Medway 21 Park House 17
On Saturday a Medway team depleted by injury and unavailability entertained Park House at the Priestfields in their final home game of the season. This was a vital match for the visitors who are fighting desperately for survival in the league.
The first half saw Park House play with the wind and rain at their backs and they deservedly dominated the first 30 minutes. Medway were forced to defend deep in their half for long periods. Ben Wadsworth and Dafydd Ruffell used the boot to clear the home line and keep the visitors at bay.
Malcolm Graves, Roger Rhynheart, Owen Jones, Scott Clark and Peter Corker worked tirelessly to stem the tide. The big Park House pack camped out on Medway’s line and had several opportunities to score but desperate defence from Medway kept them out. The visitors pick and drives on the Medway line were stopped time and again by Sam Brice, Kevin Kimble and Dominic Collins.
After 30 minutes of almost continual pressure the visitor’s only reward was from a penalty for not rolling away in the tackle. That lead was soon thrown away when Glen Wadsworth intercepted in the home 22 and raced the length of the field to score totally against the run of play. Dafydd Ruffell converted and Medway led 7-3 at half time.
With the elements at their back in the second half everyone expected Medway to dominate but Park House had other ideas. They dominated the set piece and denied the home side meaningful possession. Park House then scored a well taken try from a cross field kick (converted) after just 10 minutes of the half to stun the home side and lead 10-7.
Medway battled back strong runs from Captain Simon Green, Luke Burns, Danny Williams and Ollie Cargill saw the home side forced to concede a penalty which Glen Wadsworth kicked to bring the scores level at 10-10.
Park House then re-took the lead when a quickly taken lineout saw a great move result in another converted try for the visitors. With the score at 17-10 Medway introduced fresh legs. Ben Barter and Rob Ellis came on. Both were involved in early runs. Medway gradually improved their set piece play and with the possession were able to create pressure. Glen Wadsworth kicked two penalties to reduce the deficit to 17-16.
The match was decided with 6 minutes remaining. Medway stretched the visitors one way then the other and Sam Brice went over in the corner to break the visitor’s hearts with an unconverted try and seal victory by 21-17.
Park House are a team with character and their relegation battle will go to the final game. In truth they deserved more from this game but the young Medway side showed pride and character to snatch the win.
Crowborough 29 Medway 12
Medway’s inconsistent season continued on Saturday when they were deservedly beaten by Crowborough in Sussex. Medway, missing several players, were blown away by a vibrant first half performance from their hosts.
Crowborough ran strong and dominated the set piece. Medway were always on the back foot and conceded 3 tries (2 converted) and a penalty in a one sided first half to trail 22-0.
The second half however saw a good spirited revival from the visitors but it was not to be enough. Medway scored two tries through Danny Williams (converted by Glen Wadsworth) and Luke Burns to one of the hosts to make the score respectable.
Alex Waterman at only 18 stepped up from the development team to make his debut at tight head and acquitted himself well.
There were promising performances from a number of Medway’s youngsters led well by Simon Green and backed up by Malcolm Graves but the credit must go to the home side who were value for their victory.
Medway will be hoping that the next week will see the return of Brice, Weobley, Rhynheart, Ellis and Young to strengthen the side for the final two games of the season.
Next week Medway have their last home game at Priestfields against an improved Park House team fighting for survival.
Medway 61 Whitstable 6
After last week’s superb victory against league leaders Heathfield & Waldron Medway took on lowly Whitstable at Priestfields on Saturday with some key changes. Steve Young, Roger Rhynheart, Monish Shome and top try scorer Rob Ellis were all unavailable.
Whitstable started well and were soon ahead 6-0 with two penalties from their stand out player Jim Birnage. Medway got back into their stride with a fine solo effort from the ever improving Luke Burns. Glen Wadsworth added the extras for the home side to take a lead 7-6 they never lost.
Medway took the game to their visitors and by half time had established a 26-6 lead. It was not easy, opposition props Les Brown and Chris Dengate were solid in the set piece however Colin Chapman, Malcolm Graves and Owen Jones were dominant in the loose and this provided the platform for victory.
Powerful work from Kevin Kimble, Liam Weobley and Sam Brice ensured that Medway’s stronger backs had enough ball to stretch the visitors defence with every possession. Add to that solid defence from Ollie Cargill against Whitstable’s top player, Jim Birnage, and victory was assured.
Medway went on to record a 61-6 victory. Glen Wadsworth, Captain Simon Green and Burns always looked dangerous. Tries came at regular intervals. Colin Chapman recorded a hat trick, Green, Burns and Glen Wadsworth added to the try tally.
Solid performances from Billy Humphrey and Scott Clark in the lineout together with the fresh legs of Danny Williams, David Gwilliam and Paul Morrant ensured Medway continued to pay at a high tempo.
Ben Barter continues to gain valuable experience. Ben Wadsworth and Dafydd Ruffell provided stability at 15 and 9.
To the visitors credit they never gave up. With their mixture of senior players mixed in with a lot of promising youth Whitstable have the ability to develop a decent side.
On this day the home side deserved the spoils and consolidated their league position in this inaugural season at this level.
Next week Medway travel to the improving and dangerous Crowborough.
Medway 14 Heathfield & Waldron
Medway with four defeats in their last 5 matches were massive underdogs against league leaders Heathfield & Waldron from Sussex. The Medway team were however boosted by the return of some key players, Glen Wadsworth, Roger Rhynheart, Dafydd Ruffel and Kevin Kimble.
Medway started the game with the breeze at their backs but it was the visitors who dominated the early exchanges. An early unconverted try out wide was followed by a penalty for handling in the ruck. The 8-0 lead to the visitors suggested to the large crowd that the form book would be followed.
This young Medway side had a game plan and they stuck to it. Ellis, Burns and Cargill stuck to their tasks well. They also defended stoutly against their more physical visitors Graves, Brice, Jones and Rhyneheart particularly prominent.
