Sheppey II/III 0 Medway 17
Following a rare loss last week, Medway’s Development XV returned to winning ways with an impressive performance against Sheppey’s 3rd team, which was bolstered by a number of their 2nd team players.
Despite giving away a significant amount of weight in the pack and playing against the slope, Medway spent the majority of the first period in Sheppey’s half of the pitch. Sheppey concentrated on keeping the ball tight within the forwards, but Medway were up to the challenge and showed equal aggression in the loose. Medway attempted to move the ball wide when the opportunity arose making to take advantage of their youth and pace. However they were unable to break the Sheppey defence until the 31st minute. Simon Rumsey put a well placed kick into touch inside Sheppey’s 22; Medway took the ball from the lineout and moved it wide again. James Avery fed the ball out to Matt Tonkin on the left wing, then looped around outside to make the extra man, taking the return pass from Tonkin, he drove over in the corner. Sheppey broke into Medway’s half on only three or four occasions, mostly coming from penalties, but they did not challenge the line. The score remained 0 - 5 at half time.
The second half commenced much as the first, with Sheppey keeping the ball in the forwards. Medway fell foul of the referee by encroaching offside at the back of the ruck. During the remainder of the second half the ref. became so obsessed by Medway’s positioning that he missed many of Sheppey’s frequent misdemeanours in slowing the ball in the loose. Despite the penalty count mounting against them, Medway kept their composure. Twenty minutes in, Medway mounted a strong challenge on the Sheppey line; following a couple of strong forward drives, Simon Rumsey drew the blind side defence and delivered a perfectly timed pass to allow Matt Tonkin to run in unopposed.
Shortly after the restart, Mike Davies was yellow carded. This gave Sheppey an even greater forward advantage. They camped in Medway’s 22 and made several strong attempts to drive over the line. Medway’s defence was magnificent, thwarting each attack until Dean Avery drove the Sheppey No. 8 back a full ten metres allowing Medway to clear their line and take the game back into the Sheppey half. Once Medway were back to full strength, they regained dominance over the game. With the final play of the game, Medway again challenged the Sheppey line. The forwards retained possession through three or four phases drawing in the Sheppey defence, then at the opportune moment, Matt Wadhams took the attack to the blind side, feeding Peter Cole who drove over for a try, which Simon Rumsey converted. This was an excellent team performance under difficult circumstances, resulting in a well worked and well deserved 0 – 17 win.
Medway Scores:
Tries: James Avery, Matt Tonkin, Peter Cole
Conversions: Simon Rumsey (1)
Medway Development XV 37 Canterbury IV 7
The young Medway Development Squad welcomed the Canterbury fourth team to Priestfields on Saturday. The visitors were sizeable, experienced and fit, and a good contest was expected.
The first ten minutes were evenly matched, with the balance of territory slightly in Medway’s favour, but with both sides showing good defensive skills a stalemate in the middle of the park looked likely despite Medway having the advantage of wind and slope in the first half.
However, a Medway scrum on Canterbury’s 22 gave scrum-half John Rumsey the chance to make a blindside dash from the base, and using Matt Tonkin as a decoy, floated through the defence for the first try.
Confidence, which in any case has been high, flowed through the Medway team, and they took charge of the match. A quick free kick caught the Canterbury defence on the back foot and the ball was moved wide rapidly to Tonkin, who found Jon Saddington supporting inside for the second score.
Skipper Simon Rumsey made the third with a bewitching run before finding Matt Wadhams who sped up the touchline. The Canterbury wing seemed to have foiled the attack with a good tackle, but in trying to throw Wadhams off the pitch, propelled him over the goal line instead.
The Canterbury side were now seriously annoyed and the talk behind the posts as they waited for the conversion was of “come on lads, they’re only a bunch of kids” and “get in their faces and dominate them” and “smash ‘em off the pitch”.
Fortunately, after a largely successful season against experienced senior sides, the kids are not intimidated by larger and older opponents. Nevertheless, Canterbury now had their best period of the game, dominating possession and parking themselves in the Medway half. They missed a penalty, but gained field position consistently for ten minutes without being able to convert into a score, largely because of some solid defence by Medway. Forceful tackling from Dyer, Smith, Petch, and Avery, and demonic counter-rucking from Steve Lowery helped to keep the visitors at bay.
