Category: Senior

Westcombe Park RFC 32 Tunbridge Wells RFC 27

On Saturday Wells 1st XV travelled the relatively short distance up the A21 to play Westcombe Park. Allegedly 13c but feeling much colder, with a strong South Westerly breeze, this was another overcast but dry afternoon.

Westcombe Park started brightly, playing away from their distant clubhouse with the wind at their backs. After just 4 minutes they had the opportunity of an early lead with a relatively central penalty kick just outside the Wells 22 but the opportunity was missed. It was to be another 15 minutes or so of relative parity between the sides and no significant attacks from either team before Wells worked their way up to the Westcombe Park 22 culminating in a penalty which Luke Giles sent over giving Wells the first score of the match on 20 minutes. 0-3

From the restart Westcombe Park attacked with energy going through phases testing the Wells defence and ultimately scoring in the top right hand corner. 5-3

The next 15 minutes or so saw prolonged pressure from Wells, often playing in and around the Westcombe Park 22. The work rate was upped and as Wells went through the phases eventually the pressure told and a penalty drawn.

The kick was to the corner and the following lineout, thrown by Nick Doherty, was good. The ball was moved quickly out to Nick’s brother Mike who twisted and turned his way through the defence to ground the ball for Wells’ first try of the match. 5-10

Again Westcombe Park responded with energy going through a number of phases. Wells stoutly defended for a few minutes while Westcombe Park explored, looking for gaps, finally making their way over just outside the posts. 42 minutes from the initial kick off. 12-10

The restart saw a beautiful tip back from Toby Talbot to Charley Smith who set off, spinning the ball out to the backs and across to Angus Horne who dinked the ball through into the Westcombe Park 22. The clearance kick didn’t travel far.

Shortly afterwards Luke Giles kicked through, with the ball hanging in the air at an awkward height, giving Max Hobbs a difficult take but he made no mistake and was only brought down just short of the Westcombe Park line. Unfortunately penalised. Double movement? Westcombe Park cleared and from the following lineout launched another solid attack working through the phases, sucking the defence in and then going out wide and all the way in. 50 minutes from the initial kick off. 17-10 and Half Time.

Overall the first half had been gritty and a bit niggly at times, with Wells defending fairly well overall, but with Westcombe Park showing more energy in attack.

Both sides would be looking to control the narrative with the first try of the second half. It was Westcombe Park who scored first, and early. After a knock on from the kick off Westcombe Park used quick hands to dot down inside two minutes. 24-10

A few minutes later from a Westcombe Park lineout around their 40m mark the ball was moved quickly to their centre who found a gap and took the ball all the way to our 22. A scrambling defence soon got organised and held out phase after phase on Wells try line. Wells eventually won a penalty and with an impressive kick from Luke Giles found themselves back in the Westcombe Park half. Westcombe Park gave away another penalty which saw the kick go to the corner for a Wells lineout. The throw was deemed not straight leading to a Westcombe Park scrum. The ball went out to the centre again with a gap found and the following attack saw Westcombe Park move all the way up to Wells 22 again, with the ball spilled forward. Lucky escape.

A few minutes later saw a decent kick through from Wells. Toby Wallace showed his impressive top speed on the chase through and forced the Westcombe Park defence to scoop the ball and carry over his own line before grounding. Scrum 5m to Wells.

The scrum saw some beautiful interplay between brothers Nick and Mike Doherty as Wells 8, Nick, collected the ball from the back of the scrum launching himself round the scrum towards the defence and cleverly offloading to centre, Mike, who came through from deep, at pace, and took it in for an easy try beside the posts. 25 minutes. 24-17

8 minutes later and Wells were back on their 22. With offside given Westcombe Park take the 3. 27-17.

The next few minutes saw play in both 22s. A penalty around Wells 22 saw a tremendous kick from Luke Giles almost taking the ball from 22 to 22.

A few minutes later saw a Westcombe Park scrum on their 22. Penalised for wheeling, Luke Giles takes the 3. 30 minutes. 27-20.

The next 10 minutes saw strong attack from Westcombe Park, and solid defence from Wells. Desperate defence from Wells eventually saw the ref giving Matt Spicer a yellow card. Westcombe Park made the most of the extra man and scored their final try of the game. 40 minutes from the initial kick off. 32-20.

For the remainder of the match Wells played with urgency, applying pressure and working through the phases, drawing penalties – pick and go. Nick Doherty got to within a couple of metres. Chris Shorter stopped slightly closer. Eventually the ball was spun out through fast hands to Toby Wallace who stretched his legs and went into the corner for the final score of the match. 32-27.

As has been the case so often this season this was, at times, a frustrating and bemusing performance. It was good to see no points conceded in the first 15 minutes of the first half. The scrum was solid as we’ve come to expect each week. The lineout was improved. Luke Giles kicking was as good as I’ve seen from him this season. There were flashes of quality in the backs attacking lines, but as a team Wells were far too often playing response rather than setting the tone, which ultimately makes every job tougher. This is a team of good players, but we’ve yet to see them put together an 80 minute performance deserving of their overall talent.