Gradually the home side came back into the game. They kept the game quick and forced the visitors to give away a number of penalties for handling or slowing the ball down in the ruck as Kimble, Humphrey and Captain Simon Green made incisive runs.
Glen Wadsworth kicked 3 penalties to give Medway the half time lead at 9 points to 8.
The second half saw the visitors, with the strong breeze at their backs, expected to turn over the slender lead of the home side. However this young Medway side showed character. They defended for their lives and when they did get possession stretched the visitors with good skills from Ruffell and Wadsworth and forced turnovers in the backfield.
Man of the match for Medway was Luke Burns, his strong running kept the home side on the front foot and eventually the key score came when Ellis broke the visitor’s defence and scored an unconverted try out wide.
Heathfield & Waldron were not the top side without justification. The last 15 minutes saw the visitors press hard. They dominated possession and territory and Medway defended for their lives. Young and Clark gave their all. Ben Barter secured the high balls when they came and Medway hung on for a famous victory.
Medway played with passion and discipline stuck to their game plan and the visitors were, to be honest, somewhat complacent, and when they needed to step it up the home side dug in deserved the victory. The Heathfield & Waldron team and supporters were very sporting in their praise for the home side and a credit to their club.
The league is still theirs to win but Medway will take heart from this performance.
Folkestone 25 Medway 12
Medway travelled to Folkestone on Saturday to take on the home side in a match which counted for both league and Kent plate. With the recent weather affecting so many matches both clubs agreed that the result would count for each competition.
Medway fielded their youngest side this season which also included two debutants in Alex Waterman and David Gwilliam. With key players missing this was always going to be a difficult game for Medway.
The first half saw the home team start strongly. They dominated territory and possession and looked much the more dangerous side. The visitors did not help themselves when they failed to make a number of first up tackles which resulted in Folkestone tries.
Folkestone deservedly went in at half time 25 points to nil ahead with three tries, two conversions and two penalties to show for their complete dominance.
Half time came and the visitors re-grouped. The second half was all Medway with a fine spirited comeback. They dominated. Strong powerful runs from Captain Simon Green, Sam Brice, Bobby Ellis and Luke Burns backed up with quick plays from David Gwilliam and Malcolm Graves saw Folkestone on the back foot.
Glen Wadsworth was added to the fray and made an immediate impact with his incisive running.
The turnaround in the visitor’s attitude and play saw them score two tries and a conversion to bring the score back to 25-12. Despite continuing to press hard Medway could not add to their score. The home side showed their experience and slowed the game down. They consolidated and closed the game out to win deservedly but the visitors will take heart from their improved second half performance. This was another invaluable piece of experience for a number of Medway’s youngsters which can only assist in their future development.
Next week Medway face another tough task with the visit of league leaders Heathfield & Waldron to Priestfields.
Medway 41 Old Gravesendians 5
Medway took on local rivals Old Gravesendians with both sides seeking to get back to winning ways following recent reverses. Both teams have had availability problems of late due to their small squads so a victory was vital to each club. The match was played in good weather conditions on a soft playing surface.
It was the home side that produced the better start. Medway went ahead after 5 minutes with a well taken try by young Luke Burns. Glen Wadsworth converted to make the score 7-0.
Medway’s good start continued when immediately from the kick off Chapman, Green and Humphrey combined to put 18 year old prop Sam Brice over for a magnificent team try (unconverted) to increase the lead to 12-0.
Medway were dominating the match and after 15 minutes increased their lead. The visitors had a scrum on their own 5 metre line. Medway drove them off the ball and No 8 Roger Rhyneheart playing his first game in a month picked and drove over. Dafydd Ruffell added the extras to put the home side 19-0 up.
It looked as if the home side would run away with the game but Old Gravesendian’s showed pride and tenacity. The visitors looked to retain possession and deny the home side the ball. They kept the ball tight picking and driving or putting runners up short.
For 10 minutes it was the visitors who dominated possession and pressed the home line. Twice the visitors were held up over line with Colin Chapman and Malcolm Graves prominent in defence. Eventually some strong running saw a defensive tackle missed and Old Gravesendians scored an unconverted try which in truth was much deserved.
Medway’s reply was clinical. A set piece move off the training ground orchestrated by Glen Wadsworth saw Luke Burns score another unconverted try to make the half time score 24-5.
The second half followed much the same pattern as the first. The visitors looked to rumble up with their big forwards and keep the ball tight. Medway looked to play with width and stretch their opponents.
Ironically Medway stretched their lead with a well controlled push over try against the bigger visitors pack. No 8 Roger Rhyneheart showed good control to secure the unconverted touchdown and increase the lead to 29-5.
Medway continued to press but sound defence from a proud Gravesendians side kept the home side at bay. In fact when they turned the ball over they showed good control of the ball with their drives but could not break the home defence.
The match was finally sealed with an Ollie Cargill brace of tries. Captain Simon Green was prominent with decisive breaks following good distribution from Ruffell and Ben Wadsworth. Glen Wadsworth converted one to make the final score 41-5. Gravesendians were beaten but can take heart out of their performance as they dominated a number of passages of play.
Medway had a number of notable performances. Colin Chapman, Sam Brice and Steve Young were outstanding. Liam Weobley displayed is usual warrior like qualities on his birthday. Scott Clark and Ben Barter continue to develop and grow in stature. Good impacts came from Kevin Kimble and Paul Morrant. Young Owen Jones confirmed his potential when he was added to the fray.
The Man of the match was Billy Humphrey with an all round action performance.
Medway’s next match is again at Priestfields this coming Saturday against promotion seeking Charlton Park.
Horsham 24 Medway 20
London 3 SE, 30 January 2010
Medway travelled to Sussex on Saturday to take on mid table rivals Horsham in a London Division 3 South East league match. With a number of key players missing for some time Medway continued their policy of youth development fielding their youngest side in three seasons.
