Category: Senior

This Saturday 12th October

This Saturday 12th October we have:

1^st XV – away to Rochford Hundred
2^nd 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)

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.

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.

#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:

1^st XV – away to Guernsey – 2.30pm Kick off
2^nd XV – away to Old Colfeians II – 3pm kick off
3^rd 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

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

This Saturday 28th September

This Saturday 28th September we have:

1^st XV – Home to Hertford

2^nd XV – Home to Dartfordians 2s

3^rd XV – Away to Gillingham 2s

All 3pm Kickoffs

This Saturday also sees our Summer Ball and if you would like a last minute place (or table!) please contact Michelle

Last weekend’s results:

Brighton 26 Tunbridge Wells 38 (read the match report here)

Tonbridge Juddians 2s 81 Tunbridge Wells 2s 0

Tunbridge Wells 3s 24 East Peckham 56

The curtain raiser for 1s this week is provided by the under 8s who will be training and then providing a guard of honour for the first team game.

Lunch this week is a buffet at £10/head and if you would like a place please email Kathy

Match report – Brighton 26 Tunbridge Wells 38

Tunbridge Wells arrived in Brighton to blue skies, and the temperature in the low 20s, as they sought a hat-trick of wins to start the league campaign. Their hosts were promoted via the play-offs last season and were determined to take the honours having suffered defeats in their opening two games.

The starting XV featured three notable player changes. Two strong performances in the previous games from the bench earned George Montgomery a starting spot in the centre, and he was joined in the backs by “one of our own” as Charlie Rigby replaced the unavailable Eddie Croft at scrum half. In the front row, Stuart Nicholls could move to his preferred hooker spot as Brendan Crosilla returned for one last game ahead of his return to Australia, following two outstanding seasons at prop. Two Academy products in the shape of forward Tom Follows and winger Henry Toomer came on to the bench to earn their First XV ‘caps’ after strong displays in the Second XV.

With a firm pitch it was clear from the outset that this would be a perfect day for attacking play from the backs and given how well the Wells three-quarters had performed in the wins over Guildford and Dorking, the travelling support would have had high hopes of a positive result. However, as has so often been the case in this league, Wells were slow out of the traps and Brighton had all the early possession which was rewarded when a penalty made it 3-0 to the hosts after 5 minutes.

In fact, the visiting backs hardly got a sniff of the ball in the first quarter as the home side played virtually faultless rugby. “Virtually” is the important word here though as they could not turn this pressure into points. This was testament to fine and determined defending by the boys from St Marks who resolutely held the Sussex team at bay.

What was key to the game was how would Wells perform when when the opportunity to play with the ball finally came. The answer was that their first piece of good possession brought an excellent individual try as Mike Doherty ran onto the ball strongly taking a good line and galloped in from 50 metres shrugging off the Brighton full back as he approached the line. The conversion slipped wide. 3-5. Follows temporarily replaced the injured Josh Hawkins.

It was another 10 minutes before Brighton, finally, utilised their possession and they crossed the line capitalising on an untidy line-out to make it 8-5 on 30 minutes. To the pleasure of the Wells coaching staff, the response from their players was almost instant with centre Doherty demonstrating his strength again, breaking through the Brighton defensive line and making 15 metres before going to ground. The ball was recycled with the impressive George Montgomery taking it forward before it went through the hands of Doherty again, Ben Whale (industrious as ever) and Nicholls to in-form winger Max Hobbs. He accelerated into the left hand corner to finish a superb team try. Frank Reynolds’ fine conversion took it to 8-12 at half time. Considering Wells had just about 20% of possession in the first period some would consider the score flattering, but with stout defence, good competition at breakdown via the likes of Chris Brown and Mike Hathaway, some astute kicking to relieve pressure and most of all a deadly attacking force, the second half was eagerly awaited.

Just three minutes into the second half Wells were on the attack again with the backs spinning the ball from the left touchline to the right. Richard Webster did well taking the tackle, and offloading to the ever-supporting Mike Doherty who created the gap and passed to Hobbs who went in on the far left, carrying round to under the posts for his second try of the match, and his fifth in two games. Reynolds slotted the simple conversion. 8-19.

The Wells scrummage was much more secure this week with Crosilla and Kamil Wiecaszek performing well and with the Kent side very much in the ascendancy it looked simply a matter of time before the bonus point try came. Sure enough on 51 minutes the four-try point was in the bank. A set of phases started with Mike Doherty passing to brother Nick who carried strongly. Great continuity saw the ball pass through many sets of hands before finding its way back to team captain Ryan Taylor-Dennehy in the middle of the park. He had three defenders (one of whom was popular former Wells player Jake Thompson) between him and the line, but the skipper is an elusive runner and he left them flat-footed before gliding in under the posts. With Reynolds’ conversion the score was now 8-26 but with half an hour to go the game was far from settled.

