AFTER the heavy defeat to Wimbledon last week, Tunbridge Wells managed to keep Shelford at arms’ length in the London & South-East Premier Division.
Having sustained an injury in training, fly-half Frank Reynolds dropped out and in the reshuffle Academy product Max Edmonton started at No 9, returning to the club after almost two years.
A surging run by back rowers Mike Hathaway and Dave Allen was rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts which Edmonton converted.
But Shelford came straight back, their scrum-half jinked his way through three poor tackles to dive over between the posts for a converted try.
The home side recycled the ball well and Wells gave away two penalties which were converted.
But Shelford were starting to look tired as the half wore on. From a solid five-metre scrum Wells skipper Ryan Taylor-Dennehy crashed over on the stroke of half-time. Edmonton converted to make it 13-10 to the hosts at the interval.
Wells emerged from the break full of energy and scored quickly through Nick Doherty and then Tom Bailey, who had a strong game in the centre; Edmonton converted the second time.
Strong scrummaging saw the pack power their way over the line with Doherty touching down for his second try, Edmonton adding the extras.
Constant pressure saw Wells strike again, this time with an excellent chip and chase for Taylor-Dennehy to go over for his second try.
Then Shelford found their second wind and started to play their way back into the game with a converted try coming from their centre.
Jamie Farris was sent to the sinbin after coming on to make his debut. Shelford took advantage of the extra man and scored a converted try in the last minute – but Wells were out of reach.
They now face an unbeaten Westcliff at home on Saturday [September 22, kick-off 3pm].
PICTURE: ON THE RUN:Nick Doherty evades a tackle PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