The match proved to be a highly entertaining affair with the home side running out narrow but relieved winners by 24 points to 20.
Young 18 year olds, Ben Barter and Owen Thomas, each made their league debuts for Medway and acquitted themselves well against experienced opposition.
Medway scored two excellent first half tries through Paul Morrant and Glen Wadsworth but it was the Horsham who went in at half time with a 12-10 lead through 3 penalties and a well taken drop goal.
The second half was just as entertaining as the first with both teams playing expansively. Horsham stretched their lead with a converted try following a strong forward drive.
Medway came back when a sustained period of pressure was rewarded with a Glen Wadsworth penalty to reduce the arrears to 19-13. Medway continued to take on their counterparts but were undone when a handling error saw the home side re-gather the ball and score an unconverted try.
At 24 points to 13 down and 10 minutes left Medway threw caution to the wind, showed character and attacked from deep. Good work from young Luke Burns saw him put Simon Green away for another fine try. The conversion saw Medway within 4 points of the home side.
Medway continued to press but the home side defended well. Dafydd Ruffell made a fine break but the home cover defence was sharp and managed to prevent the score.
Horsham ran out winners in a tense but entertaining finish. The visitors coach, Taff Gwilliam, stated that ‘although we were beaten by a good Horsham side today I am delighted with the character shown by probably what is the youngest side I have selected for Medway in my tenure. This can only benefit club in the long term’.
There were a number of good performances within the Medway ranks particularly Sam Brice, Billy Humphrey and Dafydd Ruffel but overall it was great team effort by such a young side.
Next week, at their Priestfields ground, Medway take on local rivals Old Gravesendians.
Park House 20 Medway 16
London 3 SE, 12 December 2009
Medway travelled to an improving Park House team fighting for survival and were beaten on the back of a terrible first half performance. Credit to Park House they battled from the first minute to the last and no one can take away the value of their victory.
Medway will rue several clear cut scoring chances that were butchered but overall Park House were the hungrier team and deserved their win. The young Medway team will do well to learn the lesson provided by the experienced Park House team.
The game kicked off an a rain sodden extremely soft playing surface and the home players were soon ahead when missed tackles allowed an early try which was converted to put Park House 7-0 ahead. Glen Wadsworth replied with a penalty to reduce it to 7-3.
Park House came back and two further tries from driving mauls saw them extend their lead to 20-3. Medway then woke up and created to clear overlaps with the line at their mercy both passes were dropped and Medway’s opportunity to narrow the gap was gone.
The second half was dominated by Medway. Again overlaps were ignored and kicking opportunities missed. All Medway could manage was a converted try by Roger Rhyneheart and two penalties from Glen Wadsworth. Medway pounded the home line for the final 15 minutes but Park Houses defence was stout and held firm.
The day belonged to Park House and they deserved it. The visitors will have to have a long look at themselves and re-discover the hunger and passion that has seen them win three league titles in recent seasons.
Next week Medway face Old Gravesendians at Priestfields.
Medway 28 Crowborough 9
London 3 SE, 5 December 2009
Medway entertained Crowborough at Priestfields on Saturday for the first time in many years. Medway were the pre-match favourites but the game proved to be much more than a formality.
Crowborough played with the wind at their backs in the first half and for 25 minutes totally dominated the home side. They ran strong and pressed the home line time and again.
Medway were forced to defend for long periods but with Malcolm Graves, Kevin Kimble and Liam Weobley excelling in the contact areas kept their line intact. Despite this Medway were forced the concede penalties in the 5th, 14th and 20th minutes all of which were converted for the visitors to deservedly lead 9-0.
The last 15 minutes of the half saw Medway begin to dominate possession through an effective lineout and improved scrummaging. Roger Rhynheart excelled in the lineout and Sam Brice, Billy Humphrey and Andy Connell performed well in the tight.
With possession came pressure and the visitors were on the back foot. A number of penalties were conceded but only one produced points which was converted by Glen Wadsworth to leave the half time score 3-9 to the visitors.
The second half saw Medway get instant momentum when an error from the kick off by the visitors saw a penalty conceded which Glen Wadsworth converted to make the score 6-9. The equalising penalty came shortly afterwards and all thought that the home side would run away with the game but that did not happen. The visitors did not panic. They looked to retain possession and frustrated the home side’s effort.
The breakthrough came after 55 minutes when a clearance kick failed to make touch. Liam Weobley broke a tackle offloaded to Roger Rhynheart who crashed over under the posts. Glen Wadsworth added the conversion and Medway were finally ahead by 16-9.
Medway very quickly added to this when good pressure by Captain Simon Green, Graves and Dafydd Ruffell saw a clearance kicked charged down and Ben Wadsworth was first to the ball to take the try. The try was unconverted to see the lead stretched to 21-9.
Medway continued to press but Crowborough defended well. Their Captain was an inspiration to his team. With their lively scrum half always a threat the result was not a foregone conclusion. Strong scrummaging from the visitors loose head prop always caused problems to the home side’s platform.
Medway introduced Dale Burnley and Matt Wadhams to provide fresh impetus. With Darren Kistner, Luke Burns and Rob Ellis always a threat chances came.
Medway spurned a couple of try scoring opportunities before but with only a couple of minutes left the Wadsworth brothers combined. A Glen Wadsworth cross field kick found his brother unmarked to score. Glen added the touchline conversion to make the final score 28-9.
This was a good game of rugby well refereed between two sides who both wanted to play an expansive game. The visitor’s league position does not reflect the ability of the team. It was a tough encounter which until the last 15 minutes could have gone either way.
Next week sees Medway travel to an improving Park House team.