Next week sees us welcome North Walsham to St Mark’s – Saturday 13th November – 2.30pm k.o.

Bruce Elliott

Match report – Tunbridge Wells 0 Sevenoaks 45

RIVALRY – a Noun meaning “competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.”

If you substitute the word “in” to make it “on the same field” then this, perhaps, encapsulates perfectly the rugby relationship between the rugby clubs of Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. That this has been an amiable rivalry, with strong friendships within and between both clubs, has not made it any less competitive over the past few years. We have, by and large, plied our trade at the same level with Wells often reaching promotion a season ahead of Oaks, only for our peers “up the A21” to join us in at the end of the following campaign. Cue a series of local derbies.

In recent times it is fair to say that the team from St Marks have held sway with the last Sevenoaks win being a nerve-wracking 26-27 victory in December 2015 in a match hosted by the Skinners School. Since then, Wells have won 5 and drawn 2 of the ensuing matches, although the teams could not be split when last facing each other in the 2019-20 pre-Covid season. Wells were undoubtedly fortunate to cling on to a 15-15 draw in the pitch-black of a dark St Marks, in a game featuring 4 attacking line-outs stemming from penalties to the visitors in the 9 minutes of added-time. The re-match was again tight with the Knole Paddock crowd breathing the sighs of relief this time as Wells missed a last grasp opportunity in an 18-18 draw. It is fair to say that Sevenoaks were “due one”…..

That was then, and this is now. Sevenoaks travelled down the A21 to Wells in confident mood. Sitting third in the league, they had won their last 6 games after an opening day loss at Hertford, scoring 211 points and conceding just 52 in the process. The hosts, on the other hand, had lost 6 of their 7 games and sat 13th of 14th in the London & Southeast Premier League. Athough they could take some heart from the fact that several of these defeats were close, it was ominous that two of the sides that had recently bested them (Sidcup and Brighton) had been thumped by over 50 points by Sevenoaks since then. Tunbridge Wells Chairman Mike Rigby said in his very engaging post-lunch speech, “the form book can go out of the window in derby matches” and of course he is correct, but current form also must have a bearing and, sadly for the St Marks’ faithful, this was to be a game that “went to form”…..

A very healthy crowd in the region of 400 saw the visitors kick off down the hill under a bright blue sky with a relatively modest (by St Marks standards) cross-field wind coming off the Frant Road. Oaks clearly showed their attacking intent in the opening exchanges, looking to achieve quick ball from the forwards and play an expansive game. That this is the same approach Wells seek to take too, bode well for an entertaining afternoon’s rugby but it was the visitors who were to gain the upper-hand and never let their grip loosen.

Ben Adams pushed a first long-range penalty shot wide for Oaks on 4 minutes but they were soon back on the attack after former Wells player Shaydn Osgood (who had moved to Wells from Oaks in the 2017/18 season following our promotion to this league) received an over-exuberant welcome back from home skipper Mike Doherty who was penalised for a high tackle. Oaks have historically had a very strong and effective line-out “catch and drive” and this brought the first trigger call of “processes”, only for them to be penalised for blocking-off. Luke Giles found an excellent relieving kick, but it was to be a temporary line-out respite though as the game progressed.

On 7 minutes, the visitors had a line-out on their left wing 40 metres out. Having moved play in-field they then cleverly switched the attack back to the blind side and created a try for a player who must be a leading contender to having one of the best names ever of a try-scorer at St Marks!? Full back Patrick Pellegrini (fresh from an invite to train with the touring Tonga national side mid-week), made an excellent outside break before beating the rushing defenders with a well-timed inside pass to winger Te Awa Hou Rare Morris (Awa to his friends) who dotted down. A fine left-footed touchline conversion by Adams made it 0-7.

Wells responded well and as Oaks started to incur the wrath of excellent young official Conor Boyle, a clever short line-out between home hooker Stuart Nicholls and prop Gabriel O’Brien kept Wells on the front foot. Flanker Toby Talbot made a strong carry and outside backs Angus Horne and Toby Wallace linked well to release the ever-dangerous left-winger Max Hobbs. A neat Giles chip under the posts, whilst penalty advantage was being played, very nearly created a try but Wells now had the chance of an attacking 5 metre line-out instead. Sadly, this time the Nicholls-O’Brien combination was thwarted as the ball failed to travel the requisite 5 metres and Oaks were able to clear their lines.
Soon after Nicholls connected with lock Jack Lord and a strong maul produced a Wells penalty Sadly, it also heralded a phase that was to last the remainder of the match, where the Wells line-out was to start misfiring, and the visitors were able to clear.

