Medway 10 Sevenoaks 46
This weekend saw a disappointing result against Sevenoaks, a team that has always given Medway a tough game of rugby but normally a much closer result! This being said, the score does not reflect how well Medway played at times during this game, as probably half of Sevenoaks tries were scored after Medway errors gave them control, allowing Sevenoaks talented full back to take advantage of this and score.
The game was definitely a game of two halves with Sevenoaks scoring five tries in the first half and converting one of them and Medway unable to score at all. The first two minutes of the game saw Medway caught off guard and Sevenoaks scored their first try. Despite good kicking by Elliott Barnes, a strong Piers Carpenter tackling well, and great lineout work by Aaron Robertson, Medway were unable to score and this half ended 0-27.
The half time coaching chat saw a different Medway side, and with their heads held high they played a different game of rugby altogether in the second half, scoring two tries to Sevenoaks three, a scoreline we would expect! Sevenoaks scored the first try, but a much more focused Medway side saw great performances by the likes of Miles Huppatz and Sean Marriott and with good tacking by Robertson and Barnes a much closer game was fought. Another try by Sevenoaks saw Robertson reply with a strong run to make ground for Medway and a determined but patient Medway side saw Robertson score. Ollie Brooks played well in this half to gain control and after being caught off guard allowing Sevenoaks to score their final try of this game, Medway never gave up and another fantastic try was scored by Aaron Robertson after some outstanding teamwork saw Medway get the ball to Robertson despite Sevenoaks strong defence. The final score being 10 - 46.
Many lessons were learnt from this game and Medway will now move on to the next game taking on board the invaluable advice from the coaches to hopefully win their next game.
The Man of the Match went to Aaron Robertson for, in the words of the Coach, "playing his socks off!!!" Well Done to Aaron and the rest of the team for not giving up!!!!
Westcliff 17 Medway 34
7 December 2008
A long trip to an icy Wescliff saw a great result for Medway under 13s this weekend.
They beat Westcliff 17-34.
Medway started well and had possession of the ball for most of this half. Great tackling by players such as Stuart Anderson and Aaron Robertson and accurate well timed passing by players such as Sean Marriott saw Alex Page able to break through Westcliff's defence to score the first try with a conversion by Elliott Barnes. Will Munday played well under pressure in this half as full back but sadly this half saw a concussed Hadley O'Connor unable to play for the next three weeks after running into one of his fellow players!
Good passing along the backs in the opening minutes of the second half saw Alex Evans score his first ever try but a stronger Westcliff side saw them reply with a try and conversion of their own. Medway soon regrouped however and Piers Carpenter was able to score after running half the pitch and Aaron Robertson converted. Westcliff however were not going to give up without a fight and finished what we thought was the game with another try resulting in the score being 12-19.
Just as the parents were getting ready to leave a keen Westcliff side decided they wanted to play some more rugby and Medway were happy to play on another twenty minutes was played. In this session Westcliff scored one more try and Medway scored three more tries, two for Robertson and one for Barnes giving the overall score of 17-34.
Blackheath 12 Medway 14
Medway travelled to Blackheath this weekend for an afternoon fixture on a wet and miserable day. As was expected this game proved to be a close fought and physically tiring game but Medway were happy to come away from this well drilled side with a win to the tune of 12-14.
The game was split into three parts to allow everyone to play. The first session saw a close match with the score 5-7 thanks on Medway's part to a try by Alex Page and a conversion by Hadley O'Connor. Despite the poor weather Medway showed determination in keeping as much possession as they could and with great tackling by Alex Page and a strong Mitchel Wray, Blackheath found it hard to break through Medway's defence. Both Stuart Anderson and Luke Collins played well under so much pressure, but despite good tackling by Miles Huppatz Blackheath scored just before the final whistle but were unsuccessful in their conversion attempt.
The second session saw a draw 7-7. Callum Daulby took advantage of a break in Blackheath's defence and ran half of the pitch to score the only Medway try of this session and a conversion by Alex Saddington saw Medway's seven points. From here on the game became tougher with both sides determined to score and with both sides making errors under pressure it wasn't long before Blackheath scored and converted. Both sides were desperate to score another try but the session finished a draw.