Heathfield & Waldron 17 Medway 5
London 3 SE, 28 November 2009
Medway’s Sussex hosts were unbeaten before this top of the table encounter and at the end of the day remained so. The match proved to be a tale of two halves with the home side dominating the first and Medway the second.
The match was played in damp windy conditions with very heavy underfoot conditions. The match had been in question with the recent heavy rains but the pitch was deemed playable and the game correctly went ahead.
The first 10 minutes of the match proved to be the most decisive. The home side came out firing. They ran hard at their visitors who struggled to contain the early pressure. With the homes sides pack dominating the scrummage Medway were quickly on the back foot and conceded two early tries.
A missed tackle saw Medway’s defence breached and good hands off quick ball saw the home side go over in the corner, a fine conversion added to the visitor’s pain. Within minutes Medway were caught napping by a quick tap penalty and conceded again. The home side led 12-0 and were dominating proceedings.
After 20 minutes the home side’s early dominance paid dividends again with Medway having been forced to touch down and concede a 5m scrum. The home side then drove Medway back over their line and scored the pushover try (unconverted) to lead 17-0.
Medway needed to get back into this game and towards the end of the half started to press the homes side. Good work by Roger Ryneheart at the base of a struggling scrum allowed Dafydd Ruffell and Glen Wadsworth to combine and turn the home sides defence. Strong runs from Simon Green, Rob Ellis and Luke Burns tested the home side defence which held firm to leave the half time score 17-0.
The second half was a very different affair. The home side’s forwards appeared to tire a little and the forward contest became a much more even affair. This gave Medway more of a foothold in the game. Glen Wadsworth and Darren Kistner kicked well forcing the home side back.
Medway disrupted the home lineout and exerted good pressure. The visitors won some penalties as the pressure increased but Medway spurned the opportunity of points to go for the tries.
The home side are not top of the table without reason. Apart from a five minute spell on Medway’s line almost the whole of the second half was played in Heathfield and Waldrons half. Despite this their defence was well organised and solid. Medway pressed but the home side defended admirably.
The only try of the second half went to young 18 year old replacement Matt Wadhams (on for the injured Ben Wadsworth) after 70 minutes. Glen Wadsworth, Simon Green , Rob Ellis and Darren Kistner combined to finally break down the home side stout defence . The try went unconverted.
The home side closed the game out for a deserved victory. Medway will rue their slow start and will look to build on the strong finish.
Next week Medway return to Priestfileds to take on an improving Crowborough side.
Deal & Betteshanger 43 Medway 19
Kent Cup, 21 November 2009
Medway travelled to Deal/Betteshanger Lions on Saturday having made 11 changes from the previous weeks league win over East Grinstead. This was an opportunity to give valuable match experience to the rest of Medway’s young squad against a strong Lions team.
The first half saw the home side start strongly. They dominated the scrummage and contact areas with Hanley and Michael particularly effective for the home side urged on by Schofield. Medway’s best possession opportunities came via the lineout with Scott Clark and Paul Morrant combining well to allow Dafydd Ruffell and Glen Wadsworth to kick downfield and force the home side to play from deep.
Betteshanger looked to carry the ball up through Hart and Ball then put width on to stretch the visitors defence. Ollie Cargill and Ben Wadsworth defended well but the former was forced to leave the field with a cut eye. Young Matt Wadhams came on and acquitted himself well throughout the remainder of the game playing out of position.
Although the home side were missing Ball, Mitford and Armstrong their powerful runners with good off-loading saw them score 4 good first half tries, three them kicked by the accurate boot of Leighton Doherty to give the home side a comfortable 26-0. Despite the score line it had been a competitive half.
The second half saw Medway come out and play for pride. They were keen to not be blown away. The forwards worked hard Dominic Collins, Dale Burnley Peter Corker and Dave French tackled strongly and did well to stem the home side’s attacks. Despite these efforts the Lions scored two more tries and were in danger of running away with the game but the Medway side showed character.
The scrummage improved with Andy Connell, Morrant and Steve Young coming to the fore. Dafydd Ruffell, new winger Ben and Rich Coney worked hard to defend and clear their lines as the home side continued to threaten.
It was then Medway’s best period of the match. In a sparkling 12 minute period Medway scored three tries. The first a set piece strike well executed saw the strong running Rob Ellis go over. Glen Wadsworth converted. The battling performance then saw Paul Morrant crash over and Matt Wadhams finished well after good work from the Wadsworth brothers. Glen again converting to make the score 36-19
Deal/Betteshanger Lions were stung into action and the final score of the match deservedly went to the home side out wide with Doherty landing the difficult conversion to make the final score 43-19.
Despite this defeat there were a lot of positives for the young Medway team playing against an experienced tough side from the league above. The home team were very much deserving winners against a spirited Medway team.
Next week Medway travel to Heathfield and Waldron to take on the unbeaten league leaders.
Medway 13 East Grinstead 10
London 3 SE, 14 November 2009
Medway entertained in form East Grinstead at Priestfield on Saturday in wet and windy conditions. East Grinstead came to Medway on the back of 6 straight league wins. This was always going to be a tough match for the young home team.
East Grinstead won the toss and elected to play with the strong wind at their backs. After just 3 minutes the visitors went 3-0 ahead. Medway were caught offside at a ruck and the visitor’s kicker made no mistake.
East Grinstead, from the kick off, secured possession and using the wind pushed Medway back deep into their own half. In such difficult conditions Medway looked simply to retain possession and deny the visitors the opportunity of scoring. Medway looked to keep close control by pick and driving or using the powerful Colin Chapman to drive up in the inside channel.
For long periods of time the visitors were frustrated by their lack of possession to post the scores they desired. Sam Brice, Billy Humphrey, Andy Connell, Liam Weobley, Kevin Kimble, Malcolm Graves and Dale Burnley were magnificent in their execution of successive pick and drives. At the lineout Roger Rhynheart stole opposition ball at key moments to deny the visitors even more scoring opportunities.
