Archives: News

2024 Autumn Internationals

Message from Stuart Montgomery

The RFU have issued the agenda for this year and we again have 4 games at Twickenham:

  • Saturday 2 November – England v New Zealand – KO: 15:10                 
  • Saturday 9 November  – England v Australia – KO: 15:10 
  • Saturday 16 November – England v South Africa – KO: 17:40
  • Sunday 24 November – England v Japan – KO 16:10

I have been given an indication of our allocation but confident I can source additional tickets. To satisfy as many people as possible I will probably have to keep requests to a combined total of 2 tickets per member across the New Zealand, Australia and South Africa game’s (can be a single ticket for each) and if you want to apply for more than one game please indicate your preference. The Japan game should not be a problem and no restrictions will apply. 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 a ‘paid up’ member of the club – there will be a £10 admin charge per ticket on top of the prices detailed below.   

Ticket categories and prices:

New Zealand:

Premium £229

Cat 1 £189

Cat 2 £159

Cat 3 £129

Cat 4 £99

Australia & South Africa

New Zealand:

Premium £159

Cat 1 £139

Cat 2 £119

Cat 3 £96

Cat 4 £75

Japan

Premium £99

Cat 1 £79

Cat 2 £70

Cat 3 £59

Cat 4 £49

I would think that Junior tickets are readily available for the Japan game for all the Cat tickets for c£25 each and it may be possible to secure some for the NZ/Aus/SA games at £35-45 but I suspect these will be very much in short supply. If you specify any junior tickets please do advise whether you still require tickets at adult prices if I can’t source them the Junior (does save me a lot of correspondence).       

Please apply for tickets, stating the category, via email: Montgos.89a@hotmail.com

PLEASE NOTE:

It is against the T&Cs to resell or offer for tickets for resale via any third-party websites or to package tickets with hospitality.  

Clubs, or members of clubs, found to be doing so risk severe sanctions with a minimum of the guilty club obtaining NO tickets for one season.  

MATCH REPORT: TWRFC 1XV (27) v Bracknell RFC 1XV (17)

Match Reporter: Fran Colangelo

A good crowd took to pitch side to Watch Wells final home game against Bracknell, with the Vice Presidents out in force after a superb lunch in the clubhouse.

Wells lie 4th and Bracknell 5th and in their home fixture Bracknell came out deserved winners 31-10. Wells were hoping to reverse that result. It was cagy start with both sides making early handling errors. The resulting scrums showed both sides solid in that area winning their own ball as play stayed midfield for the first 5 minutes. It was Bracknell that made the first telling break as Wells slipped of tackles in midfield. Wells were penalised and a kick to the corner resulted in sustained possession and a try out left. The conversion hi the post and the visitors led 0-5. Wells tried to stake a claim in the game but Bracknell were solid in both defence and attack. A missed pen to touch saw the Bracknell backs mount a counter attack. Wells were getting penalised and Bracknell capitalised. From a quick tap penalty 5 yards out Bracknell added to their lead and after 15 mins it was 0-10.

This seemed to kickstart Wells and a good restart saw an attacking line out on the Bracknell 22. The ever present Ben Whale charged as Wells closed in on the line but defence was strong again. This time though it was Bracknell that were penalised and Jack Greig added the 3 points to close the gap to 3-10. Wells were now having more of the play as the attacked the clubhouse end but they could not turn their possession into points. A big charge from Whale who found Angus Horne whose kick ahead left him inches short of the line. Bracknell cleared but Wells came again and in the last 5 mins of the half Jay Smith went over and with Greig adding the conversion it was 10-10 and stayed that way till half time.

Chapel Down Player of the Match: Mylo Vanner-Mackew

Bracknell started the second half well and a series of attacks get them close. Wells still looked a little loose and and a defensive kick gave Bracknell far too much room and they punished the home side with some fine handling to score a converted try and regain the lead 10-17.  Wells came straight back keeping possession  and it was Dave Lock that came up with the ball under a pile of bodies. The conversion was missed but the gap closed to 15-17. Bracknell came back in what was a see saw game but Wells now had some grit about them and defended hard and a penalty against Bracknell saw Wells clear this lines. This was a crucial time in the game as Wells survived the onslaught. There were some big performances in the pack as Wells started to gain momentum again Whale charged Smith and Curtis supported. Bracknell were penalised and from the line out the ball went wide and Mylo Vanner-McKew scored in the corner. Wells led 20-17 with less than 10 to go.

