FOR the first time in many a year, Tunbridge Wells rugby fans must surely be casting envious eyes down the A26.

While Tonbridge Juddians have all but sewn up the London 2 South East League title and still have a trip to Twickenham in their sights, Tunbridge Wells are in real danger of slipping out of London 1 South. On Saturday they slumped to another defeat, this time going down 32-15 at home to Wimbledon.

Quite simply, TJs could be the number one club in west Kent come the end of April, if Wells don't survive the relegation dogfight.

Chairman Roger Clarke knows the team simply has to perform in their next five matches, beginning tomorrow (Saturday), when they travel to fifth placed Chichester.

"I think we need to probably win four out of our last five matches," Clarke said. "Two of three relegation places are gone (Aylesford and Maidstone) and the other team to get relegated could be one of three teams (Old Elthamians and Thanet Wanderers), including us.

"We have a difficult game against Chichester, and if we lose and Old Elthamians beat Aylesford then they will be level on points with us.

"A couple of weeks ago, one or two wins would have seen us in mid-table, but now we have it all to play for if we want to stay up.

"We have to play Old Elthamians over Easter, a rearranged game after the referee got injured, and they look to have the easier run in - playing Aylesford and Maidstone. It is a big ask for us, but there is no reason why we can't do it."

Wells have encountered problems in selecting a consistent side. Clarke said the club has only been able to select the same players on one occasion this season, due to injuries and unavailability.

The purple patch that Wells enjoyed during the end of 2009, five wins in seven matches, coincided with a relatively healthy and injury free squad.

A case in point is skipper James Gwinnett, who took a month off to help former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio on his charity bike ride.

Injuries to Matthew Murtagh, Ian Bartley, Pete Binham and Lewis Thorneycroft haven't helped matters either and now as the season heads towards a thrilling climax, Wells need some massive performances to steer themselves to safety.

After the Chichester match, Wells entertain Chobham, then travel to Aylesford for what looks to be the easiest of the remaining games. The Old Ethamians match then will be played, before Wells welcome Beckenham to St Mark's for their final fixture of the season, set to be April 10.

With the possibility of TJs and Wells inhabiting the same league, Clarke says survival is crucial.

"We want to stay up and if we do, then there might be some local derbies, which gives us an added incentive," Clarke said.

Whatever happens in the next month or so, it is going to a dramatic climax for both clubs.