Old Dunstonians II 40 Medway Extra First XV 24 - 18 February 2012
The temporary return of their Coach, Andrew Sherston, had seen a steady recent improvement in the Extras' performances with two wins and a creditable defeat at top of the table Folkestone coming in their last three games. Now it was time to see how they got on in the 'Welsh God of Loves' absence again as eighteen Medway men, accompanied by Manager Pat Nolan, made the trip to Beckenham for a League fixture against Old Dunstonians that contained a bit of added spice as one of 'Alpatchino's' work colleagues is an OD's man.
Medway kicked off towards the Clubhouse with the slope in their favour on an excellent playing surface, a credit to the OD's ground staff, and the opening ten minutes left Pat believing that bragging rights in the office on Monday would be his. The Extras came out of the blocks quickly, surely the result of Danny Williams' excellent warm-up routine, and immediately put OD's under pressure as they camped deep in their opposition's half. OD's were forced into throwing back to their in goal where under pressure a knock on occurred. Nothing came from this positive position but Medway wouldn't have to wait long for their first score. From a scrum inside OD's twenty-two Collings, playing at Eight, picked up and drove towards the goal line. As he went into contact he off loaded to the supporting Ruffel who similarly off loaded to Bourne who went over in the right hand corner for a try well converted from out wide by Rumsey.
Medway were playing well at this stage and the game plan that had so helped in recent performances was reaping rewards again. Another move saw the ball through the hands of the back division and Bourne was away again down the right but this time he was held just short by some determined defensive work by the ODs cover that prevented a certain try. The Extras were not to be denied though and from a scrum five they took one against the head, Collings picking up and driving for the line. Despite the desperate attention of a couple of OD's players he had enough power to make it over the line for an unconverted try.
OD's were struggling to get into the match with errors, forced and unforced, littering their play. Some derisive laughter from the Medway replacements following a particularly amusing knock on earned them the rebuke of Pat. However, the damage was done and OD's lifted their game and edged their way back into it. Firstly came a break out run from their powerhouse lock down the right wing which took a fine Williams cover tackle to thwart. Then they stole a Medway line out that gave them a promising position in Medway's half and a tricky situation was only avoided by the guile and determination of Morant who got back to cover. However, the writing was on the wall and sure enough, a well engineered move after Medway had lost possession in the ruck saw them release their two powerful centres who with straight running, aided by a missed tackle in midfield, ran a fair distance to score a converted try.
For reasons known only to the players, Medway's foot had come off the gas and whilst they were still playing to the plan they stopped looking after the ball. The rains were with us now so handling errors were thrown into the mix, coupled with some poor decision making and missed tackles all of which assisted OD's who were back in the game as quickly as it seemed they were out of it. During this period of general apathy from the Extras they had two players who continued to play to their full potential. Farbrace was proving a nuisance in the pack turning over rucks he had no right to and putting in some great recovery work at line outs that, due to the elements, were proving somewhat of a lottery. Young Whitnell (is he really only 17 still?) was giving another man of the match performance with his powerful running with ball in hand in particular standing out. However, these were only two bright lights that stood out in some general lacklustre play from Medway during this period.
An attacking Medway scrum around half way was lost and OD's second row broke away. A number of missed tackles later and he was able to off load to support runners and the try was deservedly scored and converted for a 12-14 OD's lead. More bad news followed as Bourne took a blow just above the knee when on the attack and had to leave the field with a painful dead leg, being replaced with Dawson. Soon OD's were back in the Extras' half and a clever left to right cross field kick was defended slowly by Medway and although the slide in to the right hand corner suggested that the players were out of play the referee awarded the try which went unconverted. Medway gathered themselves and finished the half strongly. Some good work from the pack got them territory and this pressure brought a very kickable penalty. However, with just enough time left in the half, Rumsey bravely went for touch. The Extras secured the resulting line-out and went through the phases but couldn't get past some inspired OD's goal line defending and a knock on brought the half to an end with the score 12-19 in OD's favour.