It was all Wells now and the last minutes were played in the Bracknell half. Good pressure from the forwards saw Harrison Chapman go over for the bonus point try converted by Horne and Wells were surely safe at 27-17. Bracknell attacked with a few mins on the clock chasing a losing bonus point but Wells defence as it was for most of the second half stayed strong and saw the game out to the pleasure of the team and cheering touchline supporters.

Wells travel the long trip to Marlborough for their final game of the season on 6th April with 4th place secured and a slim chance of making 3rd should London Welsh slip up.

MATCH REPORT: Maidenhead 1XV (67) v TWRFC 1XV (26)

Match Reporter: Mike Rigby

As the league season starts to draw to a conclusion high flying Tunbridge wells RFC (3rd)  headed to Maidenhead RFC (10th).

On a normal day this trip would be very welcoming, however the fixture clashed with two significant events: Super Saturday in the 6 nations championship with the English sniffing a chance of a second week of upset; and the M25 being shut for the first time since it opened. The coach left at 10am for a 3pm kick off, to say this limited the travelling support would be an underestimate! 

However, the travel disruption  was not to be the only suprise this weekend as TWRFC were to come up against a surprisingly strong home side. The travelling side had a few changes this week, most notably the return of Ed Shepherdson at fly half. Two kicked off in warm weather and with a light breeze.

The home sides intend to secure the necessary points to take away relegation concerns was clear from the outset. They were fast to the breakdown and intent in the tackle from the off. Within 5 mins they were over the line for a converted try and had punished a penalty with 3 points to be 10-0 up.

TWRFC raised their tempo and themselves kicked into faster play, resulting in a delightful play seeing Shepherdson kick to the left wing (Hobbs), to release Curtis to go over. The speed to the wing looked to be the key. After a rather lucky home try TWRFC again responded well with a quick ball to Main in the centers, to Whale out to right wing (Horne) and back to Whale who went over. 17-14 after only 20 mins suggested we were in for a tight game.

Chapel Down Player of the Match: Ben Whale

We were then subjected to a 20 minute period where Maidenhead upped their game. Speed to breakdown, speed of recycle, and speed of their pocket rocket winger became too much for the travelling team. We went in at half time 31-14 down.

The second half was to see a buoyed home side start to turn on the style. The travelling side were up against it and with injuries mounting the make shift back line was starting to look quite permeable. With 70 minutes on the clock the home side were 67-14 up.

When some teams would have wished the remaining 10 minutes away, TWRFC showed the type of steely backbone that has brought them many a late win this season. They puckered up and ran in two late tries (Mike Doherty and Ben Whale). This was important for two reasons, firstly a deserved bonus point and secondly pride to take them back to St Marks to face Bracknell next weekend.

A 67-26 loss is not what was expected this week, but the combination of Maidenhead fighting for survival, a fast flowing artificial pitch and the joy of an 8 hour round journey coach trip proved too much for TWRFC. Roll on next week for our last home game of the season. 

MATCH REPORT: TWRFC 1XV (22) v CS Stags 1XV (15)

Match Reporter – Stuart Montgomery

Tunbridge Wells welcomed Stags to St Marks on a bright warm day with a brisk south easterly wind going straight down the pitch towards the Frant Road which would certainly determine the style of rugby. Wells played into the breeze first half and the first 15 minutes saw the play exclusively in their half and Stags were kept at bay by solid defence with the exception of a couple of kicks but lessons were learnt. Some great work at the breakdown on half way led to Stags flying off their feet and the penalty was given. Kick to Stags half just 35 metres out saw a tidy lineout and Wells looked good with the ball in hand and carries by Jay, Ben and Harrison led to another penalty on the 22 right in front of the posts – bread and butter for Jack and Wells led 3-0.

