversions.
#oneTWRFC
Graham Withers
Rugby Club Scrubs-up Nicely
The second TWRFC Summer Ball was held at the High Rocks on Saturday 28th September.
The Summer Ball, attended by over 135 people from across the club; youth, seniors, vets and club members, was a true example of the oneTWRFC ethos in action. The evening included a raffle, “Heads & Tails”, auction and some very creative dancing – especially towards the end of the evening!
A key part of the club’s event calendar, the Summer Ball was an opportunity for people to enjoy a great night out but also raised over £9,000 for the club.
The club has already seen benefits from the three year plan with improvements in club house audio visual, pitch side PA and gym set up. Funds raised at the Summer Ball will contribute to further improvements. This includes ground floor catering (working title: Nick’s Cafe) facilities that will improve the club for all members, visitors and also the wider community.
Numerous reports of sore heads at Youth Section training the next morning have yet to be substantiated.
FUTURE DATE Youth Spring Ball 2020 Date TBC!!
SAVE THE DATE Summer Ball 2020 will be on Saturday 26th September!!
Huge thanks to:
Michelle Greenall and team for managing the event
The team at High Rocks – great food and excellent service
Tim McCabe & Steve Daly (TWRFC’s very own Ant & Dec) for MC’ing the event
#oneTWRFC
This Saturday 5th October
This Saturday 5th October we have 3 fixtures:
1st XV – away to Guernsey – 2.30pm Kick off
2nd XV – away to Old Colfeians II – 3pm kick off
3rd XV – no game
Vets – home to Maidstone Vets – 3pm kick off
Last weekend the results didn’t favour us!
Tunbridge Wells 15 – Hertford 34
Tunbridge Wells 2s 15 – Dartfordians 2s 22
Gillingham 2s 110 – Tunbridge Wells 3s 12
Thank you to everyone who attended the Summer Ball on Saturday night. The evening was a great success and 140 people enjoyed great food and even better company.
If you are travelling to Guernsey this weekend we hope you enjoy the trip and that the team win.
Next home game is against London Irish Wild Geese on Saturday 19th October at 3pm. The lunch that day is already full but Kathy Skinner is operating a waiting list if you missed out.
#oneTWRFC
SOS Kit Aid
Tunbridge Wells RFC is very proud of its track record in supporting local and national charities. To mark the start of the Rugby World Cup in Japan the club organised an event in favour of charity SOS Kit Aid.
SOS Kit Aid exists because sport changes lives. Its mission is to recycle sports kit for the benefit of young people in the UK and overseas so they are given a sporting chance. With the support of the world of rugby, kit has been donated by schools, clubs and kit manufacturers across the UK, with an estimated value of over £6 million delivered to date. Over 250,000 youngsters in 44 developing countries around the world have received quality used and new kit, and there are a further 20 countries on the waiting list.
Club Chairman Mike Rigby said: “We are delighted to help this charity as they strive to make a positive and tangible impact on children’s lives by giving them the chance to participate in sporting activities; promote social inclusion; and protect the environment by reducing the proportion of used kits in landfill sites.”
As the result of a collection day, the club have been able to send the charity 315 youth playing shirts plus T-shirts, boots and even a set of old post protectors! This would not have been possible without the generosity of members and the club’s Youth Section sponsors Countryside, Greenstone Financial Planning, Nortrade, HR Revolution, Bethany School, Cripps Pemberton Greenish and The Mark Cross Inn.
Match report – Tunbridge Wells 15 Hertford 34
Tunbridge Wells hosted Hertford on the back of three successive league wins. The visitors finished 5th in this league last season when the fixtures book-ended the Wells campaign. A home win was secured (35-27) at St Marks 12 months ago and in April they squeaked the away fixture 33-32. This season they had won their opening game at Brighton before a pair of losses over the last two weeks. However, it was significant that these were against Rochford Hundred, who have not lost in two seasons, and a close loss to Guernsey who are expected to do well this season.
Wells knew this would be a proper challenge especially as 9 of the players who had beaten Brighton last week were injured or unavailable.
