Category: Match Report

Match Report: TWRFC 31 – 31 Bedford Athletic

TUNBRIDGE WELLS RFC 1st XV. 31. BEDFORD ATHLETIC RFC 1st XV. 31.

Bedford Athletic made their first visit to Tunbridge Wells in this London and SE Premier League game and chose to play up the slope with the wind in the first half. This looked like a good choice as they took a 7-0 lead after 9 minutes as Wells fluffed a clearance kick. It took four further minutes for Wells to be back on terms as a handling move including returning skipper Ryan Taylor-Dennehy saw the ball into the hands of Matt Spicer who took his chance well to score in the corner with fly half Frank Reynolds pulling off a great conversion against the wind from the touchline.

By this time Wells had established a scrum dominance which they were to maintain for the rest of the game with Croall, Pankhurst and Crosilla turning the screw. Wells despite being against the wind handled well and occupied a high field position and increased their score on 16 minutes as Christian Earle finished a rolling maul and Reynolds again added the points 14-7. The game see-sawed from end to end for the next 16 minutes with both sides defences to the fore but Bedford drew Level on 31 minutes with a fine midfield passing movement which culminated in centre Sawford-Smith scoring under the posts and Mortimer converting 14-14. Soon afterwards the visitor’s skipper Rob Watkins got a yellow card and spent 10 minutes out of the game.

Wells though came straight back as the visitors made a handling error in midfield picked up by back row Josh Hawkins and continued through several hands to Nick Doherty who scored Wells third try with Reynolds getting the conversion for a half time lead of 21-14 and with the wind to come in the second half.

The general conclusion at halftime was that Bedford had not tactically used the conditions and Wells immediately on the restart put the ball in the top right hand corner of the pitch through fly half Reynolds and scrum half Charlie Rigby and kept the opposition trapped there for long periods. This territorial advantage saw Reynolds increase Wells lead on 52 minutes with a simple penalty 24-14. The period between that score and the 75th minute saw Bedford unable to get into the Wells half but apart from a slick handling move which looked like George Montgomery had scored a fourth try but pulled back for a marginal forward pass Wells could not breach the Bedford defence.

It took until the 75th minute for a fourteen phase ‘pick and drive ‘ battering of the Visitors line for the ball to move wide to Christian Earle who took his second try and the bonus well with Reynolds again adding the extras. 31-14.

This remained the score until injury time when the game took a completely different character with Bedford running the ball almost it seemed in desperation. It proved not to be desperation as a tiring Wells side with no ability to bring on fresh players from the bench were stretched wide with Bedford scoring unconverted tries on 80 and 83 minutes before scoring another right on full-time. Mortimer who had not until then had the best afternoon with the boot adding the extras to tie the game with time up.

Both sides gained 3 points for a draw and a try bonus but for Wells this was two points lost as they turn to their next game against CS Stags in West London this Saturday KO 3pm. The town side will look forward to getting some of their injured and unavailable back as they seek to play towards mid table by the end of the campaign.

Roger Clarke

Match Report: Bentwood 17 – 38 TWRFC

BRENTWOOD 17 – 38 TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Wells travelled across to Brentwood this week following the loss to Guildford the week before knowing that they had to win this game to avoid the relegation zone. Brentwood on the other hand were extremely confident quoting that this match would be an easy win for them. They were in for quite a shock as the Wells were fired up for this match and were not going down without a fight.

Wells started the game against the wind and up the slope and soon found themselves under a lot of pressure from Brentwood who used their big forwards to punch holes in the Wells defence. Wells were camped on their line for several periods of time but managing to keep them out with solid defence from Hathaway, Doherty and Isbell. After 13 minutes however Wells found themselves offside at the ruck and were penalised with Brentwood converting to make the score 3-0. Straight from the kick off Brentwood piled on more pressure pinning Wells back down in the corner and it was on 32 minutes when their bulky centre punched through a gap and scored between the posts which was converted making the score 10-0. Wells then started their comeback with a great break from Doherty at the base of the scrum, feeding Caddy who skipped through a couple of tackles only for the last pass to go to ground. Just before half time Wells pressured Brentwood again and after several phases lively scrum half Storkey danced his way over the try line, between the posts for Reynolds to convert taking the half time score to 10-7.