As is often the case Stags hit straight back from the restart and a knock on found a Wells player offside and the easy kick from just 22 out levelled the scores 3-3. Stags kept the pressure on Wells with some kicks behind the defence and from a missed touch kick they kept the ball for 3 or 4 phases to make space out wide on the right for a try by the winger, conversion missed – 3-8. Wells reacted positively for a brief visit to the Stags 22 but were deemed to be a bit over zealous at the breakdown to allow Stags an exit from their 22. On 30 minutes Stags extended their lead to 3-15 after some enterprising rugby and 5 phases at close quarters to force their way over, no mistake from the tee by the 10. Another good response from Wells saw Stags just resisting a sustained spell in their 22 to kick to half way. With just a minute to play Stags knocked on from an untidy line out, Wells kept possession from the scrum and started asking real questions of the Stags defence. Jay powered thru at close quarters and found Josh Curtis in the Stags 22 who showed great strength to take a couple of defenders with him over the try line. Mike Doherty kicked the conversion as Jack was off the pitch obtaining some treatment. Carter McLelland was on at wing and Mike was filling in at 10, Lock was off and Gab’s on at tighthead – the pressure was kept on Stags and another good break by Josh who fed Nick Doherty who offloaded well to the inside to Storkey. It was looking dangerous but a chip went the wrong way the half chance went begging. The last play of the half saw Stags kick deep into the Wells half and Whale just managed to win the foot race over the line. Half time saw the score at 10-15 which was pretty much a fair reflection of the game with the influence of the breeze.

Chapel Down Player of the Match – Jay Smith

Wells started the half as they had finished the first and were asking question of stags who now understood how hard it was to clear the lines. Stags defence just about held strong with some good line speed and the assistance of a couple of penalties from breakdown offences. Wells went close after a good catch in the lineout and a drive from 25 metres out ended with a penalty just a metre out. A strong tackle by Nick Doherty led to a penalty to Wells and Jack, recently back on the pitch, kicks from the 22 up to the Stags 40. Further player changes, David Lock, Jake Thompson, Carter McLelland all on with Josh Hawkins, George Bench and Anthony Storkey off. Wells continue to ask questions and the ball moved out to the right wing in the Stags 22, a long pass by Jack fell just short of Sam Williams on the wing but the ball was regathered and Sam scores in the corner to level the scores – Jack strikes a beautiful kick from the touchline for Wells to regain the lead 17-15. Just 2 plays later Wells were award a penalty on half way and Jack hits a great touch just 5 metres from the Stags line out on the left touch. A clean lineout and 5 or 6 phases is rewarded with a try by Mike Doherty from close quarters – 22-15.

The last 15 minutes saw both side down to 14 men for minor but cynical offences. Wells went over the line but the referee was unsighted and couldn’t give the try. Jake Thompson and Ali Main were seen to defend well with strong tackles taking players to ground and making it hard for Stags to play their offloading lively game. The last minutes of the game saw Stags dominant but the Wells defence held strong to complete the win.

This wasn’t the best of performances but did show the strength of the squad and winning from a position of 3-15 showed a lot of character.             

MATCH REPORT: Havant RFC 1XV (34) v TWRFC 1XV (28)

Match report: Stuart Montgomery

After several days of heavy rainfall TW were forced to search for an alternative pitch to play on. Despite securing 2 alternatives neither were deemed suitable by the opposition and any grass cancellation would lead to game forfeit and points deductions. This situation finally lead to playing this game at Havant and I am sure Camberley and London Welsh (also fighting for the league promotion) will also be asking questions to the League representative.

Havant started the game very well and early pressure led to the first of many penalties, for a high tackle and Havant backed their lineout with a kick to just 5 out. A clean middle take saw a successful drive over but the kick was missed so just 5-0. A 2nd penalty at the restart, followed by a kick to the 22, clean line out saw the ball moved out to the right hand side, 2nd phase wide again and a forward throwing a dummy to score out wide, this time the kick was good for 12-0 – a result of giving penalties away and just 10 minutes gone. TW competed at the restart and forced a kick into the TW half,  Sam Williams gathered, chipped gathered and moved swiftly to just 10 yards from the Havant line but yet another penalty gave the home side relief. TW stole the lineout and were looking far more settled now but again a penalty in the Havant 22 for breakdown infringement. On 20 minutes TW took a good middle lineout ball just outside the Havant 22 and after 4 or 5 phases the ball moved out to the left and Tom Webster joined from the blindside wing to powerfully go over just outside the left hand post – 12-7. Another penalty from the restart saw Havant kick deep into the 22, clean ball moved to centre pitch and defence just about holds at the expense of a Harrison yellow card and a scrum under the posts. Scrummage held firm but the quick ball enables the scrum half to power over from close range, conversion was easy – 19-7. TW competed well to cover for the lost player and some strong carries by Isbel, Smith, Doherty and Whale were making the Havant side defend, the Havant prop contributed to our cause with a penalty for flying over a ruck straight onto the ground on our 22. Jack Greig kicked to half way, a clean lineout and 7 or 8 phases later Webster went over again from an inside pass from Jack – a well deserved score, an easy conversion saw the score 19-14. TW returned to full strength and the last 2 minutes saw no further score.

