Medway 17 Thurrock 7
A period of training and rest due to Sevens tournaments and cancelled games saw Medway U15s enter their last game of the season fresh and eager.
This eagerness was evident in the way that the smaller Medway pack pushed the Thurrock pack around in the set pieces and the backs looked incessantly for openings.
It was a close first half with both teams making errors and probing for weaknesses until Jack Carlin took full advantage of a lucky break to score a try for Medway, with the extra points duly converted by Marcus Partou.
7 - 0 to Meds and although Thurrock had a penalty chance soon after to pull back some points, they missed it and that’s how the half ended.
The second half saw Thurrock, after a stern talking too, starting strongly and Medway tackling ferociously to keep them at bay.
Then five minutes in from a maul deep in Med’s half, Thurrock broke away and scored. Despite it being a double movement it stood and the conversion equalled the score, 7 – 7. However Med’s have grown as a team this season and this only made them angry. Provoked by Thurrock’s temerity they almost struck back immediately from a penalty but it just drifted wide.
“If at first you don’t succeed then…etc” and Medway did just that. Ben Shears adding to his list of tries this season with a scorching run from almost half way that cut through Thurrock’s defences for the try in the corner. A good try deserves a good conversion and Marcus Partou added the extra points with a kick that any pro kicker would be proud to claim, from about as wide out as you can get. 14 – 7 Medway and it could only get better. All afternoon the Ref’ had been hot on bad language, consistently penalising Thurrock for swearing and the extra pressure told on them as they conceded another which Marcus Partou needed no second invite to score from. Medway then closed out the game strongly, final score 17- 7.
This game was a great end to a fabulously improved season by this team in which players have matured and developed in quantum leaps.
8 wins and 1 draw, some against opposition that expected to win comfortably and good performances in the Kent Prelim’s bear’s testament to that.
A months rest and a celebratory end of season meal is a just and well deserved reward for this team’s effort and when summer training begins in June I’m sure that they will improve even further. If they stay together as a unit and maybe even a little fresh blood is introduced, I can see this squad of talented players attaining many, many plaudits, and deservedly so.
Well done to the whole team, especially to all the guys who don’t normally get their name mentioned in reports but who are every bit as important, as without their contribution the scorers could not do what they do.
Congratulations Medway Under 15s and roll on next season.
G Crittenden
Cranbrook 17 Medway 17
Cranbrook seemed to have avoided the worst of the rain and wind for this game; however their pitches had seen an awful lot of rain preceding it, and the one chosen for this meeting resembled more of a mud wallow than a pitch. It was clear that scrums which are one of Medway’s’ strengths would be interesting for the forwards who are in good form right now but from the start it seemed they didn’t mind a little mud. Just as well as the Referee seemed to have a penchant for puddles!
A dream start saw a solid forward platform release Ben Shears on a run that gave a fair impression of a hot knife through butter to score a try in the second minute, (unconverted) 0-5 to Medway.
Handling with a wet and muddy ball, was to say the least “interesting” with both teams making a lot of errors throughout the half, which settled into a battle of the forwards and centres, ebbing and flowing until Cranbrook managed to break through, score and convert bringing the game to 7-5.
Medway dug in though and soon hit back with a try from Jack Carlin, following Bens’ example, to cut through Cranbrooks’ backs once more. Unconverted the scores were now 7-10. Cranbrook were not finished though and managed to squeeze over for the last score (unconverted) of the half to go in leading 12-10.
The second half saw some of the best early play from Medway with the forwards and backs linking fluidly together to put Cranbrook under pressure. Some “unusual” decisions from the referee had kept Cranbrook out of trouble for large parts of the game but a superb passage of play fairly early in released Ben Shears. He plus mixed close support of backs and forwards smashed through Cranbrooks’ defence and when finally halted, the offload put Jordan Lewis in to score his debut try for Medway.
Lewis Macleod converted to put Medway in the driving seat once more, 12-17.
