Match report by Mike Rigby

Horsham were the guests at St Marks on Saturday for what the crowd hoped would be another glorious day at St Marks. The pitches looked immaculate and the sun shone brightly. Horsham were looking to secure their first win of the season following promotion the year before.

Tunbridge Wells were rotating the squad this week as the club fielded three men’s sides for the first time this season. This rotation saw the Doherty brothers, Luke Hawkins, George Bench, Max Hobbs and Anthony Storkey return to the line-up.

As TWRFC started playing down the hill they looked sharp and dominated early possession. Pressure at the breakdown was good and Horsham were under a lot of pressure. The pressure resulted in Horsham looking narrow and when Wells went wide fast Mike Doherty scored in the corner. Conversion missed by Montgomery. 5-0. The second try was to follow quickly from similar pressure by the forwards releasing early ball to Montgomery to Doherty to Hobbs to run in from the half way line. With a successful conversion 12-0 after 12 minutes. A great start to the half.

However, a plucky Horsham showed good resilience and started to come back at the home team. Good choice of kicks and fast chases were hurting Wells. Horsham were on the scoreboard as a result with a kicked through ball resulting in a try by Horsham. 12-7. This sparked Wells back into action and the industrious Jay Smith carried well through the middle, again tying up the Horsham defence before the ball was shifted out wide to the right wing for Webster to score in the corner. With a successful conversion Wells were 19-7 after 30 minutes with all of the back three scoring.

We then entered a period of disjointed play with many errors by both sides. It felt like both teams wanted half time to come for a reset. Wells replaced Charley Smith with Bench, from the bench. Half time arrived. 19-7 this game was not over and with the hill advantage Horsham would feel they had a chance.

As the half started Wells had replaced Josh Hawkins, who was playing very well, with Nick Doherty going to 8 and Whale into the row. The second half started as the first half had finished with little excitement to watch, the key was going to be who would score first and make the game come alive. The answer was to be Wells with the omnipresent Whale making yet another strong carry, breaking several tackles and making the line. Simply awesome strength and commitment. With another Montgomery conversion 26-7 was starting to look too much for Horsham to recover.

What followed was a demonstration of how well the home team can play with ball in hand and confidence flowing. The pack again proving their dominance of the breakdown with a clean and fast turnover, the ball shipped wide fast to Webster who makes yards, quick ruck speed delivers good ball to Monty who sees room on the left where Whale received an inch perfect kick to run through for the try. Amazing. 31-7.

Then a few more subs for Wells, some to keep players fresh, some to replace gaps caused by a few yellow cards. This ill-discipline encouraged Horsham and saw them run in a try from midfield. 31-14. A reminder to Wells of the need to remain focussed and disciplined. A lesson they learned fast with good connectivity between 8/9/10 as Whale picked and went, releasing Storkey to chip over a flat defence for Montgomery to touch the ball down. With the kick making it 38-14 and time nearly up. Just time for one more try in the corner for Webster and Montgomery making it a final score of 45-14.       

This was a good win for the home side and a good way to celebrate Ali Main and Ben Whale’s 25th appearances. Another home game next week vs Brighton. This Tunbridge Wells side are worth making the trip to St Marks to watch, they play some excellent rugby built on solid defence and electric attack.

Also this weekend saw the TWRFC 2nd XV travel to Sittingbourne for their first league game, securing a 3-90 win. The 3rd XV won at home vs Ashford to make it three wins for the mighty TWRFC.

Come and join us for our Charity Poker Night at the Clubhouse on Friday 17 November.

The evening will be a tournament with prizes for the top four players.

The event is in aid of:

The Anthony Clarke Memorial Charity – the clubs own charity with the aim to develop Rugby in the community and make the sport accessible to all

The Atlas Foundation – Chaired by former England player Jason Leonard, the Foundation exists to help deprived children work to a better future through Rugby communities.