A robust James Fotheringham run put Oaks back on the attack and it took a brave sliding effort by home full back Wallace to thwart the visiting centre’s chip and chase. This came at the expense of an Oaks attacking scrum 25 metres out. The scrum set-piece was fiercely contested throughout with home ‘Man of the Match’ Charley Smith exerting a lot of pressure at loose-head when he was on the pitch. This was the case here with Oaks being marched backwards up the hill before number 8 Sean Derrick was as industrious as ever in tidying up the retreating ball. A clever Ollie Shirtcliff chip to 5 metres out put the pressure back on the home side, and although a strong Horne/Jack Smith dual tackle thwarted an initial attack, Oaks swiftly moved the ball across the pitch from the left wing to the right one. As the Wells defence scrambled to react, another change of direction and a superb running line from Sam Nicholls saw the Oaks’ second-row score unopposed between the sticks. Adams’ conversion made it 0-14 on 22 minutes.

The hosts reacted positively to this score, but with the inability to secure their own line-out ball now starting to hurt them, a raking 60-yard clearing kick by Morris soon had Wells under pressure again. As Oaks attacked, Wells Number 8 Nick Doherty’s attempted interception was adjudged a deliberate knock on, and the visitors turned down the easy three points sensing this was the moment to turn the screw by opting for an attacking line-out.

When the first rolling maul was pulled down illegally, a general warning was issued to Wells and the scene was set for take two. When the much-loved Wells Colts-product Scotty Sedgwick found Stuart Coleman, a maul was set and there was a certain inevitability about the outcome as it rolled forward over the try-line, with Sedgwick dotting down. I have said it before, and do not apologise for saying it again, that to this old-school Welsh former-lock and referee, a rolling maul done well is quite simply “a thing of beauty” and this was not to be the last time the St Marks crowd (well your correspondent anyway) would have the chance to “enjoy” the sight of one performed perfectly. Adams’ conversion drifted just short of the left-hand post, so it was now 0-19 on 29 minutes.

This try was to herald a remarkable period when the visitors went 20 minutes without earning a penalty of their own, but sadly for the home support, Wells were unable to capitalise on this, even when Oaks were temporarily down to 14 and then 13 players. On 33 minutes Osgood was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle on opposite number Horne but with an inability to secure their own line-out Wells were having to work incredibly hard to build pressure. Scrum-half Tom West and Giles tried to up the tempo and both Talbot and Josh Hawkins carried well but over-elaboration in midfield saw the initial opportunity wasted.

Another penalty to Wells on the Oaks 22 metre line this time saw a scrum quite rightly chosen as the attacking option, and as the ball was moved wide the second Oaks centre Fotheringham was also given a yellow card for an adjudged high shot. Was this was Wells’ time to strike before half-time and with the advantage of the hill in the second half? Another attacking scrum saw Oaks collapse as they were a player light having moved Derrick into the backs, and surely now in front of the posts another scrum was the best option to either bring him in to the set-piece or to push Oaks back again? However, ours is a much easier game from the touchline and a quick tap penalty was taken instead – and a knock-on later the chance was gone.

Half-Time 0-19

The second half saw forwards Tommy Justice and Josh Brockman replace Nicholls and Lord and both were very industrious (sadly before injury in the latter’s case) in what was, ultimately, to prove a losing effort. With their two-player advantage, Wells started the second period on the front foot but minutes 40-45 were about as good as it was to get for the home side. A three on two overlap was created only for a midfield pass to go to ground. Another dominant Wells scrum maintained field position, but the Oaks defence was as good as their attack all game and they eventually earned a breakdown turnover penalty which not only enabled them to exit their half, but also after another penalty was needed to thwart the ensuing line-out, they were now back within 10 metres of the Wells try-line on the right-wing in front of the clubhouse.

“Clinical” as is a good a word as any to describe what happened next. “Processes” was the call, Sedgwick again found Coleman and ten metres later it was a case of deja-vu as the hooker bagged a brace of tries, and with it the try bonus point for his side. With the conversion missed it was now 0-24 after 47 minutes.

Rich Murray came into the Wells back-line and the home team were awarded a penalty from the kick-off. However, it was to be 18 minutes before they could take this. First half try-scorer Sam Nicholls took a heavy blow but both clubs’ medical teams were on the pitch within moments to assist the stricken player. This is a tough game we play, especially at this level, and first-class medical support is essential to facilitating our players feeling confident to take the field. This was borne out by all involved here and from speaking to the Sevenoaks Director of Rugby today, he wants to send “a big thanks to your medical team who worked with ours to make sure he was ok”….and the important thing is that Sam is, indeed, “ok” suffering the after-effects of a concussion and, thankfully, nothing worse.

Such a long mid-game break is inevitably disruptive, but I think it is fair to say that it was Oaks who picked up the tempo best from hereon in for the last half-hour of play. It took strong Tom Pithouse and Hawkins tackles to keep Oaks at bay, but it was quickly a case of “deja-vu” (again!) as an attacking line-out was set in the same right-hand corner as before the injury break. Again, Sedgwick found Coleman and it looked inevitable that the hooker would gain what would have been (for him) a very special hat-trick of tries as the maul surged forward. However, with the home pack putting up a sterner defensive effort this time, Mr Boyle was clearly in on a case of “jug avoidance” as he blew for a penalty try instead of allowing Sedgwick to dot down. 72 minutes (on the running clock) and it was now 0-31.