To their chagrin, Canterbury then conceded a breakaway try after botching a lineout on Medway’s 5m line. Dean Avery stole the ball and broke from his own goal line. The ball was taken on for 60 metres by Wadhams, with multiple dummies and swerves, before picking an inside pass to John Rumsey that left the scrum half with nothing to do but stroll between the posts. Rumsey converted his own try, the first and only Medway conversion of the match, and Medway led 22 – 0 at half time.
The second half was expected to be tough with the home side now playing up the slope and into the wind. The scrummage especially was going to be difficult with the Canterbury pack probably two or more stones heavier per man. However, the Medway forwards intelligently gave ground in the scrum, relying on the impressively skillful footwork of Will Smith at Number 8 to control the ball at the base while travelling backwards. As a result, Medway never lost their own scrum, and the Rumseys at 9 and 10 had plenty of ball with which to work the backs.
Medway started the half with a piece of individual brilliance in a breakaway try by Jon Saddington. Winning their own ball from a scrum, Saddington received the ball in his own half and chipped the ball over the top. The Canterbury fullback was caught too deep and allowed Saddington to collect with a clear run in to the line, just about making it before the covering wing could get across.
Another try quickly followed. A break from Tonkin was offloaded to Micky Hutton who timed his pass perfectly for the flying Robin Page on the wing to dive into the corner.
The third try of the half was also Saddington’s third of the match. A clearance from fullback Hutton was chased down by Page, who forced an error from the Canterbury wing. With the ball recovered by James Avery, John Rumsey broke the Canterbury line and put Saddington in for the easiest of his three.
Canterbury were much better than the 37 – 0 score line suggested and while Medway will be disappointed to concede, it was fair that the visitors should get on the board at the end. After pressurising the Medway line for several minutes, Canterbury won a 5m scrum and moved the ball wide. A rare missed tackle from the defence allowed the wing in for a converted try and a final score of 37 – 7.
This was an impressive all round performance by Medway. Every player put in the effort, intelligence and skill to overcome a good Canterbury side. The visitors may have been taken by surprise by the speed, energy and skill levels of the home side, but if so they weren’t the first this season.
Tries: Rumsey, J. (2), Saddington (3), Wadhams, Page
Conversion: Rumsey, J.
Medway Development XV 62 Old Elthamians IV 0
Saturday 13 February
This was another strong performance by Medway’s development squad, albeit against a seriously reduced visiting squad. Old Elthamians lost a number of players just prior to the game to their senior sides and were only able to muster 12 players. However, Medway has a strong enough squad to make up the shortfall to ensure a fair challenge in the game. During the match, 7 Medway players pulled on an opposition shirt to ensure there was always 15 v 15.
Medway set their dominance on the game with 4 scores in the first 8 minutes of the game. From the kick off they received the ball and took it forward through three phases and then took the ball wide to James Avery at outside centre who handed off one tackle and then accelerated into the space created to sprint to the line. They immediately worked the ball back into the opposition half and again used the backs to encroach into Elthamians 22; good handling produced the opportunity for new player Jamie Aldred. to take a ball 5 metres out and drive over. Simon Rumsey converted.
Medway’s next attack again came from the kick off; following a clean take and an initial ruck the ball was recycled down the blind side where Mike Davies made a 40 metre break and offloaded to Jon Saddington who went in under the posts. Jon Rumsey converted. Jon Rumsey scored the next try and conversion following a kick out of defence by Medway that was not picked up, Simon Rumsey kicked on and from the resulting maul, Jon picked up from the base and went over on the blind side.
Elthamians then had an opportunity to test Medway’s defence following a series of penalties which took them into Medway’s 22 for the first time. Unfortunately for them, the defence was sound and all their attacks were thwarted. They did up their play and kept Medway from scoring for another 15 minutes. The next score came from a well worked back row move well supported by the team giving Jon Rumsey another score and conversion. Just before half time another attack found Greg Woodward in perfect position to pick up a loose ball and drive over for a try that was converted Jon Rumsey, giving a 40-0 half time score.