The second half started the same as the first with Brentwood taking the game to Wells and scoring first with a try which was also converted, making the score 17-7. This woke Wells up and they soon started playing more territory and using the wind. Some strong running from the front row of Straeche, Nicholls and Crosilla tested the Brentwood defence and this eventually paid off with Man of the match Crosilla crossing the line between the posts, again for Reynolds to score. Brentwood never got out of their half again with Wells now firing on all cylinders. Excellent lineout work from Earle and Hawkins secured solid ball and another strong driving phase saw Earle power his way over between the posts for Reynolds to covert. 17-24. After another strong lineout, a catch and drive saw the returning Pankhurst finish off a rolling maul for Reynolds to covert again. With only a few minutes remaining Talbot replaced Isbell and Clough replaced Storkey. Wells however were not finished and some excellent handing and interplay involving the lively Montgomery, Reynolds, Hathaway, N Doherty feeding his brother Mike Doherty to finish off with an excellent try between the post converted by Reynolds making the final score 17-38.

Wells will take a lot of positives from this game particularly their dogged defence and take it on to their next game in two weeks against the league leaders Sutton & Epsom at home at St Marks. KO 2-30pm.

John Crees
Tunbridge Wells RFC Chairman

Match Report: TWRFC 26 – 10 Shelford

Wells kicked off the first game of 2019 in calm conditions and with a near perfect pitch to play on against bottom side Shelford in this London and SE Premier Division game.
Dave Allen and George Montgomery both remained on the injured list with Luke Hawkins and Jake Caddy replacing them.
The home side started the slower of the two and for the first few minutes found it difficult to generate pace or space as a result. Shelford for their part were quicker but a little lateral in their movement. Nevertheless it was the visitors who looked more like scoring missing a relatively simple penalty on 2 minutes and then scoring a try down the left as Wells lost possession and then completely misjudged the kick ahead to see Lewis Cracknell go in for an unconverted try after 5 minute 0-5.

Wells then had more of the ball but had a tendency to lose possession in the collision.
However, they did occupy a higher field position and on 16 minutes Nick Doherty made a telling burst on the right to feed Mike Hathaway who took the perfect line to score and for Frank Reynolds to convert. 7-5.
Wells continued to create chances going close before a knock- on in the 21st minute and dominating the line out and scrum. Scores would not come, however,due to the spirit of the Shelford team and an inability to keep possession in the loose.
It was not until the last 10 minutes of the half that the town side found some continuity and cohesion as they first took advantage of a poor kick ahead to counter attack with the ball being moved smartly to centre Mike Doherty who carved the perfect outside break and then cut into the posts for the try with Reynolds adding the extras on 39 minutes 14-5.
Finally in the 41st minute Wells countered from even deeper as they turned the ball over in their own 22 with Nick Doherty carrying for 40 meters before passing onto Christian Earle in space who got to five metres before handing the try to the supporting wing Richard Webster in the right corner for an unconverted try and a halftime lead of 19-5.

With Wells playing towards Frant in the second half many on the touchline expected play to be in that direction but the cohesion achieved prior to the break seemed to have been lost in the changing room and despite dominating the set pieces Wells continued to lose the ball in the loose. An attempted clearance kick down the right was executed poorly in the 52nd minute which allowed Shelford to get up steam and feed the ball to their outstanding young second row Fred Betteridge who got over for an unconverted try 19-10.
This try seemed to sting Wells who enjoyed a period of play where with the back row and the pack in general driving forward they pinned Shelford on their line. First Mike Doherty was hauled down 6 inches short of the line and Wells were then awarded a penalty within seconds which they opted to scrummage. The Wells 8 drove over the line for No 8 Nick Doherty to get the touch down and the bonus point try on 64 minutes. 26-10.

At this point most felt the job had been done despite the spirit of the Shelford side.
However, that old friend indiscipline cropped up again with second row Josh Hawkins getting a yellow on 72 minutes. This did not prevent substitute Scrum half Anthony Storkey making a supercharged run down the right touchline to be hauled down metres short of the try line by an outstanding tackle from Shelford full back Shingai Chiwanga.
There was still time for Wells to go down to 13 men for the last 4 minutes of the game as Matt Spicer took an offside yellow for the team as they successfully kept the visitors at bay until the final whistle.

Wells now have to make sure that the all of the ring rustiness from the Christmas break has gone in order to bring back points from third placed Westcliff next week KO 2 00 pm. To do this they will have to play in more than patches as they seek to continue the move towards the top half of the table.

Roger Clarke.