Medway then dug their heals in and spent most of the second half defending under Cranbrook pressure and holding them until two minutes from time.
Once again Cranbrook forced their way over the try line but seemed to all, not least the two players underneath the ball to have been held up. The official had a “Nelson” moment and really “should have gone to Specsavers” as he awarded the try bringing the scores level at 17-17. Some justice prevailed as the conversion was missed and the game finished level, though it did leave a sour taste.
This could have and maybe should have been Medway’s third win in a row (not counting Kent prelims), a nice little winning streak for any team. Once again the forwards, in particular the second row played well and the backs sparkled, really relishing the time and space they are being given. Both units once more played as a whole and complimented each other, defending and attacking with thought, purpose and an increasing awareness of tactics and each others strengths and weaknesses. This squad continues to grow and learn game on game and all of us associated with it, parents, coaches and the players themselves are enjoying the growing success. Winning is taking the players enjoyment of rugby to a whole new level, and new levels of determination to succeed are spurring them on even more in training and matches. Hard work brings success, which breeds more success and this team deserves all the praise they get for their hard work and successes so far this season and, I hope, those still to be enjoyed. Congratulations on a good performance.
Gary Crittenden
Gravesend 5 Medway 15
No fixture and no ground for training due to a Mini’s tournament left Medway at a loose end for this weekend. However a phone call to Gravesend team who were eager for revenge after our last visit when we romped to a 28-7 victory soon rectified that, though with hindsight they may be regretting that decision now.
Good weather and almost a full compliment of players travelled to Gravesend for what was going to be a tough game. Both teams had a point to prove and this game promised to be a much sterner test for Medway.
Early nerves soon evaporated as Medway started fast, exerting most of the pressure, narrowly missing a penalty attempt 3 minutes in. Gravesend then started to fight back and the game ebbed and flowed until the twelfth minute when Marcus Partou took another penalty chance to put Medway 3-0 up. Gravesend then started to play the game at a much faster tempo catching Meds out with a series of quick kicks which saw them score a try on 16 minutes, though the conversion was missed, to put them up 5-3.
Once again the game settled into a physical battle between both packs to try and gain dominance, Medway’s pack showing just how much they are improving game on game. As they slowly gained the upper hand, a delightfully weighted chip forward was chased down by Ben Shears, who’s incredible pace took him in unopposed under the posts for Medway’s first try, converted by the ever more reliable Marcus Partou. 10-5 Medway as they then proceeded to close out the half against Gravesend’s attacks.
The second half started with Gravesend determined to get back in to the game and the physical battle was ratcheted up a notch with both teams playing right on the edge. A clearance kick forward, a fast chase and a crunching tackle on the full back by Jack Carlin saw Marcus Partou pick up the spilled ball and go over for Medway’s second try just 5 minutes in (unconverted after re-start).
Sadly for Gravesend their full back had sustained a dislocated shoulder in the tackle and the game was stopped for twenty minutes and moved to another pitch. This was a sign of just how hard and committed the tackles were from both teams and our best wishes for a speedy recovery go to the Gravesend player.
As the game restarted it was clear that Gravesend wanted to win for their injured comrade and they threw everything at Medway. Medway for their part threw it straight back with interest. One defensive spell saw Gravesend pushed from the Medway 5 metre line to half way in a succession of rucks and mauls with both teams ferociously putting everything on the line, mostly staying the right side of it, though on more than one occasion after rucks and mauls Gravesend’s had players down with injuries, while the Medway players seemed to shake theirs off.
Medway kept up their defiance in defence as Gravesend ran out of ideas and steam, continuing also to show the better control overall in the second half and were able to shut out this exciting game to win 15-5.
Once again every Medway team member gave their all in a bruising encounter, several showing signs of wear and tear at the end, nobody gave an inch and this result is probably more significant than the last game played against Gravesend as it shows consistency and the ability to step up a gear when you need to.