Chapel Down Player of the Match: Tom Webster

No changes to start the 2nd half and TW started well and forced a penalty in the Havant 22 which was kicked to the corner. A clean lineout, front peel and 4 or 5 phases back infield saw Ben Whale touch down, Jack duly converted and TW take the lead at 19-21 after just 5 minutes. Havant responded well and settled the game down, again helped by a scrum infringement on half way – kicked the corner, attack to deep inside the TW 22, Defence held strong and a penalty was given to the defending side just 5 out – pressure relieved by Jack to the 40. With the rain starting handling conditions were tough and both sides making errors. A kick by Havant deep into the TW half found Sam Williams who showed a clean pair of heels and Havant were saved just on their 22 by a TW knock on. With the next score crucial Havant exert a bit more pressure and force 2 penalties with the later one being an easy conversion from in front of the posts to regain the lead 22-19. Just 4 minutes later after handling errors by both sides the Havant centre picks a great line on the TW 22 to go over, a good conversion from wide out on the left extends the lead to 29-21. Straight from the restart after a loose exchange the Havant fly half spots space out wide and a great kick is caught on the bounce to go over again. This time the con is missed but the score is 34-21 with just 15 to go. Sam Crichton and Mylo Vanner-MacKew join the field with Luke Hawkins and Tom Webster make way. The steady rain was making it very hard to play constructive rugby and the game was very much stop/start but TW didn’t lose sight of a possible try bonus point. Some strong carries in the Havant led to a TW pen just 10 out, a clean lineout and 4 or 5 phases saw Jay Smith smuggling the ball over. Jack kept calm, kicked the conversion. With the final score 34-28 it meant 2 bonus points for TW and Havant regaining the league top spot with 5 points.

Next week TW host CS Stags at St Marks.                         

MATCH REPORT: London Welsh 1XV (48) v TWRFC 1XV (33)

Match Reporter: Tim McCabe

A mild and thankfully dry day at Old Deer Park, the home of London Welsh, kicked off towards the Kew Garden ‘Great Pagoda’ end for this 4th and 3rd place battle in the Regional 1 South Central League.

Immediately Wells were under intense pressure. Welsh’s forwards crafted some pick and go, Tom Douglas, at lock, broke through and the try was converted by Harry Parker at 12. Score 7-0

Wells countered from kick off, fortunately Welsh’s intercepted pass was disallowed due to offside, so with the penalty in front of the sticks, Wells took the 3, aided by the trusty boot of Wells fresh faced fly half, Jack Greig. Score 7-3.

Welsh immediately replied with some flowing moves and their 15 trotted over to put the ball down on the nine minute mark. Conversion missed, score now 12-3.

Welsh were clearly dominant and with a midfield penalty, chose to make ground with a kick for a line out near the Wells 22. The lineout was won and with some swift hands, Welsh’s openside, Rhydian George, crossed the white wash for a well executed try. The conversion was added and Wells were now 16 points adrift. Score 19-3

Welsh applied more pressure from kick off. Wells tried to escape from their 22, but the pass went to the floor. Welsh scooped up the ball and nearly got over the line. Scrum five for Welsh. They went for the pushover but with pressure mounting, thankfully for Wells, the ball was held up and Wells cleared their lines.

Chapel Down Player of the Match – Josh Curtis

The game was settling. Wells realised they were in a dog fight. With 21 minutes gone, a Wells attack put more stress on the Welsh pack. They in turn were offside, so from the same spot as the Well’s previous penalty, Greig again, goes for the 3. The ball floats over, fighting some strong wind resistance. Score now 19-6.