The second half was somewhat quieter with only four scores to Medway. Elthamians managed to limit Medway’s opportunities to run the ball wide. The scores came from a break through the middle by Ollie George, supported by the forwards providing a try for Will Smith. Medway challenged immediately from the kick off with a long kick from Simon Rumsey which was spilled by the opposition receiver. Simon followed up to retrieve the ball and make the try. After a further quiet patch, Medway worked their way back into the opposition 22 and from a scrum about 5 metres out, Will Smith made a clean pick up at No 8 and drove over. The final score came from another good backs move starting at half way which was supported by both backs and forwards providing Jon Saddington with a clear gap to accelerate to the line. Simon Rumsey converted to end the game.
Medway scorers:
Tries: James Avery, Jamie Aldred, Jon Saddington (2), Jon Rumsey (2), Greg Woodward, Simon Rumsey, Will Smith (2)
Conversions: Simon Rumsey (2), Jon Rumsey (4)
Medway Development XV 52 Ashford IV 12
Another convincing win for Medway’s Development Squad against a strong and experienced Ashford side. Medway showed much more composure and team work throughout the game, which led to this much improved performance.
Mike Davies opened the scoring after 3 minutes through good interaction between a series of players clearing the line for an unconverted try. This was followed up 3 minutes later by a second try, coming from a break from the back of a ruck by Mark Coveney that cleared the fist line of defence; he offloaded to Michael Smith who was unstoppable from 20 metres out. Simon Rumsey converted.
Ashford put some continuity together from the kick off and took the play into Medway’s 22 for the first time; but a loose ball was recovered by Mickey Hutton and off loaded to Tom Bourne who made a strong run out of the 22, passed to Robin Page in support, who sprinted down the wing. Tom Bourne continued his run in support and was alongside Robin to take a pass to beat their fullback leaving him clear to go in under the posts. Simon converted.
Ashford attempted to keep the ball in the forwards, where they felt they had a better chance of advancing play. Medway went quiet for a few minutes, choosing to try to kick for position rather than use their backs, resulting in Ashford getting more ball to run back at Medway. A few choice words of advice from the coaches persuaded Medway to run the ball again. From a practiced set move, Jon Saddington made a strong break from fullback, linked with Mickey Hutton on the wing, receiving a return pass to go in under the posts. Simon converted. Medway ended the first half with a further score by Jason Russell, who supported a No 8 pick up by Will Smith. Half time saw Medway 33 – 0 up.
Medway made a positive start to the second half. After only 4 minutes Matt Tonkin made a strong run evading a number of attempted tackles, then offloading the ball to James Avery, who cut inside a defender to give himself a clear run to the line. Simon Rumsey converted. Medway made a poor collection from the kick off and handed advantage to Ashford, who kept the ball tight and drove the ball forward. One of their players broke off the maul and evaded the tackles to score an unconverted try. They quickly learnt the benefit of keeping the ball in the forwards and won a series of penalties which took them up to the Medway 5 metre line. Winning the ball from the line out, Ashford again used their forward power to drive forward and go over for a converted try. Medway realised they had to keep the ball wide using the speed of their backs. A good tactical kick put them into Ashford’s 22 and having won the line out, they moved the ball well keeping it alive seeking an opening, which was eventually found by Ollie George, who popped a final pass to Alex Waterman to drive over for another converted try.
Medway continued to dominate the last few minutes of the game, again kicking themselves into Ashford’s 22. This time from the won line out, the ball went quickly down the line creating a clear overlap enabling Mickey Hutton to offload to give Matt Tonkin a clear run for the final score.
This was a strong team performance throughout to produce a strong well deserved win.
Medway Scorers:
Tries: Mike Davies, Michael Smith, Tom Bourne, John Saddington, Jason Russell, James Avery, Alex Waterman, Matt Tonkin.
Conversions: Simon Rumsey (6)
Footscray 1XV 24 Medway Development XV 5
Medway knew this game was going to be a significant test, but accepted the challenge with enthusiasm. It is important for them to establish their level, having beaten a selection of 4th, 3rd and 2nd XVs. Footscray are in the Kent 2 League and ultimately their first team status and higher level of skill showed through; though not without a scare or two for their coach.
During most of the first half Footscray used the advantage of the slope to keep the play in Medway’s half. They applied pressure early of from a line out in the 22 and although Medway’s smaller and lighter pack thwarted a number of attacks, eventually their pressure told and they crossed for an unconverted try. Medway attempted to move the ball out wide when they had opportunities, but these were limited. Footscray continued to kick for the corner at every opportunity. Medway lost a line out giving them another opportunity to drive for the line; although the initial thrust was held up, Footscray went over from the 5 metre scrum for a second unconverted try. They went over for a third score from a running move where they created an overlap; despite heroic tackling from Tom Bourne, they had sufficient support to beat Medway’s defence. This score was converted for a 17-0 half time advantage.