Out of frustration Pat ripped into his charges during the interval trying to re-ignite the flare, determination and passion that they had displayed in the opening ten minutes. However, things were to get worse as early in the second half Farbrace took a knock to the ankle resulting in him coming off to be replaced by Thompson. The resulting reshuffle of the front row saw OD's make use of their greater experience and weight and suddenly Medway were struggling in the scrum. A break in midfield from such a scrum and a missed tackle saw OD's secure another try which went unconverted. Shortly afterwards OD's stole a line-out and moved the ball through the hands before some more straight running saw their centres away again and a converted try.
The score now at 12-33 and Medway were urged on to greater effort. Gwilliam was sent on for Whittaker as Pat shuffled the back division with Williams moving to the wing. The Extras began to put some phases together and good hands from the backs supported by hard work at the coal face by the forwards saw Collings get close but ultimately stopped short. Next it was Whitnell's turn but he too was held short. Medway recycled the ball and Gwilliam came from deep to take the ball at pace and go over for a converted try akin to Burt Reynolds' touchdown in the original Mean Machine film. Medway's tails were up again at 19-33 and for a ten minute spell it looked like they would turn the game round. Hands were good and the pack were back in the game getting through a lot of work and OD's were back to defending desperately at times. However, OD's weathered the storm and edged back into Medway's half where Dawson was forced into a great cover tackle that thwarted an almost certain try. Medway had settled down again in the scrum but when OD's took one against the strike in the Extras' twenty-two the ball was fed back and a subtle cross field kick to the left corner was well gathered and they had another converted try.
The Extras' were playing for pride now and they've got bucket loads. More marauding work by the forwards released the back division who got Gwilliam away. As he cut to the wing and off loaded he was not only hit very late but unceremoniously dumped into the bargain. To be fair to the ref, he was keeping an eye on the play which was developing nicely with the forwards as they drove for the line. The Extra's went through the phases and engineered a position that allowed Collings to gain his second try of the game. With the missed kick the final whistle went and that was that - a win for ODs 24-40.
So what went wrong for the Extras after such a promising start? The game plan was stuck to and worked well but for some reason, maybe they thought the game was won after ten minutes, Medway started to cruise. Tackles were missed and when they had the ball they failed to protect it. Bottom line is you can't win a game if you only play for twenty minutes. Bad day at the office maybe? ODs on the other hand put in a good honest display and showed what could be achieved when you stick to the basics and secure enough ball. Their cross field kicks, which resulted in two trys, were obviously off the training ground and were well executed. They scrummaged well, despite not offering much at the ruck, and this gave them a platform to build on. They were honest enough to admit in the bar afterwards that they did not so much win the game, more Medway lost it. Sums the display up quite nicely really. As for Pat, well he's not looking forward to Monday back at the office that's for sure.
Next game is in two weeks time at home to Sidcup.
Medway Extra First XV 48 Thanet II 10 - 4 February 2012
An early morning inspection saw all four of Medway’s excellent pitches declared fit to play on, a true testament to the hard work of our Groundsmen, Gerald and Mel, especially when you consider that pretty much every other club in the county were forced to cancel their games this weekend.
Despite the losses to First XV call up and the unavailability of some of their regulars, a strong squad of 18 Extras took to the field against Thanet’s IIs. Whilst not hitting the heights they achieved against Maidstone’s IIs the previous week, this was another good all round team display that secured a hard earned victory and continued their general improvement since the return of their talismanic coach, The Welsh God of Love - Drew Sherston.
Medway kicked off on Pitch 19 towards the School End and the early exchanges were tough. Thanet’s large and experienced pack had an early dominance over Medway’s younger, less experienced and lighter pack, particularly in the scrum. However, as the game wore on Medway settled into these exchanges eventually achieving parity in this area. Medway were the stronger of the two sides in the back division, showed whenever they had ball in hand and especially when they got outside Thanet’s quality Fly Half. However, possibly caused by the enforced changes to last week’s selection, Medway’s backs showed an early reluctance to back their pace and take Thanet on down the outside.
