Tunbridge Wells Ladies 1XV hosted Heathfield & Waldron Ladies 2XV in a thrilling National Challenge League 3 encounter, seeking redemption after a previous 53 – 0 defeat in the away fixture earlier in the season.

Wells kick-off and win a  great early maul and are awarded a scrum which Heathfield & Waldron collapse, Emma McGreivy putting her opposite prop under real pressure. Wells knock on from the restart, Heathfield & Waldron capitalise on the scrum and carry over the ball in the corner, but fail to convert 0 – 5

The restart sees some great handling from Wells and Mel Hughes goes over for the try, conversion is missed so scores are even at 5 – 5. Wells continue to dominate the scrum but Heathfield & Waldron retain the ball, slip tackles and go over for another score that is converted 5-12. Despite great aggression from Wells Heathfield & Waldron break through again and score  out wide and convert 5-19

A yellow card sees Wells down a player and Heathfield & Waldron capitalise on the ten minute advantage to score twice but fail to convert both 5 – 29

With Wells back to full strength the fight back starts, great handling between Laura Pérez-Fernández and Belle Raine sees Laura go over for the try but no conversion 10 – 29. At the restart Belle Raine and Nicole Brown work the ball up the pitch pass to Chauntel Blackwell who in turn pops to Laura Pérez-Fernández sending her over for another score.

First half ends 15-29

Second half starts but is immediately interrupted by a Heathfield & Waldron Injury. Play restarts with a penalty to Wells for offside, Chauntel Blackwell and Emma McGreivy take on the charge passing  to Laura Pérez-Fernández who goes in under the posts and then converts 22-29

Play continues and Wells are awarded a penalty that is miss kicked but the return kick is taken by Chauntel Balckwell who runs in for the try 27 – 29. After a period of open play Heathfield & Waldron receive a penalty but carry it over their own line , Wells are awarded and win a 5m scrum but the ball is lost to a forward pass.

Heathfield & Waldron get the scrum but Wells, who have dominated in the scrum, win it Mel Hughes and Belle Raine made a break from the back but were denied the score due to a forward pass. Heathfield & Waldron win the resulting scrum, break away and run the  length of pitch for the score. The try is not converted and the game ends 27-34

Wells Forward of the Match was awarded Diane Betteridge for her development

Back of the Match went Jessie  Anderson for her tackle count & style

The match showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, with Tunbridge Wells Ladies displaying significant improvement since their previous encounter. Despite the narrow defeat, the performance was a testament to their growth and commitment in the National Challenge League 3 campaign.