As written by Steve Bassi:
St Marks was looking resplendent with its new white post fencing surrounding the pitch on a perfect day for rugby as the home side welcomed Brighton for a huge relegation battle on Saturday.
Both sides were fully aware of the importance of this match, Wells could avoid relegation definitively with a bonus point win, whilst Brighton knew that anything other than a win would condemn them to relegation.
Wells played down the slope in the first half and soon brought their big ball carrying forwards into the mix, exerting early pressure. That along with scrum dominance bode well for the home team, and it was no surprise when winger Jack Smith dotted down after a period of sustained pressure, the try was unconverted.
However, Brighton immediately hit back with a try of their own moving the ball wide and scoring in the corner to level, unconverted.
Wells regained their early dominance, and after being held up over the line (something that has happened too often this season), they eventually scored their second try after a series of scrum penalties with the returning centre Chris Whiteley crashing over after some good phases, unconverted again, 10-5 to the home team.
Another try was to follow following a good line out just outside the Brighton 22, the forwards went through the phases again with some good carries and hooker Alex Purnell powered over for his 7th try of what has been an outstanding season for him.
Fly half Greg Thew converted from in front of the posts to give Wells a 17-5 half time lead, would it be enough with Brighton having the slope advantage in the 2nd half.
Wells needed a strong start playing uphill, unfortunately the opposite was to happen. Brighton immediately took control of the game, with some loose play and poor tactical kicking from Wells, combined with weak defence in the back line. They scored two unconverted tries within 10 minutes to bring the score back to 17-15, game on!
After a messy period of play, another poor kick straight to the Brighton full back followed by a series of missed tackles allowed Brighton to secure their bonus point try and take the lead for the first time, this time they converted leaving Wells trailing 17-22.
After a poor quarter, Wells rallied again with the forwards taking control and Brighton were put under serious pressure, but either a knock on or poor decision meant the try would not come. Then it looked like Wells had scored again when Jack Smith went over again after a period of sustained pressure, however the referee adjudged a pass to have been forward or knocked on, much to the disbelief of those supporters in line with the move.
Finally, the pressure told, and the much-deserved bonus point try for the home team arrived with Nick Doherty showing his class with a fine finish. 22-22 and another key kick was missed to leave both sides level.
At this juncture, 3 points may have been enough for Wells to secure their league status depending on results elsewhere, but Brighton would be relegated, and it was they that would finish the stronger of the two teams in a tense final few minutes.
Initially Wells were let off the hook when the Brighton full back missed a long range penalty, however with the last play of the game they scored their 5th try which they converted to snatch a dramatic 22-29 victory.
Wells did secure 2 bonus points, to leave them on 34, whilst Horsham remain below them on 32 after their bonus point win and Brighton on 30.
With two teams to go down, it all comes down to the last game of the season on April the 5th with all 3 teams playing away from home, Wells in Jersey, Horsham at Maidenhead and Brighton at Hammersmith and Fulham.