With everything to play for the final session saw a 0-0 draw. Initially the game was well matched and with great tackling by players such as Elliott Barnes. Stuart Anderson, Richard Harris and Hadley O'Connor it was clear that Medway wanted this win. Blackheath however were never going to give up and Medway lost possession and had to play defensively for much of the latter part of this session, and defend they did! The final score for this session, a draw, despite a great run and passing by Richard Harris to Stuart Anderson the final whistle blew.
A special mention goes to Elliott Barnes this week for his performance in this tough game. Well Done!!
Medway 36 Thanet 5
Medway won again this weekend, although the score does not reflect how well Thanet played and what a physically strong and well drilled opponent they were.
The game was split into three twenty minute sessions with some players being substituted each session to allow everyone to play. The first session was the session where Medway scored most points and where Thanet scored . The final score for this session was 19-5 to Medway. Medway made a good start and Callum Daulby used his speed to make good ground for the home side in the opening minutes. Dominic Kempt tackled a fast Thanet player and Aaron Robertson ran half of the pitch before being tackled. Relentless attacking saw the first try for Callum Daulby and James Evans scored the conversion. This try was quickly followed by an unstoppable Richard Harris after he ran three quarters of the pitch and this try was again converted by Evans. Thanet quickly regrouped and replied with a try but were unable to convert. Great team work and passing by Aaron Robertson to Elliott Barnes saw the final try being scored by Barnes.
The second session saw a change of some players and a more well matched session, with the final score being just 5-0 to Medway. Alex Page, a relatively new player, was influential in this session but sadly after a great tackle, James Evans was injured and no longer able to play. After Evans was carried from the pitch, Medway regrouped and Miles Huppatz was strong in the second row and some good tackling was shown by Ollie Brooks. This half was played very much in the middle third of the pitch with neither side able to gain much possession or to make ground. The only try of this session was scored by Richard Harris after he saw a break in the opposition's defence but the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
The final session saw another change of players and a score of 12-0 to Medway. This session was in fact very well matched and Thanet played some fantastic rugby with Medway's tries both being scored after two lucky breaks saw two of our fast players being able to score. The first try being scored by Alex Page, with a conversion by Harris and the other try being scored by Daulby after he ran the length of the pitch to score. At times Medway were very much on the defence and Barnes made a good kick under pressure but great tackling by Stuart Anderson and a strong Harry Prebble saw Medway stopping the opponents from scoring.
This week saw the Man of the Match going to Alex Page after a great performance this weekend.
A Get Well Wish goes to James Evans from all at Medway!
Squad:Aaron Robertson, Jack Jarrett, Alex Evans, Alex Page, Alfie James, Callum Daulby, Dominic Kempt, Elliott Barnes, Harry Prebble, Hunter Smith, James Evans, Luke Collins, Mac Halmkan, Miles Huppatz, Mitchal Wray, Ollie Brooks, Phillip Coultrip, Rhys Townsend, Richard Harris, Stuart Anderson, Will Munday.
Canterbury 10 Medway 67
19th October 2008
This Sunday, Medway under 13s travelled to Canterbury for what turned out to be an excellent display of rugby by everyone to beat Canterbury 10-67. This weekend it was decided by the coaches to play four fifteen minute sessions to allow everyone to participate.
From the start, the first session saw Canterbury under pressure with Medway playing the best rugby that they have played this season. Outstanding teamwork and passing by the backs and a strong forwards pack paid off for Medway and the points soon started to rack up. The first to score was Callum Daulby, but no conversion was scored, this was followed by a try for Piers Carpenter, and a conversion kick by Hadley O'Connor. Great kicking under pressure from Canterbury by Alex Saddington and tackling by Elliott Barnes and Dominic Kempt, saw Canterbury with very little chance to attack and, after a try by Richard Harris the final score for this quarter was 17-0 to Medway.
