Tunbridge Wells 11 Rochford Hundred 22
The home side had to change their entire front row due to injury and unavailability and the new-look pack held up well in a scoreless first quarter.
It took until the 27th minute for Wells to get on the scoreboard with a simple penalty. But the large and physical pack from Rochford were enjoying a larger share of the ball.
In the 36th minute the pressure was finally translated into points as Wells dropped the ball behind their line and Rochford’s No 8 Harry Hudson touched down for an unconverted try.
Wells were then punished for indiscipline as first Charley Smith then Josh Hawkins were sent to the sin-bin and Wells were down to 13 as half-time approached.
But this didn’t seem to hinder them as skipper Ryan Taylor-Dennehy initiated a great run and found Mike Doherty on his shoulder to finish off a 45-metre move with an unconverted try to give the hosts an 8-5 lead at the break.
Rochford came out in uncompromising fashion with a simple game plan, to use their physicality to maul and drive to the line.
Wells could gain little ball as Rochford camped in their half, and the maul duly rolled over the line for a try to hooker Adam Ferrier which was converted.
Now back to full numbers, Wells punched some midfield holes and on 50 minutes Frank Reynolds reduced the deficit to 12-11 with a penalty.
Scrum-half Eddie George received Wells’ third yellow card on 57 minutes and after a succession of pick-and-drives Rochford’s left wing Iain Meads scored an unconverted try in the corner, .
The home side could not find a way back at 17-11 down and although Chris Shields was sent to the bin, Mac Duaibe scored another unconverted try for the league leaders.
In seventh place, four points behind Sevenoaks, Wells now travel to play London Irish Wild Geese at Sudbury on Saturday (February 1, kick-off 2.30pm).