The backs were working hard to open the Thanet defence up and it was their vision that allowed Avery to open the scoring, picking the ball up in centre field having stepped into the line and breaking the Thanet cover defence who could not make their tackles stick as the Medway pace of the game in the red zone increased to score in the left hand corner for an unconverted try. The Extras repeated the trick shortly after, Avery again who worked well in the loose working off a shoulder, being put away to this time score under the posts, the try converted by Rumsey for a 12-0 lead.
The Extras have worked hard on their discipline in recent games but a return to their previous ways saw Thanet on the scoreboard next. A penalty against the Extras just in their half was soon rightly marched up the pitch as constant back chat only succeeded in irking the referee. Medway now had to defend a scrum on their own five metre line and although they did so manfully through a few phases of pick and drive they eventually succumbed to the pressure as Thanet drove over for an unconverted try and a scoreline of 12-5. This was a fine demonstration of the Thanet trundle which has served them well in previous encounters.
Medway had needlessly brought pressure on themselves with this display of ill discipline and for a time Thanet gained the ascendancy. Cue screams from the Extra's Coach of “I want that ball” as Thanet mauled and scrummed hard to drive the Extras back. One bright light during this period was the line out where Medway were competing well through Corker and Smith in the air, ably lifted by Ellis and Buxton, with Morant regularly finding his man. Gradually Medway dragged themselves back into the game, turning the tide and forcing Thanet back into their own 22. Next came that bit of luck you sometimes need as Thanet secured their own scrum, their Scrum Half feeding their Fly Half to kick clear. However, they hadn’t reckoned on the quick thinking and pace of Ruffel who was up like a flash to charge the clearing kick down. Ruffel’s momentum took him on and he seemed destined to reach the ball in the in goal before being pulled back by a Thanet player. The Referee saw it as a touch down coming and awarded a penalty try which Rumsey converted to take the Extra’s in at half time with a 19-5 lead. Thanet complained but should probably consider themselves fortunate to have not lost a player to the ‘bin’.
At half time the scars of battle where highlighted to the referee as Pack Leader Pete Corker had bite and gouge marks on him but this hardened member of our British Forces stayed professional and used this to rally the forwards to get more physical in the rucks and mauls that followed.
The second half saw Medway put in a far stronger performance, achieving more of the continuity they had shown the week before. The pack asserted themselves more, driven on by the more experienced Corker and French, providing Ruffel and Rumsey the platform from which to bring the backs into play. The backs, notably Williams and Burns, played with more cohesion and confidence and armed with this all round team performance it was not long before the Extras began to rack the points up.
First up was Burns who, released by the vision of Rumsey, cut inside before turning on the afterburners and cutting back out to go in at the left hand corner for an unconverted try and a score of 24-5. On came wily campaigner Morgan for Buxton to steady the ship at the scrum with Thanet still causing trouble with their wheeled scrum. Dawson was coming into the game more from full back making some incisive take and gains whilst Bourne was also getting more involved coming in off his wing in search of the ball. Another try was not long in coming and from a defensive Thanet scrum Whitnell charged down and Williams was on hand to ground the ball for a try converted by Rumsey and a 31-5 lead.
Thompson went on for Avery in a shrewd move by the Extra’s coach with the latter looking like a candidate for the sin bin as he became more and more frustrated with Thanet’s sometimes robust approach. For a little while Medway came off the gas and for the first time in the match Thanet displayed some back division prowess of their own, taking advantage of a miss tackle in field and going through the hands for a well executed unconverted try in the right hand corner to take the score to 31-10.
Driven on by their never silent coach Medway raised the intensity again. A superb cross field kick by Rumsey saw Bourne almost in at the right corner, being stopped just short by some resolute Thanet defending. Ruffel recycled and the Extras spread the ball right to left and a well weighted miss pass put Whittaker in for a debut try in the left corner which went unconverted and a score of 36-10. Medway were rampant now, French and Whitnell tackling and driving forward at will and it was not long before another right to left move saw Williams go over in the left corner for his second try, again unconverted, the score now 41-10. The game won, Medway’s Extras finished the scoring off as Ruffel opportunistically stepped inside as Thanet sought to spread the ball wide from defence, intercepting and going over under the posts, the try converted by Rumsey. Full time score 48-10.