Consequently, it was a much changed side that took the field through the Under 8s ‘Guard of Honour’. Carl Straeche and player-coach Aston Croall started in the front row, the latter as a make-shift hooker. Former player Kyle McGarvie answered an “SoS” to provide specialist cover on the bench. Arek Janezcko made his league debut in the second row following his summer move from Thanet Wanderers, whilst Academy products Tom Follows and Ben Kennard joined Chris Brown in a significantly re-shaped back row. In the backs George Montgomery moved to his preferred position at outside half and was partnered by Eddie Croft as both Charlie Rigby and Frank Reynolds were sidelined by injuries.Richard Murray returned at centre and there were spots on the bench for club stalwarts Tiggy Bartley and Ollie Allman.
The players were greeted by a bright day and a strong south-easterly but largely cross-field wind. Its direction would perhaps negate the major benefits of playing down the slope at St Marks but time would tell? Tunbridge Wells kicked off playing up the hill and in the early stages both Ben Whale and Kamil Wiecaszek were prominent ball in hand. However, it was the visitors who took the early initiative and, indeed, they hardly let their grip of the game slip for the next 80 minutes.
After a series of attacks were thwarted, Wells secured a defensive scrum and Montgomery was able to execute a fine 50 metre clearance kick. It was not long, though, before the St Marks side were penalised at a scrum (sadly a recurring theme throughout the match) and Hertford kicked to touch on the Wells 22 metre line. A powerful rolling maul was set which Wells only halted via illegal means and another kick to touch put the visitors just 5 metres out. The home supporters’ sighs of relief were palpable when the ball was called not straight but the respite was temporary. With Wells collapsing their set scrum, Hertford flanker Luke Mongston took a quick tap penalty and charged over the line for a try. This was superbly converted from wide on the left by Kyle Lemon to make it 0–7 on 12 minutes.
Hertford were quickly back in possession but a strong Murray tackle dislodged the ball and Richard Webster kicked ahead to gain good field position for the home team. However, the visitors stole the line out and were able to clear. Whale and Follows were robust defenders throughout but Hertford were starting to exert a clear advantage at the set piece as the Wells scrum and line-out came under pressure. On 18 minutes they were penalised again in front of the posts and Lemon struck a penalty to make it 0–10.
The home team were trying to get their attacking wingers Webster and Max Hobbs in play and Webster was prominent with a series of midfield thrusts. However, both he and Murray were thwarted when looking like they might break clear. Sadly, Murray soon departed, after a lively performance, with a painful looking arm injury to be replaced by the experienced Allman. He went to full back with skipper Ryan Taylor-Dennehy moving into the outside centre position after 25 minutes.
On 29 minutes the visitors received another scrum penalty which Lemon slotted to make it 0–13. Frustration with the misfiring set piece was starting to build but Wells continued to try and play ambitious rugby when they did have the ball. Eventually, Wells pressure did produce points when a fine Chris Brown turnover saw Montgomery slot a penalty on 31 minutes. 3–13.
On 36 minutes, though, Hertford were to stretch the lead after the home team were penalised for not rolling away at a ruck. The attacking line-out was secured and after going through several phases of play, a gap opened in the midfield which saw visiting lock Dan Peasnall gallop through to score a try under the posts. With Lemon slotting the conversion it was now 3–20 on 36 minutes.
This only served to reinvigorate Wells who had one of the best periods of play for the rest of the half. Croall twice connected with the Janezcko at line-outs to give better field position and both Webster and Croft made half-breaks. The Hertford defence was pretty tenacious all afternoon and remained steadfast. Eventually, they conceded a penalty in front of the posts deep into injury time which Wells decided to kick for an attacking line-out rather than take the easy three points. Unfortunately, the ball was stolen and half-time was reached.
The swirling wind made it difficult for all the players but, without doubt, Hertford’s ball retention and territorial kicking game saw them fully deserve the lead at the interval. Unless Wells could start to secure some more consistent set piece ball then the hopes of a recovery looked unlikely. They would at least have the advantage of the St Marks slope in the second period. Half time 3–20.
