After a remarkable season for TWRFC which saw them finish 3rd in the league, the highest they have ever finished in the league structure, they have qualified for the play-offs. The play-offs are a new introduction by the RFU to offer more drama to promotion and relegation. Their first challenge would be to play 2nd placed London Scottish Lions and if that went well they would get to play either Letchworth or Tring.

The first trip on the road was to play London Scottish Lions at Rosslyn Park’s ground. The coach trip was organised and on the road we went. Having lost to Lions twice in the league season the mighty Wells were under no illusion how hard this would be. Lions are a strong, well coached side who have some real class in their backs. The day started well with our Chair winning the heads and tails game in the pre-match lunch. A bottle of whiskey was the prize. Was this to be a sign of things to come?

The first half was a pretty even battle with two tries a piece. Our first was a nice forwards move seeing Binstead go over, the second a nice play in the Backs with Montogomery going under the posts. Both converted by Tomanek. LS then went over just before half time to take the break 5 points up 19-14. Wells were not firing on all cylinders but importantly were staying in the game and connected. News was reaching us that Letchworth also had a narrow advantage at half time 24-19.

The second half saw wells strike back almost immediately with a try out wide to level the scores. The forwards were evenly matched but it felt this game would be won by which team were able to control where the ball was played. LS then stole a march on the travelling side and scored twice in quick order to take the score to 33-19. They then got a penalty in a highly kickable location, they chose to play for the corner such was their belief in their domination. Unfortunately nothing came of the dangerous line out and wells were able to hold out. Wells were gaining momentum (and they needed to) with 10 minutes to go. The forwards were functioning well and making ground. We first saw a lovely snipe from the back of the ruck to see Jake Rutherford go over. Shortly followed by Big Dave Thornton using his strength to score again. The ever calm Tomanek slotted both to see us level at 33-33. Extra time was beckoning with the travelling Mighty Wells in the ascendancy. In the first period of extra time Wells continued their dominancy and a loose ball saw the powerful Thresher go over with Tomanek converting to take the lead 33-40. As the second period of extra time arrived we saw the first yellow of the match as Captain Whale was penalised, could Wells hold on? After what seemed like a 30 minute second half the answer was yes they had done it. After Letchworth also won, there would be ANOTHER road trip next week. Man of the Match was Brady Robertson

After a week of planning, ice baths, massages and video reviews the team prepared for the trip to Letchworth a side TWRFC had never played before. Another full coach set sail from St Marks for unchartered territory. Dare they dream to go one further. The research showed Letchworth were a formidable opponent having only lost 4 times all season (2 to the league leaders) and had an excellent set of backs. Would their forwards be able to live with our strength?

The game kicked off and TWRFC again took an early lead and Letchworth return the pressure. Tries from Binstead, Waghorne saw us go in at half time trailing 17-10. Their backs were fast and dangerous and we were struggling to handle them. The Mighty Wells were again not firing on all cylinders and they would need too to unlock some more possession in the second half for the right to play Henley next weekend.

As the second half kicked off another try was conceded and the task was (once again) looking challenging for the travelling side. They trailed 22-10 and needed something quickly. Fortunately that ‘never say die attitude’ returned and firstly we saw the ever present Isbel go over, then Binstead (with the con by Monty) to level the scores at 22-22. Letchworth were rocking and looking tired and starting to take points from Pens. Three more tries from Monty, Goodger and Hobbs took the score to 26-43 and the game was won. With a full time score of 33-41 the Wells had earnt the right of for a third away trip on the bounce to Henley Hawks. Man of the Match Josh Groocock

The mighty wells are certainly earning the badge of end of season specialists, following their Pappa Johns win last year. This is a team that truly does ‘Dare to Believe’ and who knows what they are capable of next week. I suggest you book your travel early to avoid disappointment.

COYW