Medway’s plans for a second half comeback took a blow when Simon Rumsey, just back from an earlier injury, had to come off on the stroke of half time with a suspected broken rib, following a late shoulder hit from his opposite number.
The second half started disastrously with Footscray running straight through three or four poor tackles to score under the posts within a minute. However, that was their only score in the second period. Medway started to put their game together and caused the opposition a number of problems requiring some excellent defensive tackling to keep them at bay. However one of Medway’s moves created enough of an opening for Joe Jelfs to break through their defence and score in the corner (unconverted). Footscray played a strongly defensive game for the remainder of the match, doing everything they could to spoil Medway ball. Medway found this frustrating but were unable to create any solid chances.
This was a very enjoyable game and Medway came away with much credit for their performance.
Medway Scorers:
Try: Joe Jelfs
Shooters Hill II 17 Medway 27
Medway’s young but enthusiastic Development squad continued their progress with yet another win against a senior side; but yet again they made very hard work of it.
Shooters Hill had a strong pack and made it difficult for Medway to get any good ball out to their backs. About 10 minutes in, Tom Bourne took a poor pass but took on their defence with a determination that saw him drive through a series of attempted tackles to break free to score under the posts. Jon Rumsey converted. The remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair from both sides, with neither gaining an upper hand. Medway made a series of poor decisions and allowed the opposition to camp out in their 22. Medway’s defence was strong and held out against a number of strong forward pushes, but eventually they gave away a penalty in the 22 from which Shooters Hill drove over. They continued to use their forward domination and worked their way back to the Medway line, scoring a pushover with the last play of the half. Neither of their scores was converted: 10-7.
Medway made a number of changes at half time and this immediately paid off. From the kick off the ball was caught shipped through two passes to Ryan Anderson who then powered through the Shooters Hill side to score under the posts. Medway played with a new intensity after this start. They moved the ball away from the loose quickly and positively and put in some great passages of play demanding strong defensive play from the opposition. Medway were awarded a penalty in Shooters Hill 22, which Jon Rumsey took quickly catching the opposition unprepared, scoring in the corner; however he failed to convert his own try.
Medway still made errors and these allowed Shooters Hill to work the ball back into Medway’s half. It was their turn to earn a series of penalties and from one only 5 metres out, their forwards again used their weight advantage to drive over for a converted try. The rest of the second half was more fluid from both sides, but Medway maintained the upper hand. They took another three points from a penalty and finished off with a second try by Ryan Anderson from another strong attacking run. Final score 17 – 27.
Medway Scorers:
Tries: Tom Bourne, Ryan Anderson (2), Jon Rumsey.
Conversions: Jon Rumsey (2).
Penalties: Jon Rumsey
Lordswood III 0 Medway 47
This was another case of Medway youth overcoming experience. Medway were without some of their regular backs, but benefited from the return of three of their university players. They started the first half with a plan to move the ball to the backs at every opportunity to use the benefit of their speed out wide. Medway’s forwards took the ball straight back to the Lordswood forwards from the kick off indicating their willingness to take them on up front as well. Seven minutes into the game, Medway were able to move the ball wide and Alex Thompson, home from university for the weekend, came into the line from full back, beating a couple of potential tackles to score under the posts. Jon Rumsey converted.
Two minutes later, Medway took clean ball from a line out and again moved the ball wide where Samad Faulkner broke the Lordswood defence to score again under the posts. Following a short period of stalemate, Lordswood’s full back put in a poor kick from defence straight to Alex Thompson, who took the ball down the right linking with Jon Rumsey who in turn offloaded to James Avery in space whose pace beat their defence.
From the kick off Steven Lowery caught the ball and ran through the advancing Lordswood forwards, offloading to Michael Smith who broke clear with only their full back to beat. Smithy delivered an awesome hand off to the attempted tackle leaving him clear for another score under the posts. Medway continued their confident attacking play and managed three further scores in the first half. Will Smith made a break from the base of a breakdown and popped a short pass to Jason Russell; Jason did not quite have the pace to beat their defence, but did provide a clean offload to Jon Rumsey, who made the line then converted his own try.