This was a sometimes frustrating performance with ill discipline and miss tackles costing them a second clean sheet in a week. Once the back division backed themselves, assisted by the pack supplying clean ball and quick distribution from their scrum half, Medway were able to exercise control of the game. Overall another fine team performance for an Extra’s side definitely moving in the right direction.
Medway Extra First XV 55 Maidstone II 0 - 28 January 2012
It is fair to say that this season has not been the one everyone was expecting from the Extras. Player, coach and injury disruptions have made for inconsistent performances and poor teamwork. However with coach Drew "Reiterate" Sherston back from penguin patrol and the club being now able to blood some promising younger players the portents are good and so it proved today. Maidstone left the ground wondering what had happened since when last they met and convincingly won in late 2011?
From the kick off Medway took the ball into contact strongly, recycled well and looked to move the ball wide when it was right to do so - in other words they had a plan. With debutant scrum half Phil Dugard providing skipper Simon Rumsey with excellent service he in turn put in a fine kicking stint - placing the ball where the defenders were not and constantly turning them round. At the scrum, tight head prop Liam Johnson, who wants his first team place back, was immense and it was a surprise that it took 15 minutes for all these elements to tell against a dogged opposition. From a scrum the ball moved left, then returned right along the line for flanker Avery to put Vice captain Dave French through the gap for a try in the corner. 5-0.
Similar play then saw the Maidstone defence stretched and Avery crashed over for a try in the corner, which skipper Rumsey magnificently converted from the touch line. 12-0. Then the play of the match - fine running and interpassing between backs and forwards up the right flank released quick ball and Rumsey placed an inch perfect cross kick which full back Barter gathered. Inexplicably when beating the final defender in acres of open space he allowed the valiant defender to dislodge the ball. (Cue Sherston - "muppet"). Anyhow shortly afterwards more hard running and good control at the breakdown saw the ball move left and centre Luke Burns glided through the gap for a good try. 19-0 was the half time score.
The 2nd half saw no let up with Medway quickly into their stride and number 8 - Huw "Jonny" Collings - a seeming magnet for the Maidstone kicks. A fine forward drive by Dave French set up play and the ball was effectively moved along the back line by Avery and Burns for the wing veteran - Danny Williams to score in the corner. 24-0. To make matters worse for Mustangs shortly afterwards a quickly taken tap penalty by Medway in their own 22 saw Burns show something like his true form by cutting through the outside Maidstone defence and then calmly put Williams away again for a morale breaking try, which Rumsey converted from wide out. 31-0.
Medway were now rampant and following a right hand side attack- replacement David Gwilliam - trying to impress his watching and shivering girl friend - cut back inside, beat several tiring defenders and off loaded to Collings who did an outrageous quarter back flip pass to full back Barter who scored near the posts. 38-0. There was the occasional brave break out by Maidstone but the tide was going only in one direction. In broken play the ball was moved to the Maidstone fly half who was instantly cut in half by flanker Avery's tackle. Following in his footsteps was prop Johnson who cleared out three competing Maidstone players and the ball was now Medway's to use. Along the line to Burns it went, who chipped over the defenders and regathered for another try. 45-0. There was still time for 2 more scores - both from No. 8 Collings. The first from a scrum when he took the ball early as the scrum wheeled and crashed through the defenders and then catching an over thrown line out ball 10 yards out and again crashing through the tired defenders. By now skipper Rumsey's strength had gone and so the tries were unconverted.
Coach Sherston described himself as "satisfied and moist" whilst Manager Alpatchino confessed to having a bit of a 'semi' with the 55-0 victory and were especially pleased with both their experienced and younger players. Good examples of this were Bourne, Smith, Corker, Flatt, Whitnell (Tom), Markham and Thompson who did a lot of the unsung slog that the coach admires so much. Some of the players were clearly excited by this win with Burns making himself sick with joy and Collings last being seen running up the embankment next to the pitch screaming and doing windmills with his arms.
Dave " a week is a long time in sport" Tasker.