To be fair to Brighton they never gave up and their response was immediate taking the score to 15-26 with a converted try. At this point the game became somewhat scrappy with Wells giving away far too many penalties which allowed Brighton to build pressure. Two successful penalty kicks saw the score clawed back to 21-26 with 15 minutes to go.

Nerves were now starting to spread amongst those on the touchline but the players remained confident that their backs would deliver. Wells were an attacking force throughout when in possession and with 10 minutes left on the clock they had an attacking scrum on the Brighton 22 metre line. The ball was fed out to Henry Toomer, who was now on, and he took a lovely line before jinking his way past four defenders for the score in the corner. What a debut moment! 21-31.

Wells finally put the win beyond doubt three minutes later with their sixth try. The ball was sent across the pitch at pace to the electric Hobbs, about 60 metres out. He burst past the defensive line and offloaded to Montgomery giving the centre a 40 metre run in eluding a determined Brighton chaser. The try was converted by Reynolds to make it 21-38. It was deep in stoppage time when Brighton got their third try taking the final score to 26-38.

Despite some definite areas for improvement – the line-out, loose passing and inefficiency at the re-start all made this game more difficult for Wells – these are exciting times to watch Tunbridge Wells with scintillating back-play paired with full commitment to the cause.

#oneTWRFC

Squad: Ryan Taylor-Dennehy (Capt); Richard Webster, Mike Doherty, George Montgomery, Max Hobbs; Frank Reynolds, Charlie Rigby; Kamil Wiecaszek, Stuart Nicholls, Brendan Crosilla, Josh Hawkins, Ben Whale, Mike Hathaway, Chris Brown, Nick Doherty. Subs: Luke Hawkins, Tom Follows, Henry Toomer.

Next week (28th September) Wells host a Hertford side who have performed strongly in this league for several seasons. Kick off is 3 pm and all travelling support would be greatly appreciated.

Elsewhere in the League

Wells remain one of five sides to have won all three games thus far. Wimbledon and Rochford Hundred sit atop the league on 15 points, after 50-19 and 19-40 wins at home to Sevenoaks and away to Bedford Athletic respectively. Guernsey won again at Hertford (17-21) whilst fellow Kent club Sidcup continued their fine start to the season with a tight 26-22 win over Tring. The Channel Islanders, the South-East Londoners and Wells then come next on 14 points. Finally, Dorking and Guildford (the teams Wells had beaten previously) recorded their first victories with home wins over London Irish Wild Geese 22-7 (Dorking) and CS Stags 1863 24-7 (Guildford).

Graham Withers

TWRFC Summer Ball 28th September 2019

We are looking forward to the second TWRFC Summer Ball to be held this year in the President’s Suite, High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9JJ on Saturday 28th September at 7pm. The dress code is black tie.

Timings for the evening are:
7.00pm Bar open and arrival drinks served
7.30pm Sit down (and stand up for heads and tails with Steve Daly)
7.45pm First course served, followed by main course and dessert
10.00pm Dancing
2.00am End

During the dessert course we will be drawing the raffle and holding the auction. Tim McCabe will be your auctioneer for the evening.

Costs
The heads and tails will be £5 per person
Raffle tickets are £10 and we have some great prizes for you
Auction items include a week in a luxury villa in France, a meal for 10 prepared and served in your home, a private tour for 4 people with lunch at the Curious Brewery, dinner for 4 at a Whiting and Hammond pub and Sunday lunch with wine cooked for you by Steve Wickenden.

Menu:
Timbale of smoked salmon filled with crab in a mayonnaise sauce
Tomato and mozzarella salad with basil and olive oil dressing (v)
Roast fillet of beef sliced and served with a rich barolo wine and balsamic sauce, veg and potatoes
Provencale risotto, spicy ratatouille and tomato risotto with grilled polenta wedges (v)
Panna cotta, cooked cream dessert with limoncello syrup and fresh raspberries
Coffee and petits fours

If you would like to pre-order wine please contact High Rocks on 01892 515532 (please note they are closed on Monday and Tuesday).

If anyone has not paid please do so by paying into the TWRFC Bank Account
Account name: TWRFC Ltd
Account number: 63033597
Sort code: 208813

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