TUNBRIDGE WELLS achieved a much needed bonus point win as a few of their long-term injured returned to play alongside some young players from the junior section.
After the loss to Guildford they knew they had to win this game to avoid dropping into the relegation zone of the London and South-East Premier Division where Brentwood reside.
Wells were soon under a lot of pressure but the hosts were kept out by solid defensive work, conceding only a penalty in the first half-hour.
However, on 32 minutes Brentwood’s centre punched through a gap and scored between the posts, the conversion making it 10-0.
Wells got back into the match and just before half-time the lively scrum-half Anthony Storkey danced his way over between the posts, Frank Reynolds converting to go into the break at 10-7.
The second half started much the same as the first, with Brentwood taking the game to Wells and scoring a converted try.
This woke Wells up and strong running from the front row paid off with man of the match Brendan Crossilla crossing the line between the posts, Reynolds adding the extras.
Brentwood never got out of their half again with Wells now firing on all cylinders.
Another strong driving phase saw Christian Earle power his way over between the posts for Reynolds to convert.
The Wells lineout was working well, and a catch-and-drive saw the returning Josh Pankhurst finish off a rolling maul for the bonus point, Reynolds again converting.
Excellent handling and interplay led to Nick Doherty feeding his brother Mike, who scored between the posts for another converted try.
Wells will take a lot of positives from this game, particularly their dogged defence after another slow start and conceding an early lead.
After a weekend off they face the league leaders Sutton & Epsom at home on Saturday February 9 (kick-off 2.30pm).
On Sunday (February 3) St Marks hosts Kent Under-20s against Eastern Counties Under-20s in the County Championship at 2pm.