Medway scored again on 25 minutes following a clean line out catch by Michael Davies. The ball was again moved down the back line, with Samad Faulkner cutting back inside from outside centre creating him a clear run to the line. Medway’s final score of the half commenced from a Jon Rumsey kick from defence that didn’t quite find touch. The bounce beat the Lordswood full back but dropped into the hands of Matt Tonkin, who followed up at an awesome pace. Jon Rumsey again converted to end the half 47 – nil.
Lordswood changed tactics following their half time talk and were determined to keep the ball close to their forwards. They had a new initiative and took the play to Medway. Although Medway’s defence was strong, this new aggression upset their rhythm. Medway lost team focus and operated more as individuals with everyone thinking they could cross the line. Surprisingly there was no score during the second half. Lordswood only threatened Medway’s line on one occasion, whereas Medway continued to challenge and came close a number of times; but they were unable to produce the clinical pace and finishing they showed in the first half. Despite this disappointing finish, the overall result showed the continuing strength of this young Development squad.
Medway Scores:
Tries: Alex Thompson, Samad Faulkner (2), James Avery, Michael Smith, Jon Rumsey, Matt Tonkin
Conversions: Jon Rumsey (6)
Old Elthamians IV 3 Medway Development XV 22
Another satisfying victory against a very capable 4thXV who provided strong competition for the Development team, but youth and stamina won through in the end.
Elthamians had a stronger pack, which they used to their advantage in the first half, spoiling much of Medway’s ball from the tight initially. Medway had the advantage in the line out through Michael Davies’ height and skill, which did provide some good ball to play from.
Medway applied early pressure, resulting in a penalty awarded 10 minutes into the game, which Jon Rumsey put over from about 35 metres. They took play back into the opposition half from the kick off and continued to apply pressure by moving the ball wide where possible. From a line out, the backs ran a pre-planned ‘Llanelli’ move in text book fashion, putting Jamie Chapman over for a score in the corner.
Elthamians came back from this and kept the ball tight amongst the forwards, where they realised they had some advantage. Medway defended well, but were unable to take the play back into the opposition half. Medway gave a way a series of penalties, one of which was straight in front of the posts and the home side took the three points.
Despite the 3-8 score at half time, the coach had some harsh words for Medway relating to poor decision making and lack of commitment. Although this may have seemed harsh, it had the desired effect and Medway approached the second half with new vigour and better team working. They were more aggressive in both the loose and set plays and began to eradicate Elthamians stronger pack advantage. They also moved the ball wider at every opportunity. Only two minutes in, the backs moved the ball crisply through the hands to Pete Cole on the right wing, allowing him to outpace two defenders to touch down under the posts, giving a simple conversion for Jon Rumsey. Robin Page had a couple of excellent breaks down the left wing, linking in well with support from his back line, only to be denied through excellent defensive tackling from Elthamians. Medway held their own in the loose as their fitness advantage began to tell; all the forwards worked hard, but Dean Avery at flanker, stood out for his work rate in and around the loose, making ground at every opportunity and putting in strong defensive tackles.
Elthamians having lost their previous clear scrum advantage began to go for the wheel in an attempt to unsettle Medway. This worked against them on one occasion when Mike Davies, filling in at No 8, timed his pick up perfectly to give him a free run towards the line; again well supported by the backs, Mike was able to offload and James Avery took the ball over the line; Jon Rumsey again converted. James should have had another score a few minutes later when another good backs move created a clear overlap, but on this occasion his handling let him down. Medway did cross the line again following another speedy wing break from Robin Page down the left, then linking with both forwards and backs to put Peter Cole in for another score. Unfortunately, Robin had just edged the touchline, seen and called by Medway’s touch judge but not picked up by the referee until after the ‘score’. Play was brought back for an Elthamians throw, much to their relief. This act summed up the good spirit in which the game was played.
Medway Scorers:
Tries: Jamie Chapman, Peter Cole, James Avery
Cons: Jon Rumsey (2)
Pens: Jon Rumsey (1)
Medway Development Squad 29 Old Williamsonians II 5
Despite a significant difference in age and experience, the mainly 17- and 18-year olds of the Medway Development Squad took the game to Old Willies II and came out winners.