Folkestone II 19 Medway Extra First XV 14 - 21 January 2012
Despite a request from the returning Welsh God of Love, today’s match report is written with its theme being that war time classic, The Great Escape. What follows is a true story. Although the characters are composites of real men, and time and place have been compressed, every detail of the match is the way it really happened.
With the loss of Gwilliam to tonsillitis, seventeen Extras were available to play second in the table Folkestone for this tough Invicta 2 League fixture. With First XV Captain Green, Gwilliam, plus James Avery, Lowery and Coveney from the Development Squad, along with the regular collection of Dads, Medway had great travelling support for this game. In true Hendley fashion, Drew had secured some cones and tackle pads to help with a more structured warm-up – nobody asked where they came from. In short, after some recent indifferent performances, Medway put in their best performance of the season but the referee’s purchase of a watch from Sir Alex Ferguson’s stores combined with a momentary lapse of concentration was to cost them victory.
Their manager armed with a cuppa that was a tad pathetic with the wretched leaves having been used about twenty times, the game kicked off. Medway settled early and Folkestone were guilty of giving away cheap penalties. From one such penalty, Rumsey cleverly chipped through chasing his own kick and with Folkestone caught flat he touched down under the posts for a try he converted. 0-7 Medway.
Folkestone came back strong and it seemed that they would break through in midfield but a great tackle by Dean Avery resulted in a Medway turnover and from the resulting ruck, Collings became the only known Eight in the history of Eights to execute a box kick to clear the danger. Medway really were up for this one and with Farbrace driving the forwards on they defended mightily. Next up was Dawson as Folkestone threatened through their centres again but Dawson was there with another fine tackle. Shortly after Medway were penalised for hands in the ruck and Folkestone took a shot at the posts which they missed.
Medway secured the drop out and put some phases together leading to another Rumsey kick through which was a bit too long for the chasing players but Bourne was up fast and put in a magnificent cover tackle to thwart any danger from the return. However, Folkestone went through some phases themselves and a cheeky kick through which was collected led to a good try that was converted. 7-7.
From the restart Medway continued to attack and defend in equal measure with Farbrace standing out with some great disruptive work in the ruck, maul and line out. One such line out saw the Extras take quick ball off the top to Rutherford. Our nine sprayed the ball out to Rumsey and then the ball went through the hands via Burns to Markham who’d come in from Full Back. His off load put Williams away but just as it looked like he was in Folkestone found cover from somewhere to thwart the danger. Morrant had a go next driving through but being stopped, his run coming up 20 agonising feet short. Next up, great hands saw Markham coming in again and breaking the line. Great Folkestone defence again stopped the danger. Medway continued to pressurise but small mistakes, a lost attacking line out on the five and a knock on from a promising position, saw them fail to add any more points. Despite Medway's dominance during this period it was Folkestone who secured the next score with a quick tap penalty collected by their 13 and although it looked like Avery had the ball covered a cruel bounce wrong footed him for the tackle and with the watching support gasping, “Oh no! They’ve found Tom”, the onrushing Folkestone player had enough to just avoid being stopped by Markham to grab the try. 12-7.
Medway’s forwards continued to fight hard with Flatt making a major hit that led to turnover ball. The game was being played in an excellent spirit but every now and then tempers flared and a very fair ref did all he could to keep the game going and everybody on the pitch. During one such exchange with Collings, the ref was heard to say “I will not take action against you, now. This is the first half and there has been much stupidity and carelessness... on both sides!” Huw answered “it's all right. It's all right, mate. We're just having a friendly little argument.” Medway continued to pressurise leading to a penalty which unfortunately Rumsey pushed right of the posts. Half time, 12-7 Folkestone.
With Buxton going on for Waterman, who was carrying a knock, and Markham switching with Dawson, the second half got under way. Early pressure was again Medways and a quick tap penalty went through the hands via Collings putting Markham away for a try over near the corner converted by Rumsey. 12-14 Medway.