In nearly every position now there is competition to start, and if you start you have to earn the right to stay on, and it is reaping dividends as players are finding inside themselves the desire to play well and play for each other. Again I find I must mention, though every player gave their all and tackled fanatically, the forwards. The competition for a starting place is most keen here and they continue to improve as a unit week on week, with replacements slotting in with barely a ripple. This game was their most ferocious and committed this season and they all have the bruises to prove it.
Well done guys.
The backs too are showing real flare in unleashing their talent together with a new found scoring instinct to add a cutting edge to the team that takes the chances presented, bringing them their sixth victory of the season today.
These two very different units, who can’t exist without each other, are now together in one very special unit, which with continued hard work and desire will become even stronger and better. No one man of the match this time as there were too many contenders throughout this fine team performance, so everyone take a bow as Man of the Match. Well done all.
Gary Crittenden
Pictures by Tony Carlin and Gary Crittenden
Video clip [WMV 1MB]
Kent Festival
2 March 2008 at Maidstone RFC
A dry day with a slight breeze at Maidstone, plus a full fit squad saw Medway in optimistic mood. Their season so far meant the squad were looking forward to the day though the early start saw a few blurry eyes among them.
The first match was scheduled for 09:45 against Westcombe Park and after pre-match warm-ups the team took to the field. Ten minute halves don’t allow for slow starts, as Medway found out to their cost. Westcombe started like a train scoring two tries (unconverted) early in and although Medway woke to fight back, they found themselves down 10-0 at half time. The second half was much better for Medway and they began to make chances, Jack Carlin answering Westcombe with a superb try which was converted by Marcus Partou. However as Meds’ began to take risks in order to get back into the game, Westcombe scored a last break-away try to run out winners 15-7. The team felt this was a missed opportunity and a game that should have been won as Westcombe went on to narrowly win against Old Elthamians, Medway’s next opponents, in a game they should have lost.
After an hour break in which to regroup and lessons learned, Medway took to the field against Old Elthamians determined not to fail again. They didn’t. Medway piled on the pressure in a controlled and aggressive display of forward power which set up platform after platform for attack. The backs did not waste the opportunities given them and cut loose. The first half trio of penalty, try and conversion from Marcus Partou took Meds’ in 10-0 up at half time.
The second half saw Old Elth’s attacking down the hill and Medway had to dig deep defending fiercely on their own line to deny Old Elths’ an early breakthrough, driving them back from their own line to the “22” in a ferocious tackling display for almost the first five minutes of the half. That seemed though to break Old Elthamians spirit and Medway made the game safe mid half with Jack Carlin’s second try of the day, again converted by Marcus Partou. Apart from a final flurry at the end for Old Elth’s, they were shut out and the game finished 17-0 to Medway. A real team display that took Medway through to the quarter finals, second in their group and a demonstration of what this team can achieve when they play to their strengths and to the game plan.
An old adversary awaited Medway in the quarter finals-Aylesford, and the chance to avenge a defeat earlier in the season.
A short fifteen minute break saw Meds’ back on the field facing Aylesford and ready to fight hard for the right result. However there are some things you cannot plan for. Mr Magoo for referee is one of them. Aylesford scored two debateable tries in the first half (unconverted), awarded despite impartial evidence to suggest both scorers were in touch before placing the ball down. Those decisions plus other errors from both referee and Medway saw Aylesford survive until half time 10-0 up.
The second half was evenly balanced with Medway having chances to get back into the game, being kept out only by some last ditch Aylesford defending. Sam Budd in particular went very close, dragging an Aylesford player hanging from him like some strange rucksack for ten metres. It wasn’t however meant to be and the game ended 10-0 to Aylesford.
Medway were out and despite the sense of injustice had acquitted themselves magnificently.
Who knows how the game would have gone given a different official, a question that will never be answered and in truth not one that should be over long dwelt on with so many other positives to take from these performances, not least their “heart”, resilience and refusal to ever lay down and quit.