From the re-start marauding Oaks flanker Fred Richardson carried strongly but Wells were still in there battling. Hawkins (prior to a head injury ending another huge shift early),scrum-half West, both Doherty brothers and Talbot continued to play with great pride, but this was now turning into the proverbial “tough day at the office”. Hobbs gathered a cross-field kick and almost eluded the Oaks cover but a fine Fotheringham tackle brought him down.
Oaks attacked from a scrum and the elusive Pellegrini beat two players before finding the supporting Fotheringham, who in turn drew full-back Wallace and fed inside to scrum-half Henry Galligan, taking the “number 9 line” to cross for the try. Adams converted and it was 0-38 on 82 minutes.

Hobbs almost got on the end of another chip through, only for Morris to gather the ball in the face of three chasing Wells players. Oaks forwards Matt McCrae and Coleman drove through the Wells defence, but brave last-ditch cover held them out, only for Charley Smith to be sent to the sin-bin. Oaks went to the tried and tested line-out, but this time it launched flanker Richardson on a rumbustious run that saw him break through 4 tackles to get the try. Adams converted and although there was still 6 minutes of injury time to play that was to be the end of the scoring.

Tunbridge Wells 0 Sevenoaks 45

Squad: Toby Wallace; Jack Smith (Rich Murray), Angus Horne, Mike Doherty (captain), Max Hobbs; Luke Giles, Tom West; Charley Smith, Stuart Nicholls (Tommy Justice), Gabriel O’Brien, Tom Pithouse, Jack Lord (Josh Brockman) Josh Hawkins, Toby Talbot, Nick Doherty.

I’ll end where I started. Based on league results thus far this game went very much to form, despite no lack of spirit or effort from the Wells’ lads, and it will be no surprise if this Sevenoaks squad that has been building and strengthening over the past 3-4 seasons go on to challenge for the league title. For Wells, the immediate task at hand is clear – to patch up some of the walking wounded and re-group ahead of another “Kent” derby next week against 11th placed Westcombe Park.

As Interim Director of Rugby Chaz Spence recently pointed out, with a brand new squad and coaching team, the club is having to take this as a “long-term plan and it’s going to take some time to bring it all together…and it’s taking time for it all to come together on the pitch in an extremely competitive league”. Ahead of the league re-structuring at the end of this season, if a transition year was needed, he correctly points out that “then this is probably a good year to do it”. However, whilst the top teams in this division are now clearly self-evident, Wells should, as a minimum, be looking to garner wins against those sides in the bottom half of the league, and the game at Orpington next Saturday would be a good place to kick-start this. All travelling support will be gratefully received.

In other results, Sevenoaks’ squad strength was evident in their II XV’s 9-74 win against a weakened Wells equivalent, but on a brighter note the Wells’ Under 14s A&B beat their Sevenoaks opponents by an aggregate of 22 tries to 3.

Graham Withers

Hertford RFC 17 TWRFC 8

On a dry but overcast Saturday afternoon TWRFC travelled to Hertford RFC for this 1^st XV fixture. Hertford have been there or thereabouts in this league over recent seasons finishing in 4^th, 5^th & 4^th over the last three seasons. Our last two visits to Hertford resulted in very close losses with only two points in it on our last visit, and just one point the season before. This was all set to be another tough but well-matched encounter between the two clubs.

The tannoy was deployed from the outset, and regularly throughout the match, to the delight of the vociferous home crowd.

As has been the case so often this season it wasn’t long before Wells conceded an early try. Hertford showed their game plan and it was simple, yet effective. Utilise a well-drilled pack to set the foundation. Phases. Work to suck the defence in, then use fast ball through hands out wide. In the 4^th minute the ball found its way out to the Hertford 15, Charlie Parkhouse, who made no mistake and took it in. 5-0. He was to be a challenge all afternoon!

The Hertford pack was a little stronger throughout the first half, but for the most part not so much that it posed significant problems. There was no further score for 25 minutes. During this time Ali Main came off after a head knock, replaced by Rich Murray.

Wells ground their way back into the match playing for long periods in the Hertford half. A succession of penalties relieved pressure though, and it was Hertford again putting points on the board in the 30^th minute.

Hertford made good ground taking the attack into the Wells 22m. The ball headed out wide and found a Hertford prop who ran straight. Wells defence stood off and after 10m he offloaded to Charlie Parkhouse for his brace. 10-0

Two minutes later a high tackle by the Hertford 8 on Max Hobbs saw him receive a yellow card. A nice central penalty then gave Luke Giles the opportunity to put Wells on the board. 10-3.

This was a brutally physical encounter throughout. Only a few minutes later and Jake Smith was on the wrong end of an entirely fair but crunching tackle which saw him leave the field.