Welsh kicked off, and once again they immediately got back into the Wells 22. Swift running from the Welsh 15, McAvoy, who created an overlap. Their winger Jacob Bulter was tackled without possession, so Wells saw yellow and Welsh were awarded a penalty try and their 4th try bonus point. Score 26-6.

From kick off, Welsh were bundled into touch, Wells lost their own line out and Welsh spun the ball wide out. The 12 handed-off, gave the ball to Williams (No. 20), who scored straight under the posts. With the conversion added, it was now 33-6.

Now it was Wells’ turn to apply the pressure with some solid pick and go from the forwards. There was a penalty option from a Welsh offside, but they didn’t need it, as Tom Webster, 13 for Wells, crashed over the line.  After a successful conversion the referee blew the whistle for half time. A very entertaining one at that. Score 33-13. 

The Wells support were under the impression that there was a 20 point ‘wind advantage’ and with that in mind, Jack Greig kicked deep to launch the second half come back. Welsh’s silky 15 got caught with the ball and didn’t release. Greig went for the 3 again in front of the posts. Score 33-16.

It was now Wells turn to soak up some pressure, a Welsh move broke down, and with no advantage they opted to slot over 3 points to keep the 20 point barrier raised. The score was now 36-16

With 10 minutes passed it was again an intense strain on a still hard hitting Wells side, Andy Black found himself involved in some quality back play and scored for Welsh. The score was now 43-16 with the conversion. 

At 60 minutes, it was now time for Wells to retaliate. The Wells backs got up close and personal with the opposition and with a great cross-field boot, Wells had a lineout, 5 metres from the Welsh line. Caught cleanly, the driving maul crept forward and Nick Doherty scored for Wells. Greig converts 43-23.

Two minutes later, Welsh were back on the front foot as Wells knocked on from the restart. The ensuing scrum allowed Welsh to attack, but their player slipped as he reached the last defender. Moments later, a cross field kick from Welsh ended up in the hands of the Aussie lock, Tom Douglas, who, with his brace, made the score 48-23, as the wind blew the conversion off its correct path.

Wells were not down and continued to attack. The heavenly hands of Ben Whale, show-and-go, from a line out rampage, allowed him to feed the advancing Josh Curtis at blind side. The try was duly scored and Anthony Storkey, in place of the injured Greig, misses the conversion. Score 48-28

With 10 minutes to go, Josh Curtis broke from the base of the scrum, a loose pass was hacked-on, but Welsh were penalised at the breakdown. Wells went for a line out.

Wells valiant till the end were still pushing forward with the clock running down. The ball was spun from left to right, then right to left. Fantastic passing from the Wells men. With the last move Tom Webster scored in the corner. With the last conversion missed, Wells picked up a try bonus point, with the final score 48-33, 

As both sides shook hands, the London Welsh President – John Taylor paid a wonderful and emotional tribute to Colin Bosley a London Welsh legend, as his ashes came home to rest in Old Deer Park.

MATCH REPORT: New Ash Green Women’s 1XV (10) v TWRFC Women’s 1XV (50)

Tunbridge Wells Ladies 1XV travelled to New Ash Green hoping to build on their developing form from the last two league games.

Right from the kick off there was high intensity with New Ash Green awarded a penalty for a high tackle. The penalty missed touch and was gathered by Olivia Lewis who passed out to Laura Pérez Fernández who ran 50m popped to Emma McGreivy to score between the posts. Laura Pérez Fernández converted 0 -7

From the restart Wells are penalised for a tackle off the feet, then again for not back 10. This gives New Ash Green their first visit to the Wells half.

Ball goes to touch Suzanne Robinson wins good lineout ball, Kathy Kellam takes the ball to ground and New Ash Green are penalised for hands on in the ruck

From the penalty Becca Williams makes a 20m break, passes to Laura Pérez Fernández who is tackled but New Ash Green are penalised for not releasing.

