Match Reporter: Jim Hendley

Wells travelled to Sudbury for the first time and knew they were going to be in for an open and entertaining match. Whilst the travelling fans were few, they made up for it in volume as the TWRFC WAGS encouraged and supported the team from the kick off to the final whistle. The omens looked good from the outset as after being treated to a fantastic pre-match lunch a TWRFC supporter won the ‘heads & tails’ competition which added some nice funds to the beer kitty!

It was imperative that Wells got off to a quick start which meant shaking the near 3-hour coach journey out of their legs. Sudbury are particularly strong at home and like to play a high tempo, quick recycling & attacking game.

In relatively benign conditions Wells received the kick off and exited their 22 with a good clearance kick by Montgomery. The ensuing Sudbury lineout was stolen by Wells and the ball moved wide across the line, Brockman creating the extra man and sending Mylo Vanner through under the posts for a converted try 0-7 after 2 minutes. Wells were able top build on this after continuous infringements by Sudbury giving penalty chances for Wells to build their lead to 0-16 by halftime. Montgomery was imperious with the boot all match, kicking all 6 goal attempts and continuously finding space behind the Sudbury defence or clearing the lines. He was the worthy winner of the MOTM awarded by Sudbury.

Sudbury did have their moments and tried to attack at every opportunity, but the Wells defence held firm every time with notable contributions from Talbot, Brockman and N Doherty. A particularly impressive feature was the first up tackling with the Sudbury attackers often knocked back over the gain line or the ball dislodged for a knock on. With Wells having more control at the lineout and looking sharp in open play they always offered a threat. Debutant scrum half Sam Seymour also had an impressive game moving the ball wide at pace, defending well and box kicking effectively.

Wells kicked off the second half and the first score was going to be crucial if Wells could extend their lead or give Sudbury the opportunity to get back into the match. A good crowd were fully behind the home side but Wells had a blistering start again and this time it was Brockman who scored in the corner after great ball retention and passing by the Wells side. Montgomery slotting from the touchline with aplomb which silenced the home crowd and increased the decibels of the few travelling supporters 0-23.

To their credit Sudbury didn’t relent with their pace and attacks but were unable to break through the Wells defence. The whole team defended as a unit which is a reflection of the organisation and effort put in on the training paddock. The lineout held firm with Chapman managing to disrupt several of Sudbury’s and turn the ball over for Wells.

Midway through the half Wells extended their lead further after a sublime chip by Montgomery over the defence allowed Captain, Mike Doherty to scoop up the ball and whilst tackled he managed to reach out and dot down for the try, duly converted from the touchline by Montgomery. 0-30.

The game then became a little ragged and TW started to lose a little focus giving away several penalties which gave Sudbury some heart and they eventually broke through to score an unconverted try. 5-30. With Wells now on a team warning from the referee it seemed inevitable that a yellow card would follow and unfortunately it as Nick Doherty infringement that meant he was sent to the bin. Sudbury upped their intensity further and Wells brought on their bench to help stem the tide but eventually the home team were in again for another unconverted try 10-30.

With Wells back at full strength they saw the remainder of the game out relatively comfortably and ran out worthy winners. A great performance away from home and it was good to back up the previous victory over Sidcup. When Wells are fully focussed on their game rather than worrying about decisions that don’t go their way, they can cause any of the teams in this league a problem or two. With back-to-back home games coming up against Medway & Colchester they’re in a good position to extend their winning run.