Just on the stroke of half time there was one notable scrum which saw Wells pushed straight back some metres. Toby Talbot came away with the ball, but the ref called a penalty for Hertford, with some confusion pitch-side as to the reason. Hertford missed the kick and half time came. 10-3.

There was some concern among the travelling support about the strength of that last scrum and what it could mean for the second half, but although Hertford had started strongly Wells certainly weren’t out of the running having matched them for most of the half and with Hertford playing downhill.

Much would depend on the first score of the second half.

Wells claimed the ball quickly after kick-off and kicked through. It was the Hertford 15 who was first to the ball and touched it down in the in goal area. From the drop out Nick Doherty received and carried. The ensuing ruck led to a Hertford infringement giving Wells the opportunity to put some points on the board with a penalty kick, but unfortunately the ball came back off the post.

Continued pressure from Wells saw play mostly between the halfway line and Hertford’s 22m for long periods of time. The Hertford 10 earned himself a yellow and Wells made the most of it with a penalty kick to the corner for the lineout. Stu Nicholls threw to the front man, Gabe O’Brien, who returned it to Stu Nicholls and he made no mistake taking it in to the corner for a diving try. 59 minutes played. 10-8. A well-worked and thoroughly deserved try.

A few minutes later, frustratingly, Charley Smith earned himself a yellow for a tip tackle meaning both sides were now down to 14.

The 66^th minute saw Hertford’s first significant second half foray into Wells half with a 60m break, only stopped with a last ditch tackle. Pressure was relieved and play gradually moved back up field. As Wells worked to find those few points to take the win Hertford retrieved the ball once more and built pressure. With a strong break from the Hertford 12 in the 80^th minute it was all hands to defence. Hertford spun the ball out once more, and although there were three Wells defenders on the final man, with pace and momentum Hertford managed to ground the ball for the final score of 17-8.

Every Wells player on the pitch put in a full shift. Once Hertford’s game plan was clear we countered and minimised their opportunities to put points on the board. This was the most physical match of the season thus far, and every player put their body on the line doing what was asked of them. As frustrating as this start of the season has been at times, it’s clear that all of the components of a winning squad are in place and the wins will come.

Next week sees us welcome Sevenoaks 1s & 2s to St. Mark’s. The 2^nd XV k.o. is 1.30pm with the 1^stXV fixture at 3pm.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS RFC 1ST XV 20 SUTTON AND EPSOM 1ST XV 21

TUNBRIDGE WELLS RFC 1^ST XV 20 SUTTON AND EPSOM 1^ST XV 21.

Despite a week’s rest across the London and SE Premier league Wells still found themselves with 9 squad members on the injured list and so had to dig deep for selection. Luke Giles started at fly half, Josh Hawkins came into the second row, Tom Pithouse was added to the bench to bolster the forwards along with Richard Webster who provided cover for the back row despite normally plying his trade on the wing. The crowd was a good one of close to 200 and all anticipated- given past results- a relatively close game.

S and E were quickest off the blocks and applied pressure and back penetration in the first 10 mins playing down the hill, eventually taking advantage after several phases of play to score ‘round the corner’ through right wing Brad Meeson with full back Sam Hurley adding the extras 0-7 (10 minutes).

From this point onwards in the first half Wells produced some of their best play of the new season suggesting that the side could settle down and work as a unit. Luke Giles took advantage of better territory in the S and E half to nail a low hit penalty on 13 mins to peg the score back to 3-7. At this stage the Wells pack benefitting from some hard set scrum sessions with coach Ben Kayser established ascendancy through props Charley Smith and Gabriel O’Brien and hooker Stuart Nicholls earning a number of penalties as S and E were driven backwards or stood up in the front row. A succession of these penalties finally causing the referee to lose patience on 23 minutes when he awarded the home side a penalty try as S and E again tried illegally to counter their inexorable march backwards 10-7.

Wells continued to take advantage of the solid platform in the scrum and clean line out ball to continue to pressure S and E on or in their 22. A succession of sweeping handling moves getting the home side to within 15 metres of the line. Fly half Luke Giles then making an astute inside break to pass to Toby Wallace who cut a great line across the grain to score under the posts with Giles converting for a 17-7 lead on 29 minutes.

The rest of the half saw Wells still dominant in territory but one or two passes went astray and a couple of kickable penalties were turned down in order to kick to the corner where possession was lost at the ensuing line out. Nevertheless with the score remaining 17-7 at half time and with the downhill slope in the second half the home crowd was happy.