There is not room to name the whole squad and every good thing they did here in this report but for those who have their name mentioned, there are many who put then in that position. You all know who you are and what you did and can be rightly proud of that.
There is genuine competition now for starting places in this squad for nearly all positions, especially in the pack where something very special is taking shape. This in turn is giving the backs a platform from which to shine and when they do, they shine as bright as any in the south east. These Championships are another stage in the squads’ development and they will take away much from them and I’d like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am to be involved with them in a small way as are all the coaching team. I’d like also to thank them for all their efforts so far this season but particularly for these games. Well done Medway and don’t forget…there will be a Next Time.
Gary Crittenden
Scores:
Group games:
Medway 7 – Westcombe park 15
Medway 17 – Old Elthamians 0
Quarter Final:
Medway 0 – Aylesford 10
Gravesend 7 Medway 28
The smallest pack fielded all season due to half term holidays and school trips, 16 players (1 injured) available, losing 12-0 at home the last time these sides met plus coming off the back of a huge loss last weekend would suggest the Gods were not smiling on a favourable result for Medway U15s.
The sun however was shining brightly, the immaculate Gravesend first team pitch was firm after the overnight frost and the team had a point to prove.
All season I have written about this squad’s improvements and potential. Today showed just how far they have come and how far they could go.
When Gravesend came to Priestfields in late October 2007 they ran out victors in that hard fought game, this time they left their home field well beaten by Medway after a pulsating and skilful display of aggressive forward power and incisive backs’ running which took the team to its biggest points tally and winning margin this season so far.
2 minutes was all it took for Joe Cooke to slice open Gravesend for Medway’s first try. Ben Shears soon followed that with his first try on 8 minutes then a second on 10 minutes. 15-0 to Medway and playing beautiful rugby!
Too good to be true? Maybe, but fantastically true non-the-less. Gravesend however then found a little form and came back at Medway for the next 10 minutes, missing a penalty at 22 minutes but pressing on to score a try and conversion on 23 minutes.
Medway needed to respond and they did, defending their line magnificently in one series of plays by Gravesend to stop and hold them a metre out and earn a penalty to clear their lines. They then went on from there to score again from a sweetly struck Marcus Partou penalty to finish the half ahead, 18-7.
Predictably Gravesend came out and put Medway under the cosh at the start of the second half. It didn’t faze Medway one little bit and 10 minutes in Greg Woodward carried the ball over again for Medway after a bruising passage of attacking play.
23-7 and flying, the next 15 or so minutes were all Medway. Wide or through the middle, it made no difference as they came close to more tries on no-less than three occasions before Jack Carlin finished a chance to reward their efforts on 27 minutes.
Though the score could have been much higher in Medway’s favour this was not a one sided game, Gravesend were not by any means overwhelmed and Medway had to work very hard in defence to keep them out. This result was stylish, controlled and an almost complete performance that any side would be glad to count as theirs, though still naturally with room for improvement.
Every player today had at least one moment where they produced something worthy of applause and praise, every department worked hard to contribute to this team win, even our injured player came on for 5 minutes and made a great run to almost burst through for a try (well done Josh).
Praise goes in particular to the pack, some of whom played in unfamiliar positions within it, which pushed Gravesend all over the place winning scrum after scrum against the head and rucking, counter rucking and mauling with control and aggression to give the backs a great platform from which to show all their skills to the full for the first time this season. This was epitomised by the all round play of Tom Smith, flanker, who made the Gravesend’s fly half’s life a misery all morning, a starring performance among a game of starring performances that earned him Man of the match.
Two weeks to the Kent Prelims and three training sessions left for some hard work and improvement mean that with 5 wins so far this season Medway go into the competition with spirits high and hope of making this season even better than it is so far.
Match Report: Gary Crittenden
Barking 51 Medway 0
After last weeks team heroics and fine performances came this weeks Mr Hyde game.
