AFTER three successive defeats, Tunbridge Wells produced their strongest all-round performance of their first campaign in London & South-East Premier Division at local rivals Sidcup.
A deft pass by Blaise Salle popped Christian Earle into space and the forward galloped 15 metres to the posts for a try converted by Frank Reynolds on six minutes.
Reynolds, who was returning after injury, extended the lead with a penalty kick but Sidcup’s Josh Twyford replied in kind from 35 metres.
Shaydn Osgood beat two men and fed Nick Doherty to score a try under the posts, Reynolds converting.
Twyford slotted two more penalties for a series of breakdown infringements as half-time approached.
In first-half stoppage time Earle powered over for his second try from a lineout, and with Reynolds’ conversion Wells went in 24-9 ahead.
Two minutes into the second half Max Douch gathered Owain Withers’ hack upfield and was halted just short of the line. But quick recycling saw Dave Allen crashed over to secure the try bonus point.
Full-back Ryan Taylor-Dennehy fielded a kick on his 10 metre line and broke past four opponents to sprint for a superb individual try.
A strong rolling maul saw James Poland dot down for the hosts, and on the hour forward Luke Coughlan broke two weak tackles to cross under the posts. With Twyford’s conversion the score was now 21-36.
Sidcup lost a man to the sin bin and the visitors opted for a scrum at the scrum and marched their opponents back for No 8 Nick Doherty to secure his second try.
Osgood burst down the blind-side to feed Taylor-Dennehy, who coasted 0ver the line. Sidcup scored a consolation try in the final play.
Tunbridge Wells move back up to seventh, and now host fifth-placed Westcliff on Saturday [December 2, kick-off 2pm].