Match Report: Wimbledon 10 – 5 TWRFC

On a very wet, cold and windy afternoon, the Wells visited Wimbledon who are currently leading the London & SE Premier league. Earlier in the Season Wimbledon beat the Wells comprehensively by 52-8 and Wells were adamant that this type of result was not going to happen again. Wells saws the return of Ben Williams, Richard Webster and debutant James Catt strengthening the pack.

Wells kicked off with the wind and pressurised Wimbledon with immediate effect. Only solid defence from Wimbledon thwarted Wells from scoring, with strong running from Catt, Hathaway and Doherty. Good handling in the backs threatened Wimbledon phase after phase. Against the run of play Wimbledon made their way downfield and after 12 minutes saw them score their first try through pick and drives from their bulky pack.

Wells fought straight back through good phase play, direct running and great handling given the conditions. They were rewarded quickly after a 5 metre scrum saw George Montgomery dive over the line to level the scores.

Just before half time Wells were on the attack again pressurizing the Wimbledon line and testing their defence. With an overlap looming, Taylor-Dennehy’s pass was intercepted by the Wimbledon winger, who sprinted away only to be caught on the 22 by Taylor-Dennehy, who was adjudged to have seat belt tackled the player, then sent to the bin for 10 minutes. Wimbledon kicked to the corner and from the ensuing lineout, drove over the Wells line to take the half time score to 10-5.

Second half and the conditions got worse. Wells immediately went into attacking mode and pressurized Wimbledon continuously for 40 minutes. Some strong running by Webster drove Wells forward and Wells found themselves camped on the Wimbledon three times, unable to convert the points by either knocking on or sealing off the ball. The solid defence of Wimbledon held out and the final whistle went, leaving the final score at 10-5. Given the conditions the standard of rugby from both sides was excellent and Wells left, feeling that they let this one slip through their fingers again.

Wells now have a two week break for Christmas and come back in the New Year to face Shelford at St Marks on 5th January.

John Crees

Match Report: TWRFC 18 – 3 Dorking

TUNBRIDGE WELLS RFC 1ST XV. 18. DORKING RFC 1ST XV. 3

Wells faced visitors Dorking- one place above them in L and SE Premier league- at a rain soaked and windswept St Marks. Pre match changes both planned and unplanned saw Chris Pentney, Ben Isbell, Richard Murray and Jake Caddy starting with Luke Hawkins joining the bench.
Wells kicked off up the hill with the wind advantage in the first half and immediately established a territorial dominance they would not relinquish all half. Within 5 minutes Frank Reynolds had missed a penalty goal which he made up for only 2 minutes later to give Wells the lead 3-0. Wells from the kick off were immediately back into the Dorking 22 and after a neat dribble by several Wells players kept the pressure on as they drove at the visitors line. Eventually patience was rewarded as No8 Nick Doherty went over between the posts on 14 minutes and Reynolds converting for a 10-0 lead.
With a number of changes already to the side Wells did not want further disruption but got it when key prop Ben Williams and back row Ben Isbell collided with each other and played no further part in the game being replaced by Carl Straeche and Luke Hawkins.
This made no difference, however, to Wells dominance as they continued to occupy a high field position which earnt them a further Reynolds penalty and a near miss from 45 metres from George Montgomery. The halftime whistle seeing Wells 13-0 up having had close to 80% of the possession in difficult conditions.

With the conditions the same in the second half Dorking supporters could have reasonably expected to gain an advantage particularly from the wind but this never happened as tenacious tackling and some sharp break outs kept Wells on top.
Dorking suffered their own injury as a back was carried off with a suspected ankle fracture soon after the restart. If Dorking were to come back they needed to do so early and at around the start of the last quarter it looked like they might as first they were held up over the Wells try line and then had two successive penalty awards in front of the posts but chose to scrum. Wells withstood this onslaught as the pack led by skipper for the day Mike Hathaway won the turnover and got the ball some 35 metres up the field.
With Richard Webster replacing Richard Murray Wells made 50 metres on the left through a pacy touch line run from Mike Doherty. Maintaining the position the Wells pack then put in a succession of pick and drives before Anthony Storkey spotted a mismatch in defence on the right. Quick hands to right wing Matt Spicer saw him in for the try at the corner to seal the game in the 73rd minute.