It’s always a pleasure to write words of praise, I take no pleasure in writing this today. Without wishing to be negative, false positives do little for a player’s development, when you accept praise that comes to you; you must also learn to accept the criticism due too.
Much could be said of Barking’s qualities and record, some could be said of the Medway players who had other and appreciable commitments this Sunday, but these would only sound like hollow excuses.
Rugby is a “TEAM” game of skills, talent and mental application. A description of what should have been, seen far too rarely on what can charitably be described as an error strewn performance by Medway.
Most of the good things shown so far this season seemed to have been forgotten on a beautiful warm, breezeless morning, playing on the wonderful surface of the first team pitch.
Sadly, Medway were put to the sword from the first try on 2 minutes to the last, in the last minute of the game, although in the second half they did rouse themselves to concede fewer points.
While some players put in brave rearguard performances, and can hold their heads high, some if honest with themselves did not give their all. Mental capitulation and basic errors contributed to a score line of 51 points to nil which did not unduly flatter Barking but simply exposed the gulf in ability and desire. Having said that, if Medway had played as well this week as last, they may have still lost but the score line would have had a much more creditable look.
On previous occasions these under 15’s have showed their talents and a never say die attitude together with courage to get a winning result or show that there can be honour in defeat. In the scheme of things this result is not the end of the world but they need to look at their personal performances and quickly rediscover that attitude.
Back to basics in training and a re-instillation of self belief should see them back on track to finish this season, still so far one of their best ever, with a flourish.
Gary Crittenden.
Medway 8 Old Elthamians 5
The last time this squad faced Old Elthamians they lost, heavily. However recent signs both in training and training matches pointed to continued improvement in this U15 squad. The gauge of how far you’ve progressed as a team is when you play against opposition that you know is top drawer and can beat you, on the performance shown during this game; Medway U15’s have made a quantum leap.
A full squad plus plentiful subs’ turned up bright and early and ready to play, and play they did. From the first whistle it was clear that Meds’ were up for the confrontation putting in some big hits and consistently pushing Old Elths’ pack all over the place. More excitingly their attacking play was showing signs of bite and threat through the centre as they capitalised on solid and controlled rucking, the ideal tactic in the blustery conditions.
Their constant pressure paid off for Meds’ with a penalty award 15 minutes in, just inside Elths’ half. In the windy and difficult conditions, Marcus Partou made the resulting kick look easy, 3-0 to Medway and well deserved. From there, Meds camped on Elths’ 22 for almost the rest of the half and were unlucky that a couple of good back moves wide didn’t yield the rewards deserved.
Sometimes half time brings a drop in concentration, not this time. Medway started the second half as they finished the first. Old Elthamians were caught cold within 5 minutes when some wonderfully controlled attacking saw lock, Angus Cameron-Ratchford punch through 10 metres out to score his first ever try. The following conversion into the wind just slid wide but Meds’ were ahead 8-0 and in command.
A lead brings its own perils; a slight relaxation by Medway meant that Elths’, now stung, came straight back at them, scoring a try after several minutes of pressure on the 5 metre line. It went un-converted to make the score 8-5. In past games things might have gone against Meds’, this time though they did not. The team dug deep, roused themselves and inch by inch drove Elthamians back to their own half, where they proceeded to pen them for almost the rest of the game. Once again, they were unlucky not to add points to their tally while remaining focused and aggressive defensively.
At the final whistle the joy at winning 8-5 was manifest throughout the team, they’d given everything. Everybody watching knew that they had just seen the best team display this season so far from the under 15’s.
Everyone played and nobody shirked their duties as it all dropped into place this game, if this is maintained the squad will go on to achieve special things.
Gary Crittenden.
Medway 0 Romford 46
After poor weather and cancelled games for the last few weeks, a sunny Sunday saw Medway taking a game from the fixture exchange.
