Tunbridge Wells 24 Guildford 21
TUNBRIDGE WELLS recovered from a poor first half and 18-point deficit to shut out Guildford and record their fifth victory in a row.
The win ensured they secured an impressive fifth place in their first season in the London & South-East Premier Division irrespective of next week’s final game as Westcliff lost to Hertford.
The visitors needed a win to bolster their chances of surviving at this level and they began with greater intensity than the hosts.
Frank Reynolds slotted a penalty on 17 minutes but Guildford responded two minutes later with scrum-half Bradley Smith cutting inside to score close to the posts, Ali Chisholm adding the extras.
A succession of penalties moved Guildford to within range again and a rolling maul from a lineout on the left collapsed.
Wells were deemed to be the offenders as the referee awarded a penalty try on 35 minutes and Nick Doherty was given a yellow card.
Wells were put under even more pressure as Ben Williams joined Doherty in the sin-bin, adjudged to have adopted an illegal position as the opposing prop went to the floor.
With Wells down to 13, Guildford rolled again and Ollie Millward claimed a third, converted try.
The home side managed to hold the opposition at bay for the first few minutes of the second half until they were restored to 15 men.
Then they proceeded to reel in the score. On 46 minutes Nick Doherty finished off a patient pick-and-drive sequence halfway out with Frank Reynolds kicking the conversion.
Man of the Match Dave Allen was using all his experience and skill to suck Guildford in and create space before releasing the ball to the backs.
He popped the ball to Mike Doherty on the straight burst for him to score and Reynolds again added the extras to take the score to 17-21.
Wells were in a purple patch and scored again on 64 minutes as a midfield switch by Shadyn Osgood saw skipper Ryan Taylor-Dennehy run in from 30 metres, beating the defence for pace. Reynolds converted to give Wells the lead at last.
Wells now travel to Shelford near Cambridge on Saturday (April 21, kick-off 3pm).
PICTURE: HOLD YOUR HORSES Shadyn Osgood puts in a timely tackle PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