This was a very good performance from the Wells with special mention for Chris Pentney and for Carl Straeche who stuck to their roles well. Stuart Nicholls throwing in the line out is becoming an art form in wild conditions and backs and forwards can take credit for their aggressive and often offensive tackling. Skipper Hathaway took the Man of the Match award for a huge tackle count which exemplified the Wells performance.

This Saturday Wells visit Kent rivals Sidcup KO 2 00 pm as they look to get higher in the league positions before the Christmas Break.

Roger Clarke.

Match Report: Chingford 23 – 21 TWRFC

Chingford RFC 23 Tunbridge Wells RFC 21

With a thick covering of dark grey cloud and a stiff cold breeze coming across the pitch it was never going to be a comfortable afternoon. The last time these two sides met was in the incredibly close playoff match which led to us being promoted into this league two seasons ago with Chingford following us up at the start of this season.

Wells started brightly putting together a lovely passage of play with the ball going through hands to Richard Webster who went in at pace and scored in the far corner after 2 minutes. Unconverted. 0 – 5 to Wells. Another 7 minutes and Frank Reynolds made no mistake with the penalty, taking it to 0 – 8. From the restart Chingford’s fullback landed awkwardly damaging his knee and leading to a pause in play for some minutes. When play restarted it seemed Chingford were energised and they came back with a powerful attack which led to a score in the corner. 5 – 8. Both sides continued to work hard in the middle of the field but there was no further score for 15 minutes. With Wells conceding too many penalties in the danger zone Chingford took advantage converting two taking the score to 11 – 8 just short of half time. But then with a Chingford infringement around 20m from their line Frank Reynolds kicked a penalty to the corner for a lineout. The ball was successfully spun out to the backs and after a few probing attacks fed out to Ryan Taylor-Dennehy who took it in for the score in the corner on the stroke of half time. 11 – 15.

Chingford started well in the second half and after some sustained pressure the ref determined that Mike Doherty had his hands in the ruck and was sent to the bin for 10 minutes. Chingford capitalised with a try taking the score to 18 – 15. Three minutes later Wells replied with another penalty drawing the scores level. 18 – 18. And ten minutes later, another. 18 – 21. With the light well and truly fading, and the clock moving slowly towards full time Wells found themselves back down to 14 again after further pressure on the Wells line resulted in a yellow for Josh Hawkins. Chingford piled on the pressure and eventually went over for their final try. 23 – 21 Full time.

Head Coach, Simon Whatling, said “Clearly we were all disappointed at the end of the game. Discipline let us down and we weren’t as accurate as we should have been. We go again next week with the arrival of Dorking.”

TWRFC v Dorking RFC Saturday 1st December 2pm.

Bruce Elliott

Match Report: TWRFC 24 – 18 CS Stags

TUNBRIDGE WELLS 24 CS STAGS 18

This week saw Wells entertain CS Stags 1863 at St Marks on a sunny but chilly Saturday afternoon. CS were promoted last year and had already taken the scalp of Wimbledon, the league leaders, early on in the Season. They sat in 11th spot in the league, one position below Wells, so this game was important for both sides and the game certainly showed this.

Wells started strongly putting CS under pressure from the kick off. Only the final pass going astray or silly errors preventing Wells from scoring. However after 5 minutes CS made a break and Wells were penalised for offside in front of their posts which CS converted, making the score 0-3. Wells fought straight back and after several attacks, they were awarded a penalty which Frank Reynolds converted with ease. Strong running from the backrow of Allen, Hathaway and Doherty finally paid off when Nick Doherty picked up from the base of a ruck and powered over for Wells’ first try, converted by Reynolds. 10-3.

Soon after, on the brink of half time, strong phases of play, with Stu Nicholls hitting Earle in the lineout, Wells scored their second try with George Montgomery skipping his way around the defence to score under the posts. Again converted by Reynolds, taking the score to 17-3. The referee then added another 8 minutes of extra time much to the bemusement of the supporters and players, CS Stags scored a try in the corner in 48th minute taking the half time score to 17-8

Cs started the second half much stronger having been boosted by their extra time try and put Wells under a huge amount of pressure testing the defence of the home side. Wells held strong and it was not long before they were back in attack.

From a lineout on the 22 they caught and drove in a unit and could not be stopped, Dave Allen touching down from a magnificent forward effort. Reynolds again converting to take the score to 24-8.

CS were not going to give up, however, Wells lost prop Ben Williams to an injury and this was a key point in the game. Cs pressurised Wells in the scrum and were finally rewarded with another try which they converted following on with another penalty taking the final score to 24-18.