After 30 minutes however a rare error at a pick and drive saw East Grinstead steal the ball and move it quickly to their fly half who scampered over for a smartly taken converted try. This deservedly put the visitors lead at 10-0 following long periods of sustained pressure.
The pattern remained the same for the rest of the half. Medway almost scored when a rare break out saw a fine run from Glen Wadsworth almost rewarded but quality defence from the visitors back three saw the opportunity thwarted.
The final minutes of the half saw Medway defending frantically to keep the strong visitors at bay. In doing so they conceded a rare penalty. The visitor’s kicker struck the ball well but it hit the upright and Medway survived to go in at half time only 10-0 down, a fantastic achievement.
Halftime saw inspiration pack leader Liam Weobley forced to leave the field with a shoulder injury to be replaced by Peter Corker.
The second half kicked off with a bang. East Grinstead failed to kick the ball 10 then from the resultant scrum were penalised. With the ball 8 metres inside his own half Glen Wadsworth struck the ball magnificently for it to sail over with the strong wind at his back. At 3-10 this was the immediate impetus that the home side sought.
At the kick off East Grinstead again failed to make the 10m and Medway kicked deep to pin the visitors back. The second half was a mirror of the first. The visitors picked and drove to retain possession and drive out occasionally they put the ball wide for their dangerous backs to test the home defence but Chapman, Simon Green, Luke Burns Rob Ellis and Ben Wadsworth were sound in defence.
East Grinstead were adept as Medway were before at retaining the ball but it was just one error that gave the next chance and what a chance, the finest move of the match.
East Grinstead having driven well up field lost control on Medway’s 22m and with their players being very narrow due to the successive pick and drives a chance for width presented itself. Glen Wadsworth broke outside the visitors 10, Green in support found Rob Ellis who went round his winger and charged for the visitor’s line. The visitors had a cover defender who Ellis drew then passed inside for the supporting Matt Wadhams to score under the posts. Glen Wadsworth converted and the scores were tied.
The large number of home supporters roared the Medway team on but East Grinstead had other ideas. They are a quality side and battled hard to stay in the game.
Glen Wadsworth was forced to leave the field with a blood injury to be replaced by Darren Kistner.
Medway could not break them down and indeed East Grinstead had a series of chances on the home line to score and snatch victory as their runners pounded the line but Medway eventually managed to turn the ball over and Ben Wadsworth cleared the danger.
Medway then went downfield and with 6 minutes to go good work from Roger Rhynheart and Colin Chapman set up Glen Wadsworth (now returned to the field) for a drop goal opportunity but it sailed narrowly wide. From the 22m drop out Medway re-secured possession and with his next attempt dropped a magnificent goal to put Medway ahead 13-10.
With just minutes left East Grinstead threw everything at Medway with their scrum half orchestrating attack after attack Medway were forced back and were desperate in defence. The visitor’s ball retention was excellent they stretched Medway one way then the other but Medway held firm.
The visitors were awarded a scrum and the referee called last play. East Grinstead kept the ball alive and again stretched Medway and the last act of the match was a great tackle from Ben Wadsworth forcing the visitors winger to spill the ball as he went for the try in the corner to snatch victory.
The whistle went, Medway were victorious in a pulsating encounter against a quality East Grinstead team who were gracious and sporting in defeat.
Charlton Park 7 Medway 15
London 3 SE, 7th November 2009
Medway travelled to South London on Saturday to take on top of the table and a previously unbeaten Charlton Park. The game was played in ideal weather conditions and on an excellent playing surface.
The visitors kicked off and looked to pin the home side back deep in their own half. Medway went ahead after 5 minutes when the home side were penalised for side entry at the ruck. Glen Wadsworth kicked the goal to put Medway ahead 3-0.
Charlton Park came back. Using their big forwards they looked to catch and drive at the lineout and put forward runners up short at the rucks. Medway defended well, their tackling was sound thwarting the home side’s efforts.
This solid defence led to the next score. On 20 minutes Charlton Park won a series of rucks as they pressed the visitors, their runners were stopped by the sound defence of Ollie Cargill and the back row, as the ball was moved wide Glen Wadsworth intercepted on his own 22m and ran the length of the field to score under the posts. He converted the try himself to put Medway 10-0 ahead.
Charlton Park, looking the stronger side at that time, were rocked by this setback. Medway capitalised while Charlton Park tried to regroup and with a solid kicking and game management they pinned the home side back.
The reward came after on the half hour when the backs executed a training ground strike. Glen Wadsworth orchestrated and put Rob Ellis over in the corner for the unconverted try.
Medway lost prop Andrew Connell to an arm injury. Kevin Kimble moved up from the second row and Peter Corker came off the bench to slot in Kimble’s position.
Medway continued to threaten. Captain Simon Green made a few excellent breaks but Medway were unable to capitalise.
At half time Medway led 15-0 and a shock was on the cards.
The second half saw the home side come out fired up and clearly intent on getting back into the match. Their power game came to the fore. Charlton Park pinned Medway back.
On 45 minutes Park were awarded a penalty 5m out and sharp work from the home half backs saw a well taken unconverted try scored in the corner. Charlton Park were now only 15-7 down and with fully 35 minutes to play had their tails up and continued to take the game to the visitors.
Medway were forced to defend for long periods. Some great defensive work from Colin Chapman and Malcolm Graves saw the home side penalised for for holding on in the tackle on several occasions. Glen Wadsworth found his touch and with Roger Rhynheart dominating the lineout Medway were able to relieve the pressure.
The Medway forwards battled hard, Liam Weobley backed up by Kevin Kimble and Peter Corker worked tirelessly to prevent the home sides driving mauls from dominating the game. Matt Wadhams at 9 drove his forwards organising them whenever required.