The game now turned into a war of attrition. First up Folkestone used great hands to spread the ball out wide and looked like they were in but a great Burns cover tackle forced them into touch. Next, a Folkestone scrum was taken against the head after great disruptive work by Avery and Farbrace leading to a Medway penalty at the resulting ruck. Unfortunately, the penalty was missed. Sixty minutes were now up and Thompson was sent on for Dean Avery. Switching Markham to centre was proving an inspired decision as not only was he great going forward, his defence was immense and he made one big hit after the other. His confidence was growing and Thompson asked him “how many are you taking out” to which Markham answered “three”. And he did. His next colossal hit took out the Folkestone centre and his two support runners. Awesome! With Brimstead having a quiet but effective game the Development Squad had every reason to be proud this day.
Back came Folkestone, showing why it is they are second in the League and have only been beaten once this season. The next five minutes saw constant Folkestone pressure leading to a penalty that they failed to convert. From the drop out another big Markham tackle in field followed by a kick clear and a follow-up hit by Burns. Then a Rumsey intercept that looked like it might put Medway through but thwarted by Folkestone.
There really was nothing between the two sides. Another great Burns cover tackle followed by similar from Bourne. A scrum over on Medway’s left flank and the Extras were asking how long to go. The ref said that 42 minutes were up this half and that this was the last play in a match that was now 91 minutes long. Folkestone secured the scrum, and worked it in field. Another great tackle, this time by French and Flatt combined but at the ensuing ruck Medway went to sleep for the first time in the game and with their guard dogs not at home, Folkestone broke through for a converted try under the posts. Final score Folkestone 19 Medway 14.
Despite the loss Medway must take heart from this performance demonstrating that their position in the League is false. Overtime and one momentary loss of concentration cost them the victory in a game where they matched a strong Folkestone side man for man. Man of the match was Markham who following the half time switch showed he is a First XV player of the future both in attack and defence.
Why The Great Escape you might ask? Well, despite pulling off the best game of the season, ultimately the Extras failed to win. But on this performance, victories are not far off. Next up - Maidstone at Priestfields. C’mon Medway!!
Medway Extra First XV 8 Old Williamsonians I 20 - 14 January 2012
Today’s report theme is the legendary film, Star Wars.
Eighteen Extras arrived at Priestfields for an eagerly anticipated local derby against Old Williamsonians. The sky was bright but ground temperature was chilly and parts of our humble home were still frosty as you might say Medway was suffering from cold, ice and freezing desolation.
Watching the sides warm up before kick- off it was clear that Willies were up for it and treating the event like it was their Cup Final whilst Medway gave the appearance that they were going to walk on the pitch and do the business no matter what. Observing this from the side lines, Extra’s Manager ‘Alpatchino’ thought to himself “I’ve got a very bad feeling about this”. As Pat fretted returning Captain Rumsey ended his team talk with the immortal phrase “may the force be with you” and the game kicked off.
The early exchanges saw a resolute Willies side hit everything and anything as hard as they could whilst Medway struggled to find any rhythm. Open play from both sides was very scrappy as mistakes were made and although Medway looked dangerous with ball in hand it was Willies who were able to thread enough together to get a foothold deep in Medway’s half. On sixteen minutes a maul developed and Willlies trudged inch by inch towards the Medway line. Queue Red 5, Corker, going in and Willies were driven back. They went to ground where the resident stormtrooper with a whistle observed a Medway hand in the ruck and Willies had a distinctly kickable penalty, which they duly did to take a 0-3 lead.
Instructions were sent out to use their banker ball in the line out where Medway were struggling again and to simplify the scrums where they ball won was scrappy at best. Medway kicked into gear and Willies struggled to repel the gold and red rebel alliance. The Extras mauled well and Rutherford was growing into his new role at scrum half directing the pack forward and spraying the ball out when appropriate. On twenty minutes Rutherford picked the ball out of a maul on the left side of halfway, sending the ball right to Rumsey. The ball went through the hands before Willies stopped the move out by the touchline. But there was Rutherford again taking the ball and spraying it this time left to Rumsey. Rumsey to Dawson, on to Bourne and then Burns who used the force to slip a delightful inside pass back to Rumsey who had looped round using Williams as a distraction, and he was in for a try that went unconverted and a Medway lead of 5-3.
