TUNBRIDGE WELLS produced a much-improved performance at a rain soaked and windswept St Marks.
They overcame a Dorking side who sit one place above them in the London and South-East Premier League.
After an inconsistent run of results and problems with indiscipline, the home side made four changes to the starting line-up.
They immediately established a territorial dominance which they would not relinquish throughout the first half.
After Frank Reynolds had slotted a penalty, they set up camp near the visitors’ line and their patience was rewarded as No 8 Nick Doherty went over between the posts for a converted try on 14 minutes.
Further changes were needed after stalwart prop Ben Williams and back row Ben Isbell collided with each other and played no further part in the game.
It made no difference to Wells’ dominance as they kept possession and, after another Reynolds penalty, they went in at half-time with a 13-0 lead.
Around the hour-mark the visitors got on the scoreboard with a penalty and began to exert more pressure but they were held up over the Wells try line.
They had two successive penalty awards in front of the posts but chose to scrum. But Wells withstood this onslaught and managed to turn the ball over.
They made 50 metres up the left side through a pacy touchline run from Mike Doherty. Maintaining the position the Wells pack put in a succession of pick and drives.
Anthony Storkey then spotted a mismatch in defence on the right.
Quick hands to right wing Matt Spicer saw him score in the corner to seal the game in the 73rd minute.
In wild conditions Wells impressed with their aggressive defence and stand-in captain Mike Hathaway took the Man of the Match award for a huge tackle count.
Wells now visit Kent rivals Sidcup, three points ahead of them in seventh place, on Saturday [December 8, kick-off 2pm].