In the scrummage Medway were solid with young loose head Sam Brice looking particularly effective. Hooker Billy Humphrey threw well and worked hard in the contact areas. Medway sensed victory and frustrated the efforts of the home side to come back. When the home side tried to turn Medway the back three of Ben Wadsworth, Rob Ellis and Luke Burns were equal to the task.
The last 10 minutes saw Medway dominate field position and possession to close out a memorable victory. This was a disciplined well organized performance by a young team that are growing in maturity.
Next week Medway are at home and face an East Grinstead side who racked up and impressive 81 points against Whitstable this week.
Medway 15 Horsham 31
London 3 SE, 24th October 2009
Medway’s hope of pushing the top sides suffered a setback on Saturday when they were beaten for only the second time this season by 31 points to 15.
The game kicked off later than scheduled following the late arrival of some of the visitor’s players. Horsham won the toss and played with the strong wind and rain at their backs. They got off to a great start when an error at the base of the scrum saw the ball dropped, Horsham fly hacked on and were first to the touchdown. This was converted and Horsham were up 7-0.
With the wind at their backs Horsham played territory and soon scored again when their No 8 picked up at a scrum, a defensive slip saw him go over unopposed. The try was converted and Medway were down 14-0.
Medway having started slowly started to play. They were dominating the scrummage set piece and despite the conditions put the Horsham defence under pressure. Horsham gave up a penalty in front of their posts and Glen Wadsworth kicked it to bring Medway back to 14-3.
Medway continued to battle but their cause was not helped when the first of a number of poor decisions, for both sides, saw Horsham allowed to score from a blatant open field knock-on that everyone but the official saw. This was converted to make the score 21-3.
This set back spurred Medway on. Good driving play saw Medway gain field position. From a lineout Medway caught and drove on and Billy Humphrey secured the touchdown (unconverted) to make the score 21-8.
With dominance in the scrummage Medway were coming more into the game despite playing into the driving wind. From pressure on the Horsham line the visitors prop was penalised for persistent infringement and received a yellow card. Bizarrely the game then went to uncontested scrums, Medway were not allowed to press home their scrummage advantage from 5 yards out.
When home Captain Simon Green questioned the decision the referee stated that Horsham did not have a front row replacement. There had been no previous injuries to any player. Medway were not allowed to use their superior scrummaging power to make the vital score.
Uncontested scrums saw the Horsham back row given the freedom and they were superb in defence.
The final score of the half went to the visitors. A high ball in the air was missed, the ball went loose and was gathered by the visitors who scored and the conversion made the half time score 28-3.
The second half saw Medway with the elements and a mountain to climb. Horsham were restored to 15 men and contested scrummages when their prop returned from the sin bin.
Medway pressed. A great catch and drive saw Colin Chapman driven over. Glen Wadsworth converted to make the score 28-15.
Medway continued to press forward and when Billy Humphrey put Danny Williams over in the corner the referee appeared to award the try. Then a bizarre series of discussions with the players and the touch judge occurred the result of which saw the decision wrongly reversed and a 22m drop out awarded.
This knocked the wind out of Medway. Although they pressed hard, credit to Horsham, they defended stoutly and when they did have possession controlled the ball, ran the clock down and showed great determination to frustrate Medway hopes of a come-back.
Horsham were an experienced solid well organised team who played the conditions well and Medway will do well to learn the lessons.
Horsham had the final say when their control of ball saw them drive up field and eventually awarded a penalty which was kicked to make the final score 31-15.
Horsham visit Priestfields , again, next Saturday in the EDF National Cup Competition
Medway 47 Hastings & Bexhill 0
London 3 SE, 17 October 2009
Medway entertained Sussex side Hastings and Bexhill at Priestfields on Saturday. Having won their last 3 games since the opening day loss Medway were keen to extend that run. Arun Sage and Gareth Head came in for the unavailable Kevin Kimble and Liam Weobley. With Rob Ellis injured in last weeks’ game young Luke Burns stepped up.
Medway started quickest scoring a try after 5 minutes out wide from Billy Humphrey. Good work by Roger Rhynheart and Glen Wadsworth saw Humphrey race in from 20 metres (unconverted).
After 12 minutes Hastings were penalised for holding on in the tackle and Glen Wadsworth added the 3 points for Medway to lead 8-0.
Hastings strength was in their robust pack and they looked to deny Medway possession with pick and drives and rolling mauls. Medway however defended well not allowing the visitors the platform they craved.
Medway went further when Ben Wadsworth crossed for a try after good forward play from Malcolm Graves and Dale Burnley provided quick ball and the visitors defence was stretched (unconverted).
Hastings battled hard and Medway, although creating chances, were denied by a lack of accuracy and determined defence from the visitors. Medway crossed the line twice through the strong running of Colin Chapman and Roger Rhynheart but were judged to have been held up twice.
The second half saw Medway improve their accuracy and as they stretched the visitors gaps appeared and the young Medway team took full advantage.
Danny Williams was the first to score when he finished a clinical break created by Glen Wadsworth and Luke Burns (unconverted).
Captain Simon Green, who made a number of clean breaks, scored a brilliant individual try which Glen Wadsworth converted and Medway were now in control at 25-0.
Medway upped the tempo and a series of great handling moves saw three tries come in 8 minutes. Luke Burns finished off some slick play from Dafydd Ruffell, Ben Wadsworth and Glen Wadsworth (unconverted).
Colin Chapman’s strong running eventually got the reward it deserved when he went through after good work by Roger Rhynheart and Sam Brice. From the resultant kick off Malcolm Graves, Dale Burnley and Gareth Head created the platform Danny Williams and Simon Green combined to put Ben Wadsworth through to score the third try which was then converted by Glen Wadsworth.
Hastings to their credit continued to battle and never gave up. They played with gusto and pride and always looked to take the game to Medway when they gained possession.