From the restart Medway secured ball and pushed it through the hands again. The pack, led by wise head, Collings, was beginning to dominate. Buxton, Corker, Burns and Bourne were involved again and Dawson came in to put Rumsey away down the right wing but good Willies cover marshalled Rumsey out of touch to thwart the danger. From nowhere some afters kicked in and tempers rose as Willies number 12 began to stir things up not realising that some of the Medway lads were wanted men with the death sentence in 12 systems. The play resumed and returned to the scrappy nature of before. Wills had a penalty kick at the posts which they missed but there was little else to report as the half ended with Medway 5-3 to the good.
Thompson was introduced for Masere and the second half got underway. Despite displaying the only real moves of talent in the first half Medway allowed Willies to dictate a scrappier affair. The Extras competed well at the breakdown but were being penalised for perceived overzealous counter rucking including a beautiful and legitimate clearout by returning prop Johnson. Justice was done though as Willies missed their penalty shot at the sticks. Despite the reprieve, Medway weren’t learning and the penalty count was beginning to stack up against them. Nobody watching could fathom why the Extras were displaying such a lack of faith in their passing game but it was disturbing. Another penalty to Willies led to a scrum inside Medway’s 22. A criminal put in by the fly half was collected by the second row, bypassing the hooker completely, allowing Willies nine and ten to set up a classic crash ball leading to a well executed try which was duly converted leading to a 5-10 Willies lead.
The game restarted and Medway continued to compete up front with Willies. A good drive led to Medway getting within kicking distance of the posts. As they went to ground Willies put hands in, seen by the stormtrooper official, and Rumsey had an easy penalty in front of the posts which he slotted for a score of 8-10.
Whitnell, Cook and Chalmers were sent on for Dawson, Corker and Bagnall respectively and shortly after Corker was back on for Buckton who had developed cramp. Looking good at times when they had the ball in hand, Medway could not stop Willies building up momentum, aided by a good kicking game and strong line out. Another infringement gave Willies a penalty and they extended their lead with a successful kick, 8-13.
Twenty five minutes into the second half and tempers flared leading to Collings and the Willies number 17 being invited by our whistling, card carrying stormtrooper to consider why certain types of handshake are not allowed on the field of rugby. At least the enforced break gave our Huw time to address a contact lens malfunction.
The game continued and Medway began to wonder what they’d done to upset the referee. Penalty after penalty was now going against the Extras. Willies had one pop at the posts that they missed before another penalty led to a booming kick deep into Medway territory for a Willies line out. From the line out Willies produced another well executed play and a crash ball up the middle for another well deserved converted try and a score of 8-20. Medway continued to try and establish themselves but more scrappy play ensued, littered with penalties against the Extras and the last action of note was another blinding clear out by Johnson. The game ended and Willies secured a deserved victory over a lack lustre Medway Extras.
Medway just never really got going and may have taken this friendly game too lightly. The line out was better but they were slow to the breakdowns and although the penalty count was less than last time it was still too high compared to their opposition. Whilst Bourne and Burns showed enough to suggest that they can do a good job in each other’s positions this tactical experiment cost the team some of their potency and we will revert for next week’s game. The positives were the return of Buxton, Corker, Whitnell and Thompson, who all came through unscathed, and more game time for Johnson and Flatt. New boys Cook and Masere showed enough to suggest they have a future at the Club with the Development Squad’s guidance, and after a slow start Rutherford grew into the role of scrum half.
In a scrappy game Medway had two stand out players deserving of man of the match. In the pack, Flatt and Collings led well whilst in the backs Rumsey was always trying to drive his charges forward. However, the men of the match awards go to prop Johnson and scrum half Rutherford. Johnson was immense up front, making almost every breakdown first and leading by example. His two ruck clear outs were a pleasure to watch and a shining example of how to join a ruck correctly whilst still doing maximum damage. Rutherford got off to a slow start at 9 but grew into the position the longer the game went on. His distribution improved and he was the stand out back. Well done Lyam and James.
Credit must go to our excellent guests Old Williamsonians who played with a lot of heart and guile, using their own attributes to the full and deserving of the victory they secured. The two crash ball tries they secured were a shining example of how to perform that play – well done Old Willies.
