THE form book was upset at Bedford as Tunbridge Wells succumbed to defeat after delays led to a journey of almost five hours.
The visitors started well with Frank Reynolds kicking them into the lead and then converting a well-taken try by Mike Doherty in the corner for a ten-point lead in as many minutes.
But then Wells lost Richard Murray to a head injury and then Max Edmonton to a yellow card, which proved pivotal.
The hosts then managed to score three tries and notch 17 points while Edmonton was off the field.
They rounded off the first half with another converted try to leave Wells trailing by 25-10.
Wells started the second half in better form but without a platform in the tight they found it difficult to close the gap.
Player-coach Dave Allen managed to put a try on the board from a lineout catch and drive.
Then replacement Richard Webster picked up a well-executed try, converted by Reynolds.
But further disruption followed as scrum-half Edmonton suffered what appeared to be a serious ankle injury which caused a long delay while he was treated.
With this loss of momentum Wells conceded a further penalty and an unconverted try to kill off any hopes they had of bonus points or victory.
Wells now have a weekend off in London and South-East Premier Division before they meet CS Stags from Chiswick at home on November 17 [kick-off 2.30pm].