A change of some players for the next session saw four more tries for Medway despite Canterbury playing much better in this quarter and in fact if it wasn't for a try saving tackle from James Evans, Canterbury would have scored. Elliott Barnes was the first to score, but the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, followed by a second try for Richard Harris, and a successful conversion by Alex Saddington. It was encouraging to see some of our new players becoming more confident with good tackling by Alex Page and also defending well were Ollie Brooks and Aaron Robertson. The determination by Medway to win this week saw two more tries scored in this session; one by Piers Carpenter, with a conversion by Saddington and the other by Hadley O'Connor bringing the score for this session 24-0 to Medway.
A change of players again and a more focused Canterbury saw them score first in this half but this just Medway more intent on not letting Canterbury break their defence again. Medway regrouped and Elliott Barnes was the first to score, with a conversion by James Evans. This session definitely saw a stronger opposition but Medway never gave up and working together saw a further try for Callum Daulby and a try for Aaron Robertson, with both tries being converted, one by James Evans and one by Richard Harris. The final score for this quarter 21-5 to Medway.
The final quarter saw a draw 5-5 and again a stronger and better organised Canterbury side. Canterbury were the first to score and a try by Callum Daulby saw an exhausted but jubilant Medway side finish the morning with an outstanding score of 67 points to Canterbury's 10.
This massive score could not have been achieved without working as a team and all players gave it their best this weekend but the coaches felt that Man of the Match this week should go to Mitchal Wray for doing everything the coaches had asked of him this week.
A BIG WELL DONE TO ALL THE BOYS !!!!!!
Squad: Elliott Barnes, Aaron Robertson, Alex Evans, Alex Saddington, Alex Page, Alfie James, Callum Daulby, Dominic Kempt, Hadley O'Conner, Harry Prebble, James Evans, Luke Collins, Mac Halmkan, Mitchal Wray, Ollie Brooks, Piers Carpenter, Richard Harris, Sean Marriott, Stuart Anderson, Will Munday.
Medway 20 Old Gravesendians 12
12th October 2008
Medway's first game at home this season saw their first win, but not without a tough physical game against Old Gravesendians.
The start of the first half was a well matched game with both sides attacking and defending very well, with neither team gaining much ground. However, Medway started to settle and bit by bit gained possession and seemed to take control of the game with good ground made by both Aaron Robertson and Piers Carpenter. Fantastic kicking by Alex Saddington and good tackling by Elliott Barnes saw Alfie James determined to keep possession of the ball and a pass to Piers Carpenter saw the first try of the game for Medway, but no conversion points scored. Old Gravesendians came straight back at Medway but more kicking by Saddington to gain ground saw the second try of the game by Robertson, but no conversion points scored. Again Old Gravesendians were determined to try and take control and some excellent passing by the opponents unfortunately saw an unlucky knock on. Medway's confidence was now up and a too fast Callam Daulby had a try disallowed after he run out of touch after running half the pitch!!! The end of this half saw an injury to the opposition's captain and he had to rest the remainder of this half and Daulby did finally score a try after another great run, but with no conversion points scored, this saw the half time score 15-0 to Medway.
The second half saw Medway change seven players to allow everyone the chance to play and Old Gravesendians were caught off guard by Daulby again to add to Medway's score, but unfortunately no conversion points scored. This half saw uncontested scrums to allow the opposition's captain to continue to play after his neck injury and Old Gravesendians kept their heads and soon started to gain possession and soon score but with no conversion points. Despite a great run by Saddington and some good defensive play by Medway the opposition saw a gap in the defence and slipped through to score a try and a conversion soon after their first try.This second try saw Medway step up a gear and although Old Gravesendians were in control most of this half a fired up Medway saw fantastic defence. Good tackling by Luke Collins and Daulby and lineouts that saw Medway gain possession saw Robertson nearly scoring after a great run but no support saw Medway lose the ball to the opposition. The last five minutes were a fantastic show of rugby with Old Gravesendians determined to score again and Medway equally determined to stop them, but a powerful Alfie James, and good tackles by Carpenter and James Evans saw a weary Medway side defending right to the final whistle and no more tries were scored.
This week saw all players performing well and this first win of the season was well deserved by all. Well done to all the boys but in particular to Aaron Robertson who was awarded Medway Man of the Match for his performance this weekend.