Wells will be happy with another win under their belts following a disappointing result against Bedford a couple of weeks ago. A great all round performance and a debut appearance from Anthony Storkey at scrum half, who also had an excellent game.

Wells travel to Chingford next week (KO 2 30pm)whom they last played in the promotion play off 2 Seasons ago, coming out victors by 2 points after extra time. Wells will be looking for a further victory on the road as they look to close a 4 point gap to the sides above them.

John Crees

Match Report: Bedford Athletic 35 – 22 TWRFC

BEDFORD ATHLETIC RFC 35. TUNBRIDGE WELLS RFC. 22

Wells had a day to forget on Saturday as the journey took 4 and a half hours- Dartford tunnel closure- and then despite floodlights the referee insisted on starting the game less than 30 minutes after arrival.

Despite this a relatively unchanged starting line up Carl Straeche for Ben Williams -the only change- started reasonably well with Frank Reynolds kicking the visitors into the lead and then converting a well taken Mike Doherty try in the corner to give a ten point lead in as many minutes.

Things were to get worse from this point on as first Wells lost Richard Murray- replaced by Richard Webster- to a head injury and then lost Max Edmonton to a yellow card which proved pivotal as the Bedford number 14 led a try fest as the home team scored 17 points in the period whilst Edmonton was off. Bedford rounded this off with a further converted try to leave Wells trailing by 25-10 at halftime.

Wells started the second half in better form but without a platform in the tight found it difficult to close the gap as they would have hoped. Player coach Dave Allen got a try on the Board from a line out catch and drive and Richard Webster picked up a well executed try converted by Reynolds. Further disruption though followed as scrum- half Edmonton received what appeared to be a serious ankle injury which caused a further delay to the game whilst he was treated. With this loss of momentum Wells then conceded a further penalty and an unconverted try to kill any chance of bonus points or victory. Little consolation that they took the second half despite the disruption 12-10.

Squad: Crosilla, Nicholls, Straeche, Earle, Josh Hawkins, Hathaway, Allen, N Doherty, Isbell. Edmonton, Reynolds, Murray, Montgomery, Bailey, M Doherty, Caddy, Webster, Taylor- Dennehy.

Match Report: Sutton & Epsom 18 – 32 TWRFC

SUTTON AND EPSOM RFC 1St XV. 18. TUNBRIDGE WELLS RFC 1ST XV. 32.

Wells started this game with changes at hooker and second row as Stuart Nicholls took the hooker position and Christian Earle returned to the second row. In the backs Mike Doherty returned from injury to be joined in the centre by George Montgomery. Newcomer Richard Murray started on the right wing and skipper Ryan Taylor- Dennehy returned to full back.

Wells were soon dominating play and territory and after 10 minutes should have finished a sweeping move on the right but didn’t quite get there. On 11 minutes and within 2 meters of the try line on the left Sand E winger Kyren Ghumra intercepted and went the length of the field to score with Sam Hurley converting 7-0.

Within a minute though Wells had replied as skipper Taylor – Dennehy chipped over the defence for Jake Caddy to score on the left 7-5.

Wells continued to dominate in the scrummage and with turnover ball being earnt by a strong back row of Allen, Nick Doherty and Hathaway. It took though until the 26 th minute for a penetrative run from Mike Doherty to earn a penalty which Frank Reynolds kicked 7-8.

Hurley kicked another penalty on 33 mins as Wells strayed offside 10-8and then contrived whilst pressing on the S and E line to give the ball to Ghumra again who needed no prompt to sprint the length of the pitch again to increase the home sides lead at the break to 15-8.

Despite this score the Wells players and supporters believed they could take the second half as SAnd E had not breached the Wells defence in open play and had been blowing hard as the half came to a conclusion.

It did not take long to see S and E’s lead reduced as on 45 minutes Caddy threatened the home line in the corner only to be taken out with a high tackle and referee Mike Lamb signalling a penalty try 15-15.

S and E hit back shortly afterwards with a further penalty from Hurley 18-15 but by then it was one way traffic as when S and E had the ball they were one dimensional and Wells dominated possession and position.

On 56 minutes Murray took a high ball and fed wide as Mike Doherty carved an arc to the line taking the try under the posts for Reynolds to convert 18-22.

