Vets 27 Medway A XV 14
Priestfields` final senior fixture of the season was a much anticipated showdown between Medway Vets and the clubs third string. In blazing sunshine a large crowd were entertained by a fast flowing and attacking game. Playing into a stiff breeze the ` old men ` were able to secure plenty of possession in the opening quarter and play rugby in the opposition half. Fine second–row scrummaging from Tony Evenden and Dave Davies produced some controlled ball for Justin Hollindge to penetrate across the gain line and set up several attacks. Swift back play from Dave Francis and Andy Green ( reminiscent of their hey-day games of the 80s ) led to the opening try. The ball was moved from left to right in a fine handling move featuring backs and forwards until the twelfth phase ball was quickly passed out from Graham McManus, allowing John Duggan to crash through the final line of defence, touching down close to the posts. Line-out ball was dominated by Gary Davies, demonstrating skill and a safe pair of hands in the face of strong spoiling tactics.
The second try for the vets came late in the second quarter. A counter attack down the left was set up by Geoff Kempt linking with John Gilbert and the ever present Ian Dance. The ball was kept live until eventually the young boys just ran out of tacklers and Ian Dance was able to cross the line unopposed.
Gary Squires ( in his final game for the thirds ) worked hard to rally his troops but the first half closed with the third team unable to register a point.
Refreshed with a clutch of second team players the thirds began the second half pressing the vets line. Strong defending from Nigel Gutteridge and Peter Gunning kept out the young guns until eventually pace triumphed over experience and the third team went over for a fine try. However, it was not long a wait for the reply. John White ( on his debut for Medway Vets ) was able to snap up some loose ball from the middle of a line-out and race all of 80 m for an unforgettable try. As the temperature went up the game really began to switch from end to end and an excellent move out of their own half saw the thirds come back with another try. Neil Sword frustrated the youngsters on several occasions, by securing ball against the head. From one such ball, Ian Dance pressed close to the line and strong support from Justin Hollindge brought the Veterans another try. The third team introduced yet another wave of second and first team replacements in an attempt to clinch the game. However, indiscipline amongst their ranks meant it came to little.
Wing replacements Alan Moles and Paul Davis were able to show pace and awareness to support attacking play for the vets. They linked twice to carry the ball across field into the opposition 22m and eventually Gary Davies received the ball at pace, making an angled run for another score to the vets.
In the end it was ruby that won as usual. Medway third team were given a lesson in the importance of team play being more crucial than individual skill.