Old Alleynians 17 Medway 15
5 October 2008
This Sunday saw Medway under 13s travel to Dulwich to play Old Alleynians, a strong, well drilled opponent who the boys knew would give them a good game of rugby, and they did not disappoint. Difficult conditions of driving rain and wind saw a very close match and although with some confusion over the final score and at times some puzzling refereeing decisions, the result was a very close 17-15 to Old Alleynians. The game was split into three twenty minute sessions to allow all boys to play and Medway won two out of the three sessions although the overall score was in favour of Old Alleynians.
The first session saw Old Alleynians caught completely off guard and Hadley O'Connor scored in the opening minutes of the game. However, the joy at scoring was short lived when Josh "Fizzy" Rann was injured very early on in this session and was unable to continue, and in fact has suffered a fractured clavicle. Old Alleynians took their chance to score and convert next, but relentless tackling by Sean Marriott, Hadley O'Connor and Aaron Robertson saw a well matched game. A strong run by Stuart Anderson saw Medway make good ground and this session was rounded off by a fantastic try by a powerful Harry Fields and after some confusion as to why the ref did not allow Medway the opportunity to convert before the final whistle of this session was blown, the score for this session was 10-7 to Medway.
The second session saw a much tougher game and both sides found it hard to break through each others defence. Alex Saddington made some great tackles as did Luke Collins and Alex Page and some great passing under pressure by Medway made great rugby to watch. Medway showed outstanding determination in this session which eventually paid off with a try for Medway by Callam Daulby, again at the end of the twenty minute session and again with no opportunity to convert? giving a score for this session of 5-0 to Medway.
The third session however, saw a different final result with Medway being caught off guard early on and the opponents scoring. Kaine Dimech nearly made it to the try line and Callam Daulby tackled a fast Old Alleynians player to stop a try. Medway were disappointed in this session not have a try awarded that they felt was over the line but despite great tackling by Robertson and Elliott Barnes and a tired and wet Medway team having to play the last ten minutes of this half defensively, Old Alleynians managed to find a gap in the defence to bring the final score in this session to 10-0 to Old Alleynians.
This weekend saw some aspects to improve on but overall, this was an excellent performance against one of the best teams that Medway have been playing since the start of the Minis section, so all involved should be extremely proud of their achievement this Sunday. Well Done to you all and thank you from the spectators for an entertaining game of rugby!!
A big Get Well Wish to Fizzy too from all at Medway!!
Tunbridge Wells 27 Medway 7
28th September 2008
Medway travelled to Tunbridge Wells on Sunday for their first game of the season as Youths and playing on a full size pitch for 25 minutes each half. The result was a disappointing 27-7 to Tunbridge Wells but despite this score Medway certainly tried their best in this first game of the season.
With both sides having such large squads it was decided that the game would be split by playing the more experienced players in the first half and the second half would be played with a mixture of both experienced and new players of which Medway has many this season.
The first half saw a shaky start for Medway with several handling errors being made but the boys soon pulled themselves together and got into the game. Good tackling by Josh Rann and our physically strong forwards saw Medway in control for the middle part of this half and Aaron Robertson was unlucky to have a try disallowed which he felt was on the line, but as the boys know, the ref's word is final! Good kicking under pressure by Hadley O'Connor saw Tunbridge Wells pushed back when they were gaining ground and Elliott Barnes made an outstanding try saving tackle on a Wells player to keep the score at half time 0-0 despite Tunbridge Wells gaining slightly more control nearing the end of this first half.
The second half started brilliantly with a new player, Alex Page scoring a great try in the opening minute of this, his debut game, and with a conversion by Alex Saddington Medway were 7-0 up. However, Tunbridge Wells quickly regrouped and defended much better for the rest of the game and soon scored, but with no conversion bringing the score to 7-5. Despite good play by Alex Saddington, Sean Marriott and great kicking by Will Munday, Tunbridge Wells soon scored their third try, but were unable to convert. Richard Harris was unlucky to lose control of the ball after a strong run took him three quarters of the pitch and the end of this half saw a very tired and somewhat despondent Medway side unable to prevent Wells scoring three more tries and converting one of these, resulting in the score of 27-7 to Tunbridge Wells.