It couldn’t have been a much tougher game as Essex Champions Romford came to Priestfields. Despite the bright weather, there wasn’t a bright start to the day as Medway found themselves short of players, and were forced to field a borrowed prop forward from the U16’s, thanks Sean, to start the game.
True to usual form, Medway started slowly, not helped by an early injury to one of the front row, which meant playing most of the first half with fourteen, having no subs. Romford duly took advantage and proceeded to run in tries at an alarming rate of roughly one every four minutes. Within twenty minutes they had opened up a 27-0 lead (5 tries, 1 converted).
The Medway team are anything but quitters though. Their commitment and pride spurred them to one of the best fifteen minutes of their season so far as they shut Romford out until half time with tackle after crunching tackle. The second half started as the first ended with Medway flying into their defensive duties until Romford managed to break through on eight minutes. Medway stuck at it as they lost another player to injury, down to thirteen, making Romford work very hard for their points, (1try converted, 22mins, 1 try 34mins). There were moments of attacking play that may have brought points for Medway but Romford were quick to snuff out any threat, though a Ben Shears run came closest to breaking through mid half.
It is fair to say that this team are coming on in leaps and bounds and this match brought forward some different names for praise. The usual suspects, you know who you are, were as usual magnificent but the stand out performances came from Tom Smith, Sam Dailey, Lewis Heron and Ashley Smith today. Congratulations all.
Gary Crittenden
Medway 0 Old Gravesendians 27
The first game of 2008 was, to use a cliché, a game of two very different halves.
Post New Year/Christmas hangovers appeared to still be in evidence for Medway during the first half of this game.
It would be unfair to single out individuals for criticism as the whole team contributed to an appalling first half which saw an interested, fit and willing Old Gravesendians team put 20 points on the board for no answer. Three tries, one conversion and a penalty kick punished Medway for not following their game plan, and for the many and varied basic errors they made.
A huge disappointment, given the way they finished 2007.
However, pride and a dose of the “hairdryer” treatment at half time saw Medway come out in a more determined mood. There is no doubt that the second half was the game they should have played in the first. Post match injuries bare testament to just how much the team put in to it. One broken nose, a brace of black eyes, a chipped tooth, several heads wearing bumps and too many fat lips to mention were the obvious signs of a team who had tackled and attacked with ferocity.
Medway defended like demons, also on occasion putting together some very good driving attacks through the middle. One passage of play saw 12 phases from the centres and forwards that was unlucky not see a score at the end of it. Medway had few definitive chances to score but some “nearlys and almosts” on another day would have got there.
Old Gravesendains only managed to add one more score and that was right on the last whistle with a converted try after camping on Medway’s line for the best part of ten minutes. Medway simply ran out of energy and players in defence. The mixture of relief and frustration on the scoring player’s face was testament to Medway’s second half display. Final score 27-0.
This is not Medway’s biggest defeat of the season so far but one they will not be anxious to repeat. This may be the wake-up they need. There is much to work on and improve in training but if the second half was an indicator, there is much to build on too.
Gary Crittenden
Old Colfeians 12 Medway 19
16 December 2007
A weather enforced rest after the Maidstone game seemed to have revitalised Medway U15’s squad mentally and physically for their visit to Old Colfeians.
This was probably their best game of the season so far with an uncharacteristic fast start followed by a gutsy and skilful fight back against big, powerful opponents. They quite literally gave everything, in some cases even blood (one or two infringements going “un-noticed”) in this game, with several players sustaining minor injuries.
Medway started fast, Jack Carlin opening the scoring with a second minute try which was duly converted by Marcus Partou, 7-0. The hosts having been rudely awoken immediately came back strongly, putting Medway under sustained pressure. Although Medway defended stubbornly, Marcus Partou’s defensive kicking being of particular note, on 12 minutes Colfeians struck with their own converted try to level the score 7-7. Medway though stung, again defended well, until the 27th minute when Colfeians scored their second try (unconverted) to take the score to 12-7, where it remained until the break.