Sadly despite such a good first 40 minutes the first 10 minutes of the second half saw Wells forced back into their own 22 and then centre Ali Main was given a yellow card for an offence in the loose on 51 minutes. As is often the case the S and E side saw encouragement and within 2 minutes of Main’s departure No 8 Matt Whitaker forced his way over with Hurley again adding the points 17-14. Despite the home side finding it difficult to duplicate the scrum dominance and line out accuracy of the first half and losing some possession in the tackle they did manage to force their way into the S and E half and on 57 mins Giles slotted his second penalty to give Wells a 20-14 lead. The last 20 minutes then assumed an air of inevitability to it as with no bench replacements the props had to play out 80 minutes and an injury in the backs caused a reshuffle with Giles going to full back and Jack Anderson assuming the fly half duties. Persistent pressure from the visitors made it difficult for Wells to relieve pressure in their 22 and when they did have the ball often tried to run it laterally out of their half. Ultimately with a tiring pack and a confident S and E side battering the line something had to give in the Wells defence and on 73 minutes after a succession of pick and goes sub Ross Parsons scored halfway out on the right and Hurley made no mistake with the conversion 20-21.

Despite Wells trying desperately to relieve the stranglehold full time came with them still trying to get out of their 22 and at the wrong end of the field to affect the final score.

This was one of the best first half performances by the Wells this season but a little inexperience in a young side, a yellow card and a tiring front five meant they couldn’t hold out for what at halftime looked a well- managed winning game. Credit to Sutton and Epsom who put in a spirited second half and prevented Wells from a couple of potential scores in the first half which would have let the home side run away with the game. A losing bonus point was little consolation but as this squad gets used to playing with each other and some of the injured return they will surprise one or two sides at this level as they look to rebuild over the next two seasons.

Next Saturday 23^rd October sees a tough away visit to Hertford KO 3 00pm before the big local derby with a high flying Sevenoaks at St Marks on the 30^th October

This weekend 16th and 17th October

This weekend we have:

Saturday 16th October

1st XV – Sutton & Epsom (Home) – 3pm k.o.
3rd XV – Old Gravesendian 2s (Home) – 3pm k.o.

Sunday 17th October

U8 – Sevenoaks (Home) 9am-10.30am
U12 – Sevenoaks (Away)
U14 – Old Elthamians (Home) – 11.30am k.o.
Ladies U15 – Medway RFC (Away)
Ladies U18 – Heathfield & Waldron (Away)

Tunbridge Wells RFC launches community led development plans

Tunbridge Wells RFC (TWRFC) has submitted a planning application for the construction of a new ‘3G’ artificial grass pitch to be constructed alongside the existing first XV pitch. The application also encompasses an expansion in parking at the club, a relocation of a cricket square and a new storage building.

TWRFC has a thriving youth and woman’s section alongside its successful senior section. Squad numbers are expanding each year with its under six level intakes doubling inside 5 years. The club is also reaching out into the community to support primary schools and schools with special educational needs, to progress and promote access to active sport for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

The proposed development is a continuation on the club’s focus on improving playing facilities following on from a six-figure investment in the drainage at the club over the summer. TWRFC hopes these plans, once delivered, will accelerate ambitions for a new sporting hub at St. Marks

Mike Rigby, Club Chairman commented ‘This is a hugely exciting moment for the club. The proposed development will transform the facilities at St Marks allowing the club to move forwards but also giving opportunities to local schools, clubs and other community groups to be able to benefit from the facilities. The club is committed to improving facilities and being at the heart of the community, this application represents our ambition’

TWRFC Ambassadors (l-r) David Strettle (England), Tammy Samuels (England), Martin Corry (England & Lions) and Ben Kayser (France) support the launch

To support the application an event was held at the club to formally launch the plans to TWRFC supporters and to start the fund-raising efforts. “The event was designed to let members and supporters know more about the development plans” said Steve Daly, Head of the Development Committee. “We had a great turn out including some of our club ambassadors and former Rugby Internationals Martin Corry (England & Lions), David Strettle (England), Ben Kayser (France) and Tammy Samuels (England). The event was the first of a number that will be held in the coming months and we were pleased with the level of interest. Should a person or business that is focussed on corporate social responsibility, be interested in our project, we are open for partnerships. Please contact us”.

6 NATIONS INTERNATIONAL TICKETS

The 2021/22 season will see just 2 home games at Twickenham and demand for tickets will be very high – please also note the Spectator Code of Conduct for ALL home internationals. This conduct does mention Mobile ticketing and the intention is for ticket sales to be extensively migrating to this method and I am expecting the majority of 2022 6 Nations tickets to be in Mobile format via the Twickenham Stadium App.

To satisfy as many people as possible I will have to keep requests to a combined total of 2 tickets per member (can be a single ticket for each or pair on one of these games).

I will formulate a list on ‘first come, first served’ and work through the list as and when I can secure tickets – to validate your requests you will have to be, at minimum, a ‘paid up’ social member of the club.

IMPORTANT****** please advise your EMAIL address that is resident on any device that will be used for a mobile ticket and the subsequent download of the Twickenham Stadium App.

Schedule:

England v Wales – Saturday 26 February 2022 – KO 16:45
England v Ireland – Saturday 12 March 2022 – KO 16:45

The ticket prices are as follows:

Away Matches

The 3 remaining games are away, we only receive very limited tickets from the respective RFU’s. Please advise of your interest to be included within the draw for any tickets that we receive.

Following discussions with the host unions we can confirm that all people wishing to travel to the away fixtures will be required to show proof of double vaccination.