Wells continued to pin S and E in their own half as they applied the screw punching up at close quarters and then testing the home side out wide as the forwards continued to win turnover ball. Ultimately S and E had to crack and it was Mike Hathaway taking a great line from deep who took a flat pass and powered over under the posts for Reynolds to convert on 75 minutes 18-29 and the try bonus point.

The game came to a conclusion with Wells camped in the home 22 and there was still time for George Montgomery to slot a low drop goal to seal a 18-32 win which moves Wells up to 10th against an S and E side in 5th place before the game started.
Wells will need to maintain this improved form next Saturday at St Marks when they entertain Tring KO 3 00 pm.

Squad: Crosilla, Nicholls, Williams, Straeche, Josh Hawkins, Earle, Pentney, Hathaway, Allen, Nick Doherty, Edmonton, Reynolds, Murray, Montgomery, Mike Doherty, Caddy, Spicer, Taylor- Dennehy.

Match Report: TWRFC 17 – 26 Brentwood

This was the first game between these sides in an official league game although they have met in preseason friendlies. Having gone down in injury time the week before the home side were eager to make amends

Sadly for spectators and players for the second time at home in consecutive fixtures it was wet and gusty and this was to have a very big influence on the way the game unfolded.

Wells were without Josh Pankhurst, injured and Christian Earle unavailable with Luke Hawkins and Chris Pentney taking their places. Skipper Ryan Taylor- Dennehy moving to the centre to accommodate the returning George Montgomery at full back in his first start since returning from London Irish Wild Geese.

Max Hobbs started on the right wing.

Wells had the elements first kicking off down the hill and with the wind and needed to build a reasonable lead if they were still to be ahead at the end. With seven minutes on the clock a sustained pick and drive saw the home team over the line but the ball was knocked on in the act of scoring. It was not until the 17th minute that Frank Reynolds kicked a simple penalty after Brentwood’s Adam Thomas was sent to the sin bin as punishment for repeated team misdemeanours close to their line. 3-0.

Despite pinning Brentwood in their 22 it took until the 23rd minute for Wells to threaten on the right with ball being skilfully directed to George Montgomery entering the line for the try which Reynolds converted 10-0. For the next ten minutes or so using the elements Wells pinned Brentwood down but could not add to their score as the visitors defended valiantly. It took until the 35th minute for Wells to move the ball wide on halfway where left wing Jake Caddy beat his opposite number on the outside to then feed the supporting Reynolds who scored close to the posts and converted his own try for a 17-0 lead. At this point another try would have been a reasonable return but it was the visitors who in their first visit to the Wells 22 found space out wide for a diagonal kick to right wing  Liam Batty who finished the scoring for both teams on 37 minutes 17-5. Max Hobbs departing the field with a serious shoulder injury as the half concluded to be replaced by Matt Spicer.

In  normal circumstances Wells lead could and should have been enough but the rain intensified and it was the home teams turn to be pinned in their own half. This pressure was rarely relieved as conditions made it difficult for both sides to handle the ball with Wells experiencing big problems at the line out where securing their own ball became difficult. Within two minutes of the restart the home tackling was found wanting down the left as fullback Toby Simpson scored with fly half Brad Burr converting 17-12. For the next 18 minutes Wells found it increasingly difficult to break out as a combination of inaccurate passing under pressure and poor technical kicking from hand added to their inability to make progress up the park. When they did all too often the movement was too lateral to make real progress. It took Brentwood until the 60th minute to go ahead as not for the first time they spotted space on the right flank and another diagonal kick found Batty in space again to score with Burr converting from the touchline. 17-19.

Despite some manful defending Wells continued to find it difficult to break out and in the 68th minute a poor clearance kick found Brentwood fullback Simpson in space as he moved the ball wide for Batty to finish with a hat trick and for Burr to convert again 17-26. Try as they might for the last 17 minutes of the game Wells could not find the pattern or incisiveness in the conditions to launch a counter and the game came to an end with no further score.

Wells have to ponder their third home defeat in a row and despite a better start can only rue one or two missed chances in the first half and a very narrow backs defence which offered the opposition four tries on the flanks. The elements clearly had a big role to play as Wells won the first half with them 17-5 and Brentwood the second 21-0.

With six games gone in the league season Wells reach the first rest week on 12 points but with this defeat drop to third from bottom in a league which is unforgiving if you don’t take your chances. Time for Simon Whatling and his coaches to work on tactics and technique prior to Wells getting on the road to Sutton and Epsom for a 3 00pm KO on the 20th October to start the process of moving back up the table.