This was an eagerly anticipated Match between two teams vying for promotion. Although Tunbridge had lost their last two games by short margins, it’s widely known that they’re an incredibly strong and physical side with promotional ambitions. The Cup on the other hand are on a fine run of form with no loss in 10 games in both the league & Kent cup.

Saturday morning was a fine morning with a chill in the air and a slight westerly breeze. The local mayor was down to watch the game and a fine crowd had formed with Sidcup 2nd XV having also played and won in the earlier kick-off. .

TW’s kicked off proceedings with the wind behind their backs and dark clouds beginning to form. The first ten minutes were fairly dominant by Cup with strong runs in the tight channels from forwards and backs alike. TW’s matched the attack with some ferocious defence which made it extremely tough for Sidcup to ram their way through. Eventually a penalty was given to the visitors where a kick into touch and a fine forwards drive led ‘Sloughman’ to dot down over the line. The conversion duly slotted by Jardine.

Soon after the score, the TW’s prop saw red with a no arms high tackle on the rampaging Cutler who never failed to hold onto the ball even though his head nearly came off his torso! The resulting penalty was again neatly slotted by the ever reliable Jardine.

The Cup, now with a man extra, let their foot off the gas and TW’s came back harder and with new purpose. The heavens opened and it became Armageddon on the pitch. The home fans willed their side on with strange bird noises and ‘whooping’ that were similar to those you hear on David Attenborough’s late night BBC show. It seemed to work and the home team got the converted try they were hunting for. The teams went in at half-time with Cup in the lead at 10-7.

The second half continued to be a game of attrition with kicking the preferred option for both teams in the slippery conditions. Ten minutes into the half ‘Sonny Bill’ found a gap and charged through to score an excellent try. Jardine this time missed the kick.
Cup had hoped this would dampen the mood and silence the crowd but TW’s didn’t cower. Instead they continued to press and produced a display of strong desire to win this game. TW’s converted a harsh penalty given for a no arms tackle from Hopkins (who was consequently binned) and shortly after a little grubber by their lively little 9 was miss-judged by Cup, picked up by TW’s winger and scored under the posts. TW’s now in the lead by a couple of points. Game on!

Cup found themselves in territory they hadn’t been in this season and the pressure was on. They were stirred on by their ever-present captain Westy, who again, led the charge by example. The conditions by this point were extremely wet and the scrums had gone to non-contested due to an injury in the home team's pack. Opinions vary as to whether TW actually went down to 13 men at this point as required by the laws. The tension was growing as the final whistle loomed and the Cup faithful on the touchline were beginning to lose hope. You could hear cries of ‘how long sir!’ from Mr McMahon, who was keeping a close eye on his watch and the man in the sin-bin.

The ref finally brought the star back on and he made a hell of a difference. A little pop back inside from Sidcup’s Luke McAllister to Charlie Hopkins saw him charge through the defence and slide under the posts to enormous jubilation from the away fans. The scenes were incredible and it was clear how big a game this really was for Sidcup. Credit must go to both teams for such an enjoyable game.

Sidcup Rugby Football Club

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Competition

League position

Team Sponsors

Login