Any hopes of a famous second-half recovery were virtually extinguished from the kick-off, though. The Hertfordshire side camped in the home 22 for three minutes before a series of strong drives eventually saw Mongston cross for his second try and with Lemon slotting the additional two points it was now 3–27.
Montgomery and Taylor-Dennehy were still doing their best to create chances and Mike Doherty now came to the fore with two strong runs. On 47 minutes McGarvie replaced Straeche and went to hooker which saw Croall move to his more customary position at prop. Indeed, this had an immediate impact as Wells earned a scrummage penalty and Montgomery’s fine kick took Wells to within 35 metres of the Hertford line. From the line-out Taylor-Dennehy beat two tacklers on the outside channel before feeding back inside to Doherty who was able to run untouched under the posts for the try. Montgomery knocked over the conversion and it was now 10–27 on 50 minutes.
Almost instantly, Taylor-Dennehy almost snaffled an interception for a likely try which could have changed the last half hour of play. Sadly the ball went to ground and Hertford were able to clear their lines. The ever-popular Bartley now replaced Follows but it was the visitors who were soon back on the attack and looked likely to score from a rolling maul before a fine steal by Kennard. The visitors pressure was pretty incessant now and they had another attacking opportunity deep in Wells territory. However, pressure was relieved when a penalty was awarded at ruck with Bartley and Brown working hard in the near vicinity…..
On 61 minutes Straeche returned for the injured McGarvie, but the home side were finding it impossible to lift the Hertford pressure. With Wells having already been warned as a team for conceding too many penalties in their own 22, Bartley then received a yellow card for a perceived ruck infringement. Hertford chose the attacking line-out option in their quest for a fourth try and the bonus point. From this penalty a strong rolling maul saw Mongston score his hat-trick try and Lemon completed an immaculate kicking display given the conditions to add the conversion on 65 minutes. 10–34.
Brown and Doherty were two of Wells’ better players on the day and they continued to drive their team mates forward although with time running out any hopes of securing even a try bonus point were now looking slim. However, full credit should be given to the Wells team for their efforts. The visitors had now been reduced to 14 players themselves and, eventually, deep in injury time Whale was rewarded for his industrious performance when he showed great tenacity to twist out of the grasp of two defenders to score an unconverted try. Full Time 15-34.
Hertford are clearly the best team that a (depleted) Tunbridge Wells side have met during this league campaign thus far and they will no doubt learn lessons from this match. The need to shore up the set piece remains evident and, hopefully, with a larger squad to pick from Simon Whatling and his coaching team can work on this ahead of two tough games on the road over the next fortnight. Next week Wells travel to Guernsey and then the week after they visit joint league leaders Rochford Hundred for the first time.
Squad: Ryan Taylor-Dennehy (Capt); Richard Webster, Mike Doherty, Richard Murray (Ollie Allman), Max Hobbs; George Montgomery, Eddie Croft;; Kamil Wiecaszek, Aston Croall, Carl Straeche (Kyle McGarvie), Arek Janezcko, Ben Whale, Tom Follows (Tiggy Bartley), Ben Kennard, Chris Brown.
Elsewhere in the League
And then there were two……..
Five clubs started yesterday undefeated but with our defeat and Sidcup’s exciting 37-36 loss at Bedford Athletic this was reduced to three. Wimbledon had an impressive 18-44 win at Tring (always a tough place to play) to maintain their 100% record which left our next two opponents squaring off. It was Rochford Hundred who triumphed 43-27 over Guernsey maintaining their remarkable unbeaten run. Wimbledon and Rochford sit atop the league on 20 points, ahead of Sidcup, Guernsey and us on 16, 15 and 14 points. Hertford come next on 11 points head of London Irish Wild Geese on 10 and Sevenoaks one point further back after both secured home wins against Brighton (38-18) and Guildford (17-3) respectively. The final game saw Dorking win 18-24 on their trip to CS Stags 1863. The Stags and Brighton are the now only sides awaiting a win and they clash next week.
Graham Withers