England senior men’s away matches are:

Scotland v England – Saturday 5 February 2022 – KO 16:45
Italy v England – Sunday 13 February 2022 – KO 15:00 (GMT)
France v England – Saturday 19 March 2022 – KO 20:00 (GMT)

ALL tickets will be subject to a £5 admin fee – please apply for tickets via email: Montgos.89a@hotmail.com

Regards,

Stuart Montgomery

Twickenham International tickets 2021/22 – Additional Information

Twickenham International tickets 2021/22

* IMPORTANT **

This does include detail of mobile tickets that will become very much the preferred way of distributing tickets in the 2022 season – only limited for 2021 Autumn series.

SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

PLEASE NOTE THAT TICKETS FOR THE MATCH(ES) ARE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE SUBJECT TO THE RFU OBTAINING THE RELEVANT LICENCE AND APPROVALS FOR THE MATCH INCLUDING THOSE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITIES.

IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR US TO MAKE CHANGES TO THIS CODE OF CONDUCT AT SHORT NOTICE. THIS MAY INCLUDE ASKING TO COMPLY WITH ADDITIONAL OR DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS TO THOSE SET OUT BELOW. THIS MAY ALSO INCLUDE A MATCH BEING PLAYED WITHOUT SPECTATORS, WITH FEWER SPECTATORS OR BEING CANCELLED. WHERE THIS HAPPENS WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH AS MUCH PRIOR NOTICE AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE SEE www.englandrugby.com/tickets FOR INFORMATION ON REFUNDS.

BEFORE YOU BUY, SELL, TRANSFER/ALLOCATE OR ARE TRANSFERRED/ALLOCATED TICKETS YOU MUST READ AND AGREE TO FOLLOW THIS CODE OF CONDUCT. PLEASE PRINT A COPY OF THIS CODE OF CONDUCT OR SAVE IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. A COPY IS AVAILBLE AT www.englandrugby.com/tickets AND YOU SHOULD CONTINUE TO CHECK FOR UPDATES AND CHANGES TO THIS CODE OF CONDUCT.

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR US TO COMPLY WITH THE SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF SALE OF TICKETS FOR THE MATCH. IF THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS ON SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE RELAXED OR REMOVED BEFORE THE DATE OF THE MATCH THEN WE MAY MAKE CHANGES TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND RESRICTIONS BELOW TO REFLECT SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY) ON THE DATE THE MATCH IS PLAYED. THIS MAY, IF PERMITTED, MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE SEATED NEXT TO PEOPLE FROM OTHER HOUSEHOLDS TO YOUR OWN. YOU SHOULD THEREFORE ONLY PURCHASE TICKETS IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THAT POSSIBILITY.

YOU MUST MAKE SURE THAT ANYONE YOU BUY TICKETS FOR, OR SELL OR ALLOCATE/TRANSFER TICKETS TO, HAS ALSO READ AND AGREED TO FOLLOW THIS CODE OF CONDUCT.

This is essential because we are relying on you following this Code of Conduct in order to help us to protect you and your fellow fans and to assist and protect our staff.

If you don’t comply with this Code of Conduct you face being denied entry or being asked to leave without refund or compensation.

Is attending the match the right thing for you and the people in your household bubble?

This is a personal decision based on your own circumstances and those of anyone else in your household (this includes anyone you are in a support bubble with). You should decide this both before buying or being transferred/allocated tickets and again on the day of the match.

Whether attending is the right decision or not will depend on factors like your age, health, how likely you are to catch an infection and how serious it would be if you did. If you are in any doubt, please consult the latest government guidance at www.gov.uk.

WE RECOMMEND THAT SPECTATORS WEAR A CLOTH FACE COVERING WHILE AT THE STADIUM.

Rest assured that we are doing everything we reasonably can to minimise the risks as much as possible but only you can decide whether or not attending the match is the right decision for you and others in your household.

You MUST NOT attend if you or anyone else in your household (including anyone in your support bubble): has or develops any COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19; and/or, are/is required to self-isolate including when having tested positive for COVID-19 or when contacted by NHS Test and Trace; and/or other restrictions are in place which mean you cannot safely travel to or from or attend the match; and/or you are unable or unwilling to comply with the requirements of the NHS COVID Pass; and/or you are unable to comply with any other restrictions or conditions introduced that apply to attending a sporting event (where additional restrictions or conditions are introduced we will provide you with as much advance notice as possible).

Tickets

All tickets will be issued digitally unless otherwise specified at point of sale for the relevant match. Where digital tickets are purchased for England matches at Twickenham this will be through the Twickenham Stadium app.

Where you purchase or are allocated tickets which are for use by other people, you MUST transfer a ticket to each person who will be attending the match as soon as possible following your purchase or receipt of the tickets.