With the penalty count rising Chloe Parkhouse makes a blistering run with great hands to Kathy Kellam, to Jessie Anderson who spins out a final pass to Lucy Williams for the score. No conversion 0 – 12

New Ash Green have woken up and start to apply lots of pressure the Wells defence holds but New Ash Green are awarded a penalty 5m from the line and score but no conversion 5 – 12

From the restart Wells are on the attack with a breaking run from Olivia Lewis who goes over for the try and Laura Pérez Fernández converts 5 – 19

Wells are straight back on the offensive and after some sustained pressure Wells are awarded a penalty try for a high tackle that also resulted in yellow card for New Ash Green  5 -26

Despite being one player down New Ash Green apply real pressure and after some real back and forth action they go over the line. No conversion 10 – 26

First half end 10-26

2nd Half

Early in the half an New Ash Green hooker is injured to scrums move to uncontested. A great drive off the back of the scrum from Chloe Parkhouse with great hands to Becca Williams passes on to Olivia Lewis who makes a 20m break linking with Mel Hughes who carries it 30m and over the line for the score, Laura Pérez Fernández converts 10 – 33

Laura Pérez Fernández takes the catch from the restart and makes a break is brought down by a high tackle. From the resulting penalty Emma McGreivy makes a 20m break ball is popped to Fee Horne who takes the tackle well and places the ball for Becca Williams to pick and go but she is stopped 1m from the line. Suzanne Robinson takes the ball over for the score. Conversion is missed 10 – 38

Wells continue the pressure with great hands and rucking from the pack. The Backs take the ball on and Olivia Lewis goes over for the try. No conversion 10 – 43

Becca Williams and Emma McGreivy break again and find Fee Horne in space who makes a break but is stopped, Wells win the Ruck and ball goes out to Mel Huges who makes 30m and scores. Laura Pérez Fernández converts 10 – 50

Kathy Kellam takes catch from the restart and drives forward as Wells start to apply the pressure again.

But the intensity of play takes its toll and Wells loose two players to injury after some tough phases– New Ash Green, in a show a sportsmanship, agree to drop to 12 aside

From the restart Wells knock on and New Ash Green in the last gasp of the game win the scrum, kick the ball and wins the foot race only to stumble over the ball which Jessie Anderson kicks out.

Final whistle is blown and Wells run out 10 – 50 winners.

Players honours went to Anya Wilson Fish for a huge shift at Centre and Olivia Lewis for a stunning running and tackling game.

MATCH REPORT; TWRFC 1XV (49) v Hammersmith & Fulham 1XV (19)

Match Reporter: Bruce Elliott

It was an overcast but dry afternoon that saw us welcome Hammersmith & Fulham rugby club to St Mark’s on Saturday.

Wells under 8s were welcomed out for their curtain-raiser by the 1st XV who formed a guard of honour, and our under 8s returned the favour a while later for the main event.

Jack Greig kicked off for Wells, downhill away from the clubhouse.

Early pressure from Wells took them down to the Hammersmith & Fulham 5 m line only stopped as they cinceded a penalty. From the kick Wells quickly regained the ball and with a break from Nick Doherty and great bhands hands to Mylo Vanner-McKew who went over in the corner. The try was converted by debutant Jack Greig.

Wells looked dominant in these early exchanges. The ball went through hands again out to Mylo Vanner-McKew who skated down the line and offloaded to Angus Horne for try number two under the posts, also converted by Jack Greig. 14-0 after around 7 mins played.

Hammersmith had significant possession for prolonged periods of the first half but stomg defence from Wells held them off.

A succession of kicks eventually lead to a line out just inside Hammersmith’s half, but they were struggling to get their line out firing with only one from three won at this stage. A knock on from Wells lead to a Hammersmith scrum on the halfway line. Solid defence from Wells left Hammersmith little option but to kick, but they did this effectively, and after several exchanges they found themselves with a lineout just inside Wells 22. Wells were then penalised from an ensuing ruck which led to a Hammersmith line-out close to the Wells line. Strong defence from Wells forced Hammersmith to knock on and Wells escaped to the halfway line. But pressure was building from Hammersmith, who woorked the ball well through hands finding a gap just to the left of the posts. Simple conversion. 14-7

Frustratingly for Wells, from a solid attack Hammersmith intercepted a loose pass and took it into the left corner for the try. Good conversion. 14-14 with about 10 minutes left to the half.