Places are limited to 60 so don’t delay – book your place at:

https://club.spond.com/landing/courses/twrfc/FAEC1622E20B47F997D17FF5263CBA16/main_products

Match report by Stuart Montgomery

The sun was shining and the pitch side temperature was 32 degrees at 11:00 and probably went closer to 40 degrees by the time kick off approached. Havant only lost once at home last year and that was against the league champions (Wimbledon 11-16) conceding just 152 in 22 games, truly a fortress. TW had 5 changes, due to unavailabilities, from the previous week but still took a strong capable side who were up for the challenge.    

In the first ten minutes Havant showed their strength in a very organised line out and after a TW knock on and a pen the kicks to the corner resulted in a catch and drive try and another try after stretching the play across the pitch twice to go over in the corner, both conversions missed 10-0. Straight from the kick off the TW forwards disrupted the catch and attacked into the Havant 22, a fast recycle enabled George Montgomery to spot a half gap and he showed strength to take 2 defenders with him over the line – the try was duly converted and it was 10-7. The Havant restart was caught cleanly and fed to George who had spotted the Havant defence flying up and a nice chip over was gathered by Ben Whale who made 30 metres, the ball was fed to Ali Main who offloaded to Rory Goodger to score a try on his debut. The conversion was made to make the score 10-14 and there was little noise from a c200 crowd.

A sustained period of Havant pressure saw 4 Havant penalties (1 yellow card) and 2 were converted to make the score 16-14. The first scrum of the game was on 28 minutes and the ensuing breakdown in the Havant midfield was greeted with another Pen and a yellow card to Ben Whale. As was the usual, kicked to the corner, a great throw to the back of the lineout and taken over from 7 or 8 metres whilst having another penalty signalled – conversion taken and 23-14. The score was to remain 23-14 at HT with a penalty count of 10-2 against which was initiated by a very proficient line out.

Tunbridge Wells restarted the second half with John Petty on for Tom Waghorne and Toby Simpson for Ali Main. Havant started well and spent 10 minutes attacking the TW line but only forced a penalty for what was adjudged a deliberate knock on by George Montgomery on c45 minutes. The subsequent kick to the corner did not result in clean possession and TW box kicked to just short of half way where the ball was allowed to bounce and gather by Rory Goodger, 3 long passes to toby Simpson who showed a clean pair of heels from 60 metres to score out on the wide left hand side – Ben Day duly kicked the points for 23-21 scoreline. Further TW substitution with Jay Smith off and Jason Lord on. It wasn’t long before another penalty saw Havant kick to 5 out, a clean lineout (to 2 jumper this time) and over for another forward try – 28-21 con missed.

With another 6 penalties to Havant (2 goals kicked) and 2 to TW the scoreline progressed to 34-21 with 10 minutes left. TW finished strongly and scrummaged well throughout and did have a chance to get bonus points but a ball was knocked on with the line begging in the last couple of minutes.

The difference in the sides was very much down to the lineout supremacy and the subsequent consequences this enforced which in turn explained most of the adverse penalty count. Havant finished a clear second in this league last year and has given a good indication of the expected standard needed to compete at the top. Next week we entertain Horsham at St Marks.     

Match report by Tim McCabe

The sun was shining and over 200 spectators were at St Marks eager to witness the first game of the season. Marlborough are new to the league and had an impressive previous two seasons with successive promotions. It was going to be a tough test. 

The whistle blew and the game got underway with Wells defending the try zone, nearest to the clubhouse. 

From kick off, Wells were immediately put under pressure by a young fit looking Marlborough side, the forwards were rampaging from an early lineout in the Wells 22. The ball was shipped out and the big boys attacked, punching the line. Eventually, a looping high kick went over into the try area and the mobile fullback Niall Pollinger, dotted down for the first five points in the corner. Score 0-7 with the conversion from their kicking scrum half, Will Grant.

Wells were playing at some early high tempo and quickly replied within six minutes, with a play right, then left, for a well worked try with 10 minutes gone. Ben Isbell the scorer, George Montgomery (Monty) with the conversion. Score honours were even at 7 apiece.