As the second half started it was Medway who stepped up the attacking pace with Greg Woodward, Medway’s Captain, scoring their second try (unconverted) taking them level again at12-12. This was the spur Medway needed and they piled the pressure on a rapidly tiring Colfeians, in particular pressurising their poor lineout. Medway’s fitness levels, commitment, skill and renewed belief saw Jack Carlin go over for his second try on the 55 minute mark, Marcus Partou once more kicking the extra 2 points to take the score to 19-12.
Medway continued to defend well, surviving one late scare, to close out the match 19-12 for their third victory this season.
This result was a fitting reward for an outstanding team display and an early Christmas present for an outstanding group of young men who are starting to get the taste for winning. Roll on the New Year.
Gary Crittenden
Medway 0 Maidstone 52
25 November 2007
This rescheduled game against Maidstone, possibly came a little early after the hard fought game last week at Aylesford, leaving little time for rebuilding morale and confidence, and one possible reason for the amount of players absent on this bright, mild morning.
The badly depleted Medway squad faced the possibility of uncontested scrums due to a shortage of forwards in the15 players available for selection to face one of, if not the stiffest test of the season. Maidstone sportingly stepped in and offered Medway the stand-in front row players in order to keep it a game.
The signs however, were not hopeful for a favourable outcome with many of Medway’s team playing out of position but they showed big hearts in the face of adversity.
It would be unfair to single out any one player from the brave and committed display that followed, so I won’t. The whole team gave everything they had, with every player at some point making a last-ditch tackle, showing bravery in the ruck and maul and even showing flashes of attack against a Maidstone team who will make many better teams look bad, at some point this season.
The scoring shows only the Maidstone side of the story as they scored 33 points without answer in the first half. Medway’s’ only scoring chance of the game, a penalty, sliding heartbreakingly close but just outside the right-hand upright.
The second half saw Medway contest things much more fiercely, Maidstone restricted to 19 points in the half, with the last try given controversially, as the Maidstone player appeared to drop the ball forward and not place it down. The final score of 52-0 shows nothing of the endeavour and spirit of this Medway team who played with all the snap and bite of the underdog and continue to discover hidden strength and talent in the tough games.
Maidstone may have scored all the points in this game but the Medway players who played today deserve just as much praise for their will to compete, and their determination to give a good account of themselves…whatever the odds against them.
G Crittenden
Aylesford 27 Medway 5
18 November 2007
Sunday saw Medway away in the land of the giants at Aylesford. A fixture that last season Medway lost by a 50-point margin, so they entered this game determined to give a better account of themselves but also with some trepidation.
The usual slow start from Medway, not helped by two key players picking up injuries just before kick-off, helped Aylesford score an early and ominous try, though the conversion was missed in the swirling wind.
This proved a wake–up call to Medway, who began to show their bravery by meeting the physically more mature Aylesford team head on tackle for tackle. Being out rucked though clearly rattled Aylesford and midway through the first half, quick ball was moved to Ben Shears, who went on a fast mazy run through Aylesford’s ranks to score what many spectators from both sides described as “one of the best tries they’d ever seen”. Unconverted, the score went to five all and the game remained evenly and fiercely contested until three minutes before half time. A tiring Medway suffered a momentary loss of concentration and Aylesford drove over their second try, the conversion taking the score to 12-5 at half time.
The second half began with Aylesford making the first of many substitutions from what looked like almost a complete second squad. Aylesford play what can only be described as a very adult, tactically mature game and despite the whole Medway team continuing to compete for everything, with Jack Carlin and Ryan Dowsett in particular putting their heads in places most wouldn’t put their feet in the customary Medway defensive display, Aylesford’s quality began to tell.
Although Medway had some good attacking positions themselves and could possibly have made three more tries, it was Aylesford’s tactical kicking that gave them the platforms to score three hard won unconverted tries to run out winners 27-5.