Chapel Down Player of the Match: Jack Greig

From the restart Wells had a lineout around the 30m mark. Wells set up a series of phases with the ball was passed through hands to Jack Greig who found the gap, offloaded to Nick Doherty who went over the line for the try. Converted by Jack Greig. 21-14

This took us to Half time. Wells were good for the lead at this point, but Hammersmith weren’t going to make it easy.

At the start of the second half Hammersmith gathered their own kickoff and immediately applied pressure. Forced into the corner just short of their line Wells made a number of try saving tackles. The ball came to Jack Greig who kicked the clearance.

Soon after Wells gave away a penalty for a high tackle just inside the 22. Hammersmith kicked to the corner for the line out. This was a period of sustained pressure and after about ten minutes of the half Wells had just made it up to the halfway line.

Josh Curtis made a great break around the halfway mark, going head to head with two defenders. He showed it each way, once to Mylo Vanner-McKew, but offloaded to Andromar Du Toit on his left who took it all the way in. Conversion once again Jack Greig. 28-14 and the bonus point try in the bag.

Wells returned from the kick off energised but knocked on soon after. The resulting scrum was just inside Wells half. Hammersmith broke to the left taking it to the Wells 5m. It was cleared by Wells but at this stage they were under sustained pressure.

Wells won a line out around the 35m and again worked through the phases and then through hands the ball found its way out to the far wing to Mylo Vanner McKew who took it all the way in and dove into the far corner. Perfect conversion from Jack Greig. 35-14

Wells came straight back with a great break from Max Hobbs. Skimming the sideline he offloaded to Jack Greig who went in for a try on his 1st XV debut. Converted by Jack Greig. 42-14

Soon after there was a lovely cross field kick from Jack Grieg to Milo Vanner McKew, but he was unfortunately caught around the 15m mark.

Hammersmith had a little left in the tank and scored a try in the bottom right hand corner taking the score to 42-19 with 3 minutes left.

Wells returned straight away with another break from Hobbs. The ball eventually founds its way to Josh Curtis for the final score. Full time 49-19

The match saw two players making their 1st XV debuts – Andromar Du Toit and Jack Greig. Both scored tries, and Jack converted every try scored by Wells. Jack has played for Wells from under 6s all the way through. His father, Rob, also regularly played for TW 1st XV some years ago. Mike Rigby, TWRFC Chairman said “It was really lovely watching the next generation coming through today, and so successfully. Its what the club is all about”

Camberley RFC 1XV (17) v TWRFC 1XV (22)

Match Reporter: Stuart Montgomery

On a bright afternoon TW were to start going down the slight slope towards the clubhouse and with the breeze behind them. TW started brightly putting Camberley under pressure at every opportunity and forced a penalty at the breakdown on the half way line. Day stepped up and stroked the ball over which gave a good positive message that any penalty given away in the half could well be points on the scoreboard. TW were certainly up for this game and kept forcing Camberley mistakes which in turn gave TW territory. A penalty kick into the Camberley 22 saw clean line out with Whale taking the ball into the heart of the defence and Mike Doherty going over from short range from the ensuing 2nd phase, Day converted to 0-10 and TW were well worth this score.

Camberley came back and tried to get some continuity but a good tackle in the TW midfield just 30 metres out from their line lead to another dropped ball, no hesitation the ball was moved wide for Hobbs to stretch the defence and Doherty take the ball on the inside, back to Hobbs in the Camberley 22 but the defence just held out. Camberley finally settled for a 10 minute period and forced a couple of penalties and had 2 lineouts in the TW 22 but defence won the day and pressure relieved. Another box kick was dropped on the half way line,  TW scrum put pressure on Camberley and a Whale break and a pass inside looked like a definite try but the defender tackled high, a penalty try was duly given and yellow card given – 0-17. With just 5 minutes to HT we could have seen 2 scores, 1 for TW who had tackled and forced a lineout deep in the C 22 only to miss the lineout and 1 for C who had a lineout 5 metres from TW line. Caught and riven to force a penalty, another cleanly caught line out saw the ball go over the TW line only to be pushed  back into the field of play without a grounding. HT 0-17 to TW who had executed the coaches game plan superbly. However there were casualties with Ben Day having to leave the field with a cut just before HT and being replaced by Sam Williams.