The Extras are back in training Tuesday and Thursday, 7-9pm. The 'Welsh God of Love' is due back later this week leaving Pat to plead "Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope". If you cannot make training please let Pat know by text on 07904 208120.
Dartfordians II 17 Medway Extra First XV 7 - 7 January 2012
Today’s match report theme is the fine works of Bon Jovi. The Christmas and New Year holiday period had given the squad some much needed rest and their new manager time to assess the lie of the land. And so it was that 17 Extras travelled up the A2 on a mild winter’s afternoon for their first fixture of 2012.
Despite not being able to call upon their army and university players, as well as losing (Captain) Rumsey, Young and Williams, who were all called up into the First XV, Medway were bolstered by the return of Johnson in the front row and the introduction of Avery (Dean), Dance (Ben) and Irons from the Development Squad and Masere from the Spartans. French (David) was captain for the day and calling upon the memory of their hard fought victory over Bromley in their final fixture of 2011, the Extras were sent onto the pitch with the message to get the game won and travel back to Priestfields in a blaze of glory.
There was a minutes silence in honour of the recent sad loss of a former Dartfordians player and then the sides were ready to play rugby. The recent heavy rain we had been experiencing in Medway appeared to have passed Dartford by and the pitch was in excellent condition in this dry county. As the game was to unfold Medway would find that their dominance in the scrum was to strangely and ultimately cost them victory.
Medway started by chasing their own kick off well, immediately putting Darts under pressure. The early exchanges were a little tentative leading eventually to a knock on by the Extras and the first scrum of the day. The ball came in and Medway achieved turn over ball as they drove Dartford back several metres. The ball was fed out to the backs and Thomas skipped one tackle before off loading well to Gwilliam who made good ground before being taken down on the five metre line. As Medway’s support arrived Dartford couldn’t resist the temptation and they were penalised for hands in the ruck. The Extras sensed their superiority in the scrum and decided to ask Dartfordians “what do you got” by electing to engage again. They were right to and Dartford gave away another penalty as they collapsed the scrum to avoid going backwards. The Extras took the scrum again and this time Dartford brought it up leading to a third penalty on the five. As Medway took the third scrum and Dartford were shoved back towards their own try line again, desperation crept in and Dartford played the ball with their hands. The referee had seen enough and awarded a penalty try which Thomas converted from in front of the posts for an early 7-0 advantage. This was to be the last decision Medway was to get at a scrum for the rest of the game.
Irons was sent on briefly at the restart as Avery addressed a contact lens malfunction. Dartford regrouped after a difficult early period for them and set about pinning Medway back deep in their own half. A succession of penalties was conceded as Dartford drove forward well and the Extras struggled in the loose. Dartford’s territorial kicking was excellent and was backed up by a strong line out that enabled them to keep Medway pinned back. The Extras were livin’ on a prayer as penalty after penalty was conceded for various infringements at the ruck and eventually the referee’s patience snapped and Masere was sin binned for hands in, although both sets of supporters confirmed that it was a case of mistaken identity.
Going down to 14 men for 10 minutes galvanised the Extras as Collings, French, Sturla and Dixon marshalled the defence brilliantly and the team defended their try line like demons. In fact during that ten minutes they looked the more likely to score as first French and then Avery broke out of defence making good ground but the opportunities went begging as Medway just failed to get their runaway winger Bourne up and running in both instances. The penalty count was still high with the majority going against Medway as they continued to struggle with the referee’s interpretation of when the ball was out. The referee really did bang a drum as he continued to lecture Captain French yet it was Dartford who rather harshly had a player sin binned next for coming in from the side deep in Medway territory. The penalty count against the Extras kept them pegged back on their own try line as Dartford continued to kick for touch and use the line out. However, an opportunity arose for Dartford and spotting it they tapped and went from one penalty forcing Dixon to take one for the team as he stopped the breakaway with a great tackle but unfortunately not having retreated the ten. With a minute of the half to go Medway were again down to 14 players but they saw the half out and went in at the break with 7-0 advantage still intact.
At the interval Medway were frustrated as their overