Eagles Pipped By Excellent Tunbridge Wells Unit

Eagles 22 – 35 Tunbridge Wells

Juniors U17 • Cup • Sun 21st Mar 10, 12:30PM

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I know everyone is disappointed to have gone down 22-35 to Tunbridge Wells but they are an excellent unit and will now be stiff opposition for London Welsh in the London and South East Final of the National U17 Bowl on Sunday. 

Wells started and finished well. A very early try was answered by two Tom Gamble penalties before trading of points including tries from Ollie Howes and Jack Haynes plus a penalty from Elliot Davies brought up a slender half time lead of 19-15 to Eagles. A second half drop goal from Elliot was the only response to Tunbridge Wells' three tries in the second half, with the result still being in doubt with just five minutes to go.

Of particular disappointment was a disallowed try by James Rowbotham adjudged by Mr Hewitt to have been a double movement. Lots of if-only's.

Two special moments for me. One was Rory's quick thinking to restart the game and set up a first half try. The second being a second half charge by Alan Buckle where at each attempted tackle you expected him to go down but Alan clearly had other ideas leaving a trail of Tunbridge Wells defenders either floundering in his wake or attached doggedly to his clothing. 

A cracking game. 

Report by Keith Gamble