Chapel Down Player of the Match: Ben Whale

Camberley had obviously regrouped during the HT break and came straight out to pressure TW and a charged down kick led to a C scrum in the TW 22 where quick ball enabled the scrum half to go over for a try which was converted for 7-17 scoreline. TW responded well and it looked likely to be a try from Williams out wide only for a JPR like tackle just a metre from the C line. Williams took the full force and had to leave the field so Nick Doherty came onto the field and Josh Curtis moved from the back row to the backs where we now had no natural 10 nor centre and playing into the breeze was not going to be easy. Luke Hawkins had also come off with injury and  Dave Lock came on to make his debut in the front row.

TW continued to play an expansive game and forced a defensive lineout in the C 22 – lineout was stolen at the front and moved to the left touchline just 5 metres out, Storkey sniped around the breakdown and Josh Curtis crashed over for the score – conversion was too much and the score now 7-22. Another great team attack saw Isbell go over only to be brought back for obstruction on the 22 – a big call which would have put C really in trouble.

The last 20 minutes saw TW under real pressure and were constantly being stretched out wide, Mike Doherty was kept busy at 15 but was up to the challenge and a few kicks were gathered deep in the 22 and touch found. 2 drop outs from our own line kept the pressure firmly on and C twice went over down their right wing but out wide and neither were converted 17-22. The 2nd half finished just like the 1st where a C lineout just 5 metres out was met with great defence and TW held out, just.

The TW game plan was spot on, much credit to the coaching staff and a great all round performance in very trying circumstances during the 2nd half. TW remain in 3rd place with a game in hand, every game is now crucial.                                   

MATCH REPORT: TWRFC Ladies 1XV v Heathfield & Waldron Ladies 2XV

Tunbridge Wells Ladies 1XV hosted Heathfield & Waldron Ladies 2XV in a thrilling National Challenge League 3 encounter, seeking redemption after a previous 53 – 0 defeat in the away fixture earlier in the season.

Wells kick-off and win a  great early maul and are awarded a scrum which Heathfield & Waldron collapse, Emma McGreivy putting her opposite prop under real pressure. Wells knock on from the restart, Heathfield & Waldron capitalise on the scrum and carry over the ball in the corner, but fail to convert 0 – 5

The restart sees some great handling from Wells and Mel Hughes goes over for the try, conversion is missed so scores are even at 5 – 5. Wells continue to dominate the scrum but Heathfield & Waldron retain the ball, slip tackles and go over for another score that is converted 5-12. Despite great aggression from Wells Heathfield & Waldron break through again and score  out wide and convert 5-19

A yellow card sees Wells down a player and Heathfield & Waldron capitalise on the ten minute advantage to score twice but fail to convert both 5 – 29

With Wells back to full strength the fight back starts, great handling between Laura Pérez-Fernández and Belle Raine sees Laura go over for the try but no conversion 10 – 29. At the restart Belle Raine and Nicole Brown work the ball up the pitch pass to Chauntel Blackwell who in turn pops to Laura Pérez-Fernández sending her over for another score.

First half ends 15-29

Second half starts but is immediately interrupted by a Heathfield & Waldron Injury. Play restarts with a penalty to Wells for offside, Chauntel Blackwell and Emma McGreivy take on the charge passing  to Laura Pérez-Fernández who goes in under the posts and then converts 22-29

Play continues and Wells are awarded a penalty that is miss kicked but the return kick is taken by Chauntel Balckwell who runs in for the try 27 – 29. After a period of open play Heathfield & Waldron receive a penalty but carry it over their own line , Wells are awarded and win a 5m scrum but the ball is lost to a forward pass.

Heathfield & Waldron get the scrum but Wells, who have dominated in the scrum, win it Mel Hughes and Belle Raine made a break from the back but were denied the score due to a forward pass. Heathfield & Waldron win the resulting scrum, break away and run the  length of pitch for the score. The try is not converted and the game ends 27-34

Wells Forward of the Match was awarded Diane Betteridge for her development

Back of the Match went Jessie  Anderson for her tackle count & style

The match showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, with Tunbridge Wells Ladies displaying significant improvement since their previous encounter. Despite the narrow defeat, the performance was a testament to their growth and commitment in the National Challenge League 3 campaign.