Tunbridge Wells 30
London Irish Wild Geese 17
They took on a team relegated from National Two South in conditions which were very slippery underfoot.
Penalties were to play a big part in the game as players found it difficult to keep their feet, and Ciaran Poynter and Wells’ Frank Reynolds traded easy kicks in the opening minutes.
With Irish enjoying more ball Poynter picked up another three points but the home side scored the first try from a ruck.
Frank Reynolds put an inch perfect diagonal kick to the right which was caught at speed by wing Richard Webster, who scored the try which was well converted from wide by Reynolds.
That gave Wells a 10-6 advantage halfway through the first period, and Wells twice strayed offside twice to allow Poynter to kick Irish into a half-time lead of 12-10. After the break Wells proceeded to dominate possession with No 8 Nick Doherty putting in two surges which came close to tries.
Reynolds nudged the hosts ahead with a penalty on 50 minutes, and from the kick-off Wells’ scrum-half Eddie Croft kicked a diagonal grubber which Webster fell on for his second try, though it was not converted.
Irish’s pocket rocket right wing Tadhg O’Hagan then put in a number of surges which ultimately created a try for his left wing Josh Steadman to bring the visitors to within one point at 18-17.
Wells introduced George Montgomery for some extra bite and on 70 minutes he put in a great tackle 30 metres from the Wells line.
The ball was spilt and right wing Max Hobbs was on it in a flash, speeding some 60 metres to touch down for a try converted by Reynolds.
The home side secured their fourth try and the bonues point after two minutes of injury time. Following great approach work from Ryan Taylor-Dennehy it was Hobbs again who slid several metres on his front into the left corner for his second try.
Wells, who are in sixth place, now visit CS Stags 1863 in Chiswick, West London on Saturday (October 26, kick-off 3pm).