Every person attending the match will be required to have their own mobile ticket on their own device, or a paper copy if supplied by England Rugby in this format. Anyone trying to use multiple mobile tickets on the same device will not be permitted to enter the Stadium. The only exceptions to this are for accompanied minors (those under the age of 18 where proof of age may be required) or for those people with accessibility requirements attending the match with a companion. This is essential to ensure that we can comply with NHS test and trace requirements, which demand the contact details of each person with a ticket attending the match.

Where you have a digital ticket for a match, please make sure you bring your mobile device with sufficient battery charge as you won’t be allowed entry into the Stadium without a valid digital ticket.

To book and/or access ticket(s) through the Twickenham Stadium app you and everyone that you book tickets for, or allocate/transfer tickets to, MUST provide contact details. We need you to do this to help us assist with NHS test and trace requirements where needed. For further information on how the RFU may use your contact details please see our Privacy Policy at www.englandrugby.com/about-rfu/rfu-policies/privacy-policy.

You MUST have a valid NHS COVID Pass to attend the match. If you do not you will be denied entry without compensation or refund or where you have entered the Stadium you will be asked to leave. Further details regarding the NHS COVID Pass will be provided as soon as it is available.

Please arrive in good time to go through all the necessary entry procedures.

Your temperature might be taken before entry.

It is possible that other restrictions or conditions may be introduced that apply to those attending a sporting event between the time that you buy your ticket(s) and the date of the match. Where additional restrictions or conditions are introduced we will provide you with as much advance notice as possible.

Travel

You should check www.englandrugby.com on the day of the match before travelling for updates on the fixture and any COVID-19 procedures that you are required to follow.

Other Requirements

Please follow good hygiene practices at all times in line with the latest government and public health guidance, including regularly washing your hands and using hand sanitiser.

Please be considerate of other people at all times and try to minimise unnecessary close contact with people you are not attending the match with.

We recommend wearing a cloth face covering at all times including when seated except when you are eating and drinking. This is also required when travelling to the match by public transport or in other crowded areas.

Please take care when shouting, singing or celebrating, taking into account the distance from those around you as these activities could increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

If you feel ill or develop any COVID-19 symptoms while at the match please contact your nearest steward who will direct you to the appropriate medical facility.

Picnics and other gatherings in the carparks used for the match are strictly prohibited.

If you are attending the match with children, you are responsible for supervising them and ensuring that they comply with social distancing and this Code of Conduct at all times.

You MUST comply with all other relevant guidance and rules related to COVID-19 protection and social distancing, including those of the Government and public health authorities.

Updates

It may be necessary for us to make changes to this Code of Conduct, including at short notice, and you MUST comply with any changes that we make. Wherever possible, we will provide you with as much advance notice as possible of any changes by SMS, push notifications, email and/or on our website at www.englandrugby.com as appropriate.

All other terms and conditions and ground rules remain in force and must also be complied with.

Thank you for your support and co-operation. Stay alert! Stay safe! Help us all – your fellow fans, your team, your sport, your community!

By proceeding you confirm that you accept this Code of Conduct and that:

you have read and agree to this code of conduct including any changes that we may need to make to it after you have purchased or received a ticket(s);
that all other people the tickets are for have read and also agreed to this code of conduct.

Regards,

Stuart Montgomery

Maidenhead 16 Tunbridge Wells 10

Wells travelled to a wet and windy Maidenhead on Saturday for the first meeting ever between the two clubs. Maidenhead were without a league win in their centenary season; and Wells had recorded only one win from four going into this game. The match was played on an artificial pitch so the playing surface was good throughout, despite the weather conditions.

Tunbridge Wells kicked off with the wind at their backs but were 3 nil down after three minutes when a penalty for offside was converted by the Maidenhead full back, Ed Keohane. The Wells scrum was under pressure in the first half against a bigger and heavier pack and lived off scraps of possession for the first ten minutes, but the line out functioned well and provided a source of reliable ball. A good move down the wing following a line out produced a clever chip over by Ben Day resulting in the Wells full back, Toby Wallace, putting the ball down between the posts. Ben Day’s conversion gave Wells the lead, 3 – 7, on the quarter hour.

Tunbridge Wells became more aggressive as the half progressed and produced some exciting play but were penalised for offside which Maidenhead successfully converted, 6 – 7. There followed a period of scrappy play by both sides which could be explained by the strong wind and rain preventing accurate handling but Tunbridge Wells were successful with a penalty with the last kick of the half seeing them turn round at 6 – 10.

The second half continued in the same vein with the ball being moved from end to end without any obvious pattern of play by either side. On the hour though Maidenhead scored the decisive try following an aimless Tunbridge Wells kick. The try was converted giving Maidenhead a 13 – 10 lead. Following a couple of forward replacements by Maidenhead the Tunbridge Wells scrum started to get on top. Wells pressured the Maidenhead line with a sequence on scrums but were penalised for straying offside on 78 minutes. A successful penalty kick for Maidenhead produced the final score, 16 -10.

This Saturday is a league rest week and Wells return to action at St Mark’s on 16 October for a match against Sutton and Epsom.

Alan Skinner