A score that on balance doesn’t tell the whole story, as during the game several Aylesford players were heard wondering how their team was being “pushed around when they were so much bigger” and also given that Aylesford gave away by far, the most penalties. Once again, the whole Medway squad showed their blossoming talent and full commitment against hard opposition and came out with much credit from the game.
Gary Crittenden
Medway 10 Dover 3
11 November 2007
Medway under 15’s hosted Dover at Priestfields on Remembrance Sunday
and after proudly and respectfully honouring the two minutes silence both
teams went on to play a close and exciting game. Medway had some new faces
on show and some familiar faces in unfamiliar positions and roles but they
seemed to carry on where they left off in their last game and dominated
forward play once again, camping out near Dover’s twenty two for
most of the first half.
Unlike the last game, this brought its just rewards. Though both teams seemed prone to too many unforced handling errors, Medway put together some nice build up play ten metres out and a lovely pop pass from the floor gave Jack Carlin the chance to carry over almost under the posts in the twenty third minute. Marcus Partou duly converted and Medway were 7-0 up.
Not content to sit on their laurels, Medway continued to press and just before half time were rewarded with a penalty, which Marcus Partou again dispatched putting Medway 10-0 up at the break.
After the break, Dover came out and attacked hard and Medway were placed under extreme pressure but despite their usual slow start after the re-start, they held firm on their five-metre line stopping Dover’s attempts to score a breakthrough try. They did however concede a penalty early in bringing the scores to 10-3.
This galvanised Medway who once again began to pressurise Dover with some brave an aggressive work from George Beavis and Ryan Dowsett through the middle attempting to punch holes through Dover’s defence. This along with a couple of sniping runs down the wings kept Dover guessing, though their defence just held which gave them some hope and the last fifteen minutes of the game became a defensive battle for Medway as they tired. It went right to the wire as the last play of the game saw Dover five metres out and attempting a seemingly endless series of rucks and mauls. Medway dug in and defended for five frantic minutes on their own line with everybody spending their last remaining energies keeping Dover out for a hard won and well-deserved victory for this ever-improving team.
G Crittenden
Medway 0 Gravesend 12
28 October 2007
Medway under 15s faced a well-drilled Gravesend team at Priestfields on Sunday in what can best be described as “unhelpful” conditions and put on their best tackling display of the season against a physically larger Gravesend, stunned to find Medway in the mood to compete ferociously for everything.
The first half was all about the Medway Pack’s domination, repeatedly stealing ball against the head and pushing the bigger pack around at will as Gravesend struggled to find their rhythm throughout the first half.
Marcus Partou, Nick Abbot, Angus Cameron-Latchford and Daniel Crittenden, four of the stand out performances in an outstanding team defensive display that prevented Gravesend from getting any offensive joy, while Ben Shears and Jack Carlin probed ceaselessly for gaps to exploit in the centre and wide areas.
Gravesend for their part defending just as fiercely, resulting in the teams going in all square 0-0, after a very entertaining half.
After the break, Medway came out to find Gravesend rejuvenated as they came under relentless attack in a frantic 15-minute spell that ultimately decided the game.
Gravesend’s pack bulled them to within 30 metres of Medway’s line where a quick wide ball put them in for a breakthrough try that was then well converted in a tricky wind.
All game lineouts had been potluck in the very strong breeze and 5 minutes later a lineout 5 metres from their line was Medway’s undoing for Gravesend’s second try.
With the conversion missed and the score at 12-0 heads could have dropped but Medway rediscovered their defensive stability and again began to impose themselves physically, shortly after coming desperately close themselves to scoring as they tried everything to break through Gravesend’s defences.
Gravesend however held strong. With Medway conceded no more points and the game ending 12-0, the score line doesn’t tell the whole story or do the ever-improving Medway under15s performance justice. It does though bode well for the future.