The first 20 minutes were tense and evenly matched with possession and territory shared equally. Old Willies' pack had the better of the scrum in the early stages but Medway fought back to better than parity as the game went on. With Mike Davies a towering presence Medway dominated the lineout, while Old Willies threatened mainly through their powerful centres.
The first scoring chance came from a penalty which John Rumsey slotted after 20 minutes, and having broken the deadlock Medway never looked back.
After 30 minutes the Medway forwards tied in the Willies defence on the right. Fast ball and quick hands saw Jack Thompson, in his first game for Medway this season, go over in the left corner.
Five minutes later Simon Brooks broke from inside centre and used his pace to beat his man and the line was open. He did his best to get tackled by the covering fullback by deciding to cut back inside for the posts, but luckily the defender was not able to hold on. Rumsey converted and the half time score was 15 - 0.
Well marshalled by their experienced 21-year old skipper and fly-half Simon Rumsey, Medway continued to pressure in the second half as their opponents tired. Samad, also playing his first game for Medway this season, strolled in from his wing and then cut through the remnants of the defence to score by the posts, and John Rumsey converted for 22 - 0.
Any threat from the Old Willies' centres was snuffed out quickly by good defence, and Medway were now starting to use the ball better when in possession. A couple of runs each by Mike Davies and Mark Coverney made good ground, with the ball offloaded and kept alive by good support from Will Smith, Richard Petch and Michael Smith. From one of these fluid attacks, Samad was again able to take advantage to score his second and Rumsey added the extras for 29 - 0.
Old Willies, perhaps stung by a jibe from one of their supporters about being beaten by a bunch of kids, then set about removing the "nil" from the scoreboard and had their best period of the match. Driving up field they piled pressure on the Medway defence and eventually after a series of penalties forced one of their number over in the corner for an unconverted try.
Medway responded again and with the last play of the match John Rumsey burst through a hole in the defence and despite the tacklers hanging round his various parts, reached out brilliantly to touch down on the line. The visitors started to line up behind the posts for the conversion, the Medway players began their retreat to half way for the restart while Rumsey reclaimed the ball for the kick, but the referee decided in favour of a five-metre scrum and then called time. On reviewing the photographic evidence later, the good-natured referee, to his credit, conceded it may have been a try and apologised for his eyesight. Or claimed to be unsighted (doesn't that mean "blind"?). One of those anyway.
Medway 41 Spartans 15
Two home sides were pitted against each other at Priestfields on Wednesday night. Medway RFC welcomed UMSA Spartans with a warm-up match of three 30 minute periods against Medway's Development Squad, with Spartans fielding a huge squad of more than 40 players, allowing plenty of opportunity to give their new recruits a run out.
The first period saw a tight struggle played out mostly in Medway's half, as Spartans put the pressure on while Medway were surprisingly tentative, especially at the breakdown. Spartans were the better side for most of the 30 minutes, foiled only by good defence by Medway's back row and centres. A breakaway by Medway resulted in a John Rumsey penalty for the first score against the run of play. Spartans reacted with more strong running in the centre, and levelled with a penalty with the last play to make the score 3 - 3.
In the second period both sides rang the changes but it was Medway that began to get the upper hand as they put more aggression into their play. A try under the posts by flanker Tom Jeal set Medway on their way, followed by an excellent chase by Simon Brooks which recovered the high ball put up by Rumsey near the Spartans line, and Brooks was able to scramble over under the posts. Both tries were converted by Rumsey, but Spartans recovered well, scoring a converted try after fine work on the right wing which was also converted. Not to be outdone, the Medway hooker Michael Smith broke away from a maul and dived into the corner to make the score 22 - 10 after an hour's play.
In the last period Medway took the game by the scruff and ran in a further three tries to Spartans' one. Rumsey continued to torment the Spartans back three with high balls that were allowed to bounce on the hard ground, giving time for the pacey Medway centres and wings to make up the ground and put pressure on. Jason Russell took advantage of an inside ball from Rumsey to go round and swallow-dive under the posts in exuberant fashion. Not to be outdone, Tom Bourne plucked the ball from the air after another short chip over the top, beat the last man, and finished with his trademark "Hollywood" dive over the line.
Medway's third try of the period was a classic. Michael Davies won good lineout ball on Medway's right, and fast hands and excellent timing moved the ball through Ellis, Rumsey, Brooks and Bourne to the predatory Jamie Chapman on the left wing who accelerated into the corner. Rumsey contributed two conversions in the period.