The final score of the match deservedly went to the ever improving Ollie Cargill. He finished off a some fine interplay between forwards and backs with Dafydd Ruffell providing the link. This made the final score 47-0.
Match Sponsor, Medway Community Safety Partnership , representative Des Keers awarded the Man of the Match award to Arun Sage for his battling performance against a very strong experienced performance opponent. Sage was playing his first full game following a lengthy injury lay off.
Next week Medway take on another Sussex side, Horsham, next week. Like Medway they too are building a run and the game will be a key indicator for both sides’ league aspirations.
Whitstable 19 Medway 32
London 3 SE, 10 October 2009
Saturday saw Medway away to take on a Whitstable team, who like themselves, had had a good victory in their previous league outing making this a key game for both clubs aspirations.
Whitstable won the toss and chose to play with the wind at their backs down a slight slope. Despite this, it was Medway who created the first scoring opportunity, after 4 minutes when good driving play saw the home side kill the ball in front of their posts. Glen Wadsworth kicked the goal and the away side led 3-0.
The rest of the first half saw the home side, with the wind at their backs, dominate field position. Medway, uncharacteristically, amazingly and bizarrely, then conceded 15 consecutive penalties. Prop Sam Brice and second row Liam Weobley were mysteriously sin binned within a minute of each other. On top of this last season’s top scorer Rob Ellis was also forced to leave the field with injury. Medway were in trouble.
Pinned back with two players down the home side deservedly took full advantage with impressive fly half Shaun Brown kicking four penalties and then a well taken try from a ruck 5 yards out was also converted by Brown to put the home side ahead 19-3.
Medway shorthanded defended for their lives. Good defensive work from Kevin Kimble, Dale Burnley, Danny Williams, Ben Wadsworth and Ollie Cargill kept the score down. Half time could not come soon enough and when the whistle went it was the opportunity to re-group.
Despite being 17 points down this young Medway team has developed character over the last couple of seasons. Half time was positive!
The second half saw Medway very quickly restored to their full complement of players. Dafydd Ruffel ensured that Glen and Ben Wadsworth were given the opportunity of good ball. They used the wind wisely to provide excellent field position.
Medway’s comeback started with a lineout 5 meters from Whitstable’s line. A well rehearsed training ground move saw Billy Humphrey and Colin Chapman combine to put Chapman over in the corner. 19-8.
On 55 minutes Medway scored again. Young replacement Matt Wadhams finished well in the corner following a great team pattern. Glen Wadsworth converted magnificently. 19-15.
Medway now had their tails up, they looked for victory and took the game to the home side and pressed and pressed them. Medway through Chapman and Roger Rhynheart were dominating the line out. Captain Simon Green was cutting through the home defence out wide.
The next try came when Medway again stretched the home defence Matt Wadhams kicked ahead and as he went for the touchdown a Whitstable covering defender deliberately knocked the ball dead with his hands. The referee deemed a likely try was illegally prevented and awarded a penalty try. Glen Wadsworth converted and Medway were finally ahead 22-19.
The victory was not yet assured, home side Whitstable came out and battled hard. They drove up field but could not break the Medway defence. The back row of Graves, Chapman and Rhyneheart dominated the loose.
Medway introduced Arun Sage in place of the impressive Kimble to provide fresh impetus in the tight. Kimble had been magnificent playing out of position in the shorthanded period. With a fresh Brice and Sage backed up by Weobley and Burnley Medway ensured good quality ball. Peter Corker came on to provide further fresh legs and maintain the tempo of Medway’s game.
Medway went further ahead with 12 minutes remaining. The home side were penalised in front of their posts for holding on in the tackle. Glen Wadsworth converted and Medway led 25-19.
The final try came from a lineout. From a penalty Medway kicked for the corner. Impressive throwing from Humphrey found his athletic jumper Rhynheart. The pack then set themselves and controlled the drive brilliantly for Colin Chapman to seal victory with the touchdown. Wadsworth converted and Medway had completed a tremendous comeback to win the match by 32 points to 19.
Medway 20 Folkestone 12
London 3 SE, 26 September 2009
Saturday saw Medway entertain, previously unbeaten, Folkestone at the Priestfields ground in bright sunny conditions. Medway were forced to make changes from the previous week. Matt Wadhams came in for the unavailable Dafydd Ruffell and Luke Burns in for the injured Rob Ellis.
The visitors having won both previous matches and joint top of the league were expected to be tough opposition and that proved to be the case. Both teams looked to play an expansive game which resulted in good entertainment for the match day crowd.
Medway were first to score. Good lineout ball saw Medway attack the midfield of the visitors, quick ruck ball and quick hands saw Burns in space on the left and he took his chance well. Glen Wadsworth landed the difficult conversion to give Medway a 7-0 lead.
Folkestone were stung but their strong forwards were dominating the early scrums and good kicking behind gave them decent field position. On 15 minutes Medway were pinned back and from a ruck outside their 22m they lost control of a ball Folkestone re-gathered and scored in the corner. This was unconverted to leave the score at 7-5.
The visitors had their tails up. Their scrummage was strong and this was the platform they looked to take the game to the young Medway side on. The home side defended well. Dale Burnley, Colin Chapman and Roger Rhyhnheart worked hard to prevent Folkestone getting good second phase ball. Matt Wadhams was a nuisance at the base of the scrum. Medway through Gareth Head, Sam Brice, Kevin Kimble and Liam Weobley counter rucked well and this starved Folkestone of any quality scoring opportunities.
With Billy Humphrey throwing well, the lineout was a good source of quality first phase ball for the home side. Medway looked to stretch the visitors at every opportunity to run their older heavier forwards around. Folkestone with their blitz defence looked to prevent the width on Medway’s game. After 30 minutes good ball from a lineout saw Glen Wadsworth put the ball behind the visitors blitz defence and Green finished clinically. Glen Wadsworth again converted and Medway led 14-5.
