Late rally sees Shelford beaten by Tunbridge Wells

Difficult start on the road

Shelford made a losing start to their National League Three, London & SE season with a 39-19 reversal at Tunbridge Wells.

After arriving late to the ground, Shelford were on the back foot from the off against the newly-promoted side.

Tunbridge had hooker Luke Hawkins sin-binned for a high tackle after four minutes, but a try from Dylan Barkas, converted by Frank Reynolds, gave them the lead two minutes later.

Shelford winger Charlie Parkhouse got away on his debut to score on the counter attack to reduce the arrears.

But a five-minute period for Tunbridge saw them go 17-5 ahead, and another converted try made it 24-5 after 38 minutes.

Ross Kevan, who joined Shelford this summer, threw a dummy before touching down, and Josh Simmons landed the conversion to make it 24-12 at half time.

Grant Anderson, who has returned after a sabbatical, scored under the posts after 66 minutes, and Simmons converted to make it 24-19.

But a penalty and two breakaway tries saw Tunbridge seal a 39-19 win.

Shelford host Hertford this Saturday (September 9).