Spartans had the last word however, as their large and mobile centre bolted over from short range after a period of pressure to make the final score 41 - 15 to Medway. This was Spartans' first match of the season and their play was noticeably disrupted in the second and third periods by changes to personnel and perhaps some unfamiliarity with each other, and the result reflected Medway's match fitness and team play, this being their sixth game of the season. The return match in November is likely to be a closer affair as Spartans get more games and match practice under their belt.
Sidcup 31 Medway 12
Medway's Development Squad travelled to Sidcup for a tough match against a side that had drawn with Kent U20s the previous week. A dire lack of backs meant that Medway had to start with three forwards in the back line. All three did well in difficult circumstances, particularly flanker Ryan Anderson, playing at fly-half, who only occasionally forgot himself and hit rucks with his customary verve.
The first 15 minutes were well-contested and Medway could be pleased with their start, but Sidcup were well-drilled and scored most of their points from well-rehearsed moves. From a lineout a miss move in the backs found a hole in Medway's centre for the first try, which was converted.
Medway continued to contest well and were particularly effective at the ruck this week, turning over ball regularly. The defence was lacking for the second score however, when the Sidcup wing waltzed through without a hand on him to go under the posts for a converted try on 27 minutes.
Another slick back move saw an overlap on the right and, despite a thumping tackle from Robin Page, a good offload put the pacy right wing in to make the score 19 - 0.
Medway might have collapsed at this point, but they had matched their opponents in the loose and at the set piece, and they finished the half by putting a mass of pressure on the Sidcup defence. From a scrum ten metres out a classic back row move, with a pick up and drive by Number 8 Tom Ward, and a perfect number 7 line from flanker-fly-half Ryan Anderson saw him go over in spite of the attentions of three defenders. The conversion made the half time score 19 - 7.
Medway began the second half as they ended the first by piling on the pressure, but were unable to convert possession into points. Eventually Sidcup came away and 15 minutes ionto the half worked the space well for their left wing to go in for a converted try.
By this time Medway had lost fullback Tom Bourne, whose skull has been a magnet for opposition boots in recent weeks, and now had 12 forwards on the field. As a result Medway were unable to use their rehearsed back moves but were improvising well when opportunity arose.
Sidcup had no such worries though, and showed their value when another set move from a lineout paid dividends. Number 8 Tom Ward, now playing at outside centre, stopped the attack temproarily, but the ball was played off the ground for the wing to score again.
To their credit, Medway heads never dropped and they gave as good as they got all over the field. This spirit was rewarded at the end when a string of penalties conceded at the breakdown by Sidcup gave Medway momentum. From a five metre lineout, the commanding Michael Davis won the ball and gathered it in, and the forwards rolled a maul over the line for Michael Smith to touch down.
Despite the 31 - 12 scoreline, the Medway Development Squad can take encouragement from this performance, where they competed on equal terms at the breakdown and in the set-piece, especially the lineout. With a full set of backs, the scores might well have been closer.
Development Squad 98 Old Holcs 5
12 September 2009
It was clear from the start that the HOLCs belief that their experience and size would overawe the youth of the Development squad was sadly misplaced.
The Development squad started with an enthusiasm and aggression that they didn’t ease up on throughout the match. The HOLCs experience told in the loose and they regularly came away with the ball from the ruck; this is an area the development squad players acknowledge they need to improve on. As a result they used the backs as much as possible whose quick passing and strong running was too much for the HOLCs with 10 of the 16 tries coming from the backs.
The HOLCs had a better second half and managed to retain some possession. They opened their score from a 5 metre scrum and limited the youth team to five scores.
Everyone from the Development squad was delighted to see both Alex Thompson and Jack Townsend touchdown in their last game prior to leaving for university. Once Jon Rumsey had worked out the strength of the wind, his goal kicking was on good form succeeding with 9 conversions; although he did miss one from in front of the posts that would have brought up the 100 points.
Development squad scorers:
Tries:
Alex Thompson 2
Jon Rumsey
Tom Bourne
Ryan Anderson
Simon Brooks 2
Ollie George 2
James Avery
Mike Davies 2
Joe Jelfs
Michael Smith
Jack Townsend
George Dyer
Conversions:
Jon Rumsey 9