The final score of the first half went deservedly to the visitors. A 5 metre scrum saw the visitor’s powerful scrummage drive over for the try. This was converted to make the score 14-12 at half time.
The second half saw Medway continue to move the ball around in the heat to try and sap the strength of the visitor’s forwards. As the half wore on the visitors front row forwards tired and Medway were able to produce ball from both lineout and scrummage.
Medway pressed the Folkestone line more and more as the game went on but stout defence and a dropped pass when clear prevented any try being scored.
The pressure did tell in the end though with Folkestone penalised twice on their line for killing the ball illegally. Glen Wadsworth kicked the resultant penalties to put Medway 20-12 ahead.
Folkestone looked to try and get back in the game. Both their centres ran hard and tried to get their wingers away but Danny Williams, Ollie Cargill and Simon Green defended well. When Folkestone kicked behind the Medway defence Ben Wadsworth gathered well and cleared his lines smartly.
With the Folkestone scrum tiring and Medway’s lineout dominating there was no way back for the visitors and Medway ran out winners by 20 points to 12 in an entertaining, well spirited and evenly matched game.
Old Gravesendians 6 Medway 44
London 3 SE, 19 September 2009
Medway travelled to Gravesend on Saturday to take on last seasons other promoted club from the Kent leagues, Old Gravesendians. The match was played in warm and sunny conditions.
The home side won the toss and gave Medway first use of the significant slope. Within 5 minutes the visitors were ahead following an offside decision. Glen Wadsworth kicked the penalty.
Medway continued to press the home side and following another infringement near their own line Dafydd Ruffel reacted quickest and went over for a smartly taken try. This was unconverted to leave the visitors 8-0 ahead. Medway were then struck a blow when top try scorer Rob Ellis had to leave the field with a leg injury.
Gravesendians came back briefly when Medway were penalised for wheeling the scrum to reduce the deficit to 8-3. The set pieces were hard fought by both sides but it was in the loose play that Medway began to get the upper hand.
Medway scored three tries and a penalty within a sparkling fifteen minute period. All three tries were well taken by the powerful running of Colin Chapman. The tries saw excellent build up work from Matt Wadhams, Liam Weobley, and Roger Rhynheart. Glen Wadsworth converted one and added a penalty for good measure.
Medway went in at half time with a comprehensive 28-3 lead.
The second half saw the home side with the advantage of the slope and they looked to capitalise on this early. Despite being well down the home side showed character and determination and pressed Medway hard.
Good defence led by Billy Humphrey, Sam Brice and Kevin Kimble prevented Gravesendians concerted pick and drives.
Medway held firm around the breakdown debutant, Gareth Head and the returning Dale Burley both showed their class in the loose.
Gravesendians continued to press hard. With little joy round the fringes they looked to go wider but Captain Simon Green, Danny Williams and Ollie Cargill were also very solid in defence. When the ball was kicked in behind Ben Wadsworth cleared smartly.
The second half deadlock was broken just after the hour mark when Glen Wadsworth intercepted in his own half and went the distance to score under the posts. He converted himself. This broke the home sides heart, a full 20 minutes of pressure was undone with one loose pass.
Gravesendians only other score of the match was a smartly taken drop goal when they ran out of try scoring options to bring the score to 37-6.
With the heat of the day Medway introduced Martin Farbrace and Paul Morrant to inject some fresh legs into the latter stages. Both showed up well in the contact areas to maintain Medway’s dominance of the breakdown.
The final score of the match went to Glen Wadsworth good tackling and pressure saw the ball go loose behind the Gravesendians back line and with the kick ahead Wadsworth was quickest to the touchdown. He added the conversion to make the final score 44-6 to Medway.
Medway reaped the reward for the hard pre-season work put in on defence.
Next week at Priestfields Rochester Medway entertain unbeaten and top of the league Folkestone.
Medway 9 Brighton 13
London 3 South East, 12 September 2009
Medway entertained National EDF Vase Champions and favourites for the league title Brighton to Priestfields on Saturday. The match was played in dry but blustery conditions.
Both teams were keen to get their campaign off to a good start having achieved promotion from their respective county leagues last season as Champions.
The match was a contrast of styles as Brighton with their heavier forwards and strong centres looked to physically dominate a Medway team who were looking to play a more expansive game.
Brighton dominated the early exchanges and went ahead 3-0 following an offside decision. Despite dominating possession and pressing the home side they were unable to break a resolute defence. After 20 minutes Medway broke out and got back on level terms when Glen Wadsworth converted a penalty for handling in a ruck.
Brighton continued to press the Medway line and finally succeeded in the 39 minute when a kick ahead to the Medway line saw possession turned over and a try scored. Brighton converted and led 10-3 at half time.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Brighton played tighter and looked to carry through their powerful forwards. Medway although starved of possession looked to expand the game and every opportunity.
Both sides exchanged early penalties for handling in rucks to leave the score at 13-6. Glen Wadsworth again the home team scorer.
With 15 minutes to go Medway enjoyed their best spell of the match as the game broke up a little. Good turnovers from Colin Chapman, Malcolm Graves saw Liam Weobley and Roger Rhynheart break Brightons first line of defence. Home Captain Simon Green running good lines on the back of this saw Medway begin to dominate field position. A further penalty from Glen Wadsworth reduced to the arrears to 13-9. A single score was all Medway needed. They ran the ball at every opportunity but Brighton’s defence held firm.
The last 5 minutes saw Brighton secure possession and a long series of pick and drives and close control play resulted in a relieved Brighton team securing a valuable away win.
This was an entertaining close fought match which ,in the last 20 minutes, could have gone either way.
Medway despite being up against a large formidable set of forwards battled well provided a solid performance and in the last quarter had opportunities to snatch a win.
The result, on balance, was probably fair but both teams will take a lot of positives from this as they build for the rest of the season.