From the restart Wells seemed to be able to keep possession and found themselves in a challenging strong position. After 7 minutes, Wells crashed over from a scrum push over and with a simple Monty punt, the home side were now 14-7. Dave Thornton, Wells’s burly No 8 the scorer.

Wells started to work harder and fortunately defended well against a Marlborough line out, close to their 22. The throw misfired and Wells stole possession. Play moved back to the opposing half. Wells started to dominate.

The last highlight of the half, which buoyed the crowd, with 5 minutes to go, involved Ben Whale, the ‘Wells’ talismanic 7. He received the ball in broken play and then decided to proceed in a giant ‘human-fly-swatting’ rampage, literally brushing off four (yes 4!) of the oppositions tackle attempts. Quite extraordinary! 

The first half ended, with the game thankfully paused for a re-hydrate and tactical chat. Wells walked off to the changing room, whilst the Marlborough team stayed out, to no doubt quiz their fate, as they looked under constant threat. Half time score 14-7.

The second half resumed with Tunbridge Wells attacking the clubhouse end. The sun was still beating down.

Wells kicked off, the ball was fumbled and the scrum went to the home team in a challenging position. However nothing materialised and the next 10 minutes saw several changes in possession.

The next passage of play had a collection of penalties being awarded to Wells. One near to the posts, so Monty slotted the 3. Score 17-7

Wells then moved up a gear and sustained pressure, finally breaking through with some hard-hitting attacks and dotted the ball over the line for another five points. Nick Doherty the scorer, but conversion missed. Score 22-7

10 minutes later the Marlborough hooker, Aniseko, smoked the defence and makes the score 22-14. Again the full 7 aided and abetted by Grant.

The opposition were certainly not making up the numbers, however the Wells backs were a clear threat all day, with their dancing feet, at silk cutting speed. Wells were in total control until a box kick was charged down by the opposition, who ran with the ball straight over the white wash. The try scored by Pollinger to get his brace, again converted by Grant. The score now perilously close at 22-21, the crowed are asking will it be a Marlborough come back? 

Wells got the bit between their teeth, sensing the game needed to be in their control.

Thankfully towards the last 15 minutes of the match, a penalty was awarded. The opposition 11 was adjudged a high tackle. So saw yellow. From that mark, the ball was spun out quickly and Wells dotted down with Ali Main, the benefactor. The ‘Monty’ conversion is added, we are now 29-21.

With 8 minutes to go, the Marlborough fate was sealed. From deep in his own half, the new Wells Hooker, Jay Smith, broke and sprinted down the pitch from over 60 meters. Quite an incredible effort and a great start for him and the club. He scored the final try, and Monty ended the match with his boot. Nailing the conversion.

The final score resides at 36-21.

A promising start to the season and a very positive match showing the home fans how hard and dedicated the team and the Staff have worked over the summer. Wells really look impressive. Lets hope they can carry off their new form onto Havant next week!

The RFU have just given us the details for the Spring 2024 fixtures:

England’s senior men’s fixtures at Twickenham Stadium are:

• Saturday 10^th February 2024 – England v Wales – KO 16:45
• Saturday 9^th March 2024 – England v Ireland – KO 16:45

We have been given an indication of our allocation but Stuart is confident he can source some additional tickets.

To satisfy as many people as possible Stuart will have to keep requests to a combined total of 2 tickets per member (can be a single ticket for each). Stuart will formulate a list on ‘first come, first served’ and work through the list as and when he can secure tickets (this could be as late as early November to confirm)  – to validate your requests you will have to be, at minimum, a ‘paid up’ member of the club.   

Ticket categories and prices (including £5 admin charge):

Premium: £168 – £199

Cat 1: £151 – £172

Cat 2: £135 – £150

Cat 3: £117 – £122

Cat4: £85 – £90

There are limited Junior tickets available for these games at £35 – if you apply please state whether you would want the adult tickets even IF the junior tickets are not available.       

The away games are in France, Scotland & Italy and the club’s allocation will be very small, please indicate (which game) if you wish to go into a ballot for any tickets that Stuart can source.

Please apply for tickets via email Stuart Montgomery at: Montgos.89a@hotmail.com

It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you all as your new Youth Chairman.  

For those of you that don’t know me I have been involved with the club for the past 7 years since my son Oscar started playing U6 rugby.  Prior to to taking on this role as Youth Chair, I ran the commercial side of the club bringing in sponsors and other revenue streams.  I am the head coach of the Under 13s age group, and my daughter Tabitha is coached by my wife, Claerwyn, as part of the Under 9s.

Firstly I would like to thank Laurence Taylor, as your outgoing Youth Chairman for all the amazing work he has done over the past 8years. – Suzanne George (my Deputy Youth Chair) and I have a tough act to follow!!!

We are not planning on a big changing of the guard, so most things will continue as normal. Your age group coaches have been doing a fantastic job up to now and they are all committed to continuing to provide the best coaching environment for your children.

There are a few things I would like to bring to your attention..

Summer Training:

It is our club policy that Minis (U6-U11) do not do weekly training sessions during the summer months of May – August inclusive, and the Youth Age groups (U12-U16) can (at the head coaches discretion) train as per RFU regulations from July onwards.  This is a club policy that has been put in place by the club board to give everyone a break from rugby.  Our huge band of volunteers (that we rely on) deserve a break, and your kids need a break from rugby, and the chance to try other summer sports (its proven to help their rugby development amongst many other benefits).  For those desperate to continue playing we continue to offer club organised summer touch for U12s upwards.

Summer Rugby Camps:

We have our renowned Kiwi Camp coming up next week (Monday 4th). – There are still a few spaces left if your kids are keen, book via this link https://club.spond.com/landing…   I’ll be hanging around most days so please come and say hi if your kids are coming along, make sure to be there fore the Friday BBQ and entertainment!! 

Our Director of Rugby, Simon Jervis is running another of his fantastic grow-to-perform courses at the end of August.  The quality of coaches that Simon brings to the club is second to none, and this is a great precursor to the start of next season.  Book online via this link: – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/twells-u7-u14-rugby-camp-tickets-678750640437

Curtain Raisers for 1st Team Senior Games:

Over the course of next season each age group will be asked to come and support the first team by training on a Saturday just before the 1st team match, with your kids then being able to cheer our team onto the pitch..  Its a fantastic way to get more engaged with the senior side of the club, and our senior players love the support from the Youth Section.  Your age group head coach will be able to tell you which weekend your age group is supporting.

We have launched the first boys and girls Academy for our over 16 players.

This is a fantastic setup that is unique across the county – it will provide the best training and development opportunities for our older players to transition into senior rugby. Keep an eye out for them training, and please do support them when they are playing their matches throughout the season.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer holidays, please feel free to make contact if you have any concerns or want to get more involved in our club, and I look forward to meeting many of you on the touchlines or in the clubhouse bar over the course of next season.

Cheers

Simon

#COYW #oneTWRFC

TWRFC Youth Chairman

U13  Head Coach

M: 07917520599 

E: sgh.twrfc@gmail.com

Announcing the winners of the June 100 Club draw.

The 100 Club is a major fundraiser for the club if you would like to be part of the monthly draw please contact Alan Skinner at skinners205@btinternet.com 

#oneTWRFC

We are pleased to announce that NZ Rugby Experience will be returning to St Marks this year with their popular Kiwi Rugby Camp. The camp will run 31 Jul – 04 Aug for age groups Under 6 to Under 16 and attendees can be booked for the whole week or individual days – there are also discounts for multiple sibling bookings. For full details, pricing and booking form please go to:

https://club.spond.com/landing/courses/twrfc/240791676D78423D9CCED7FB8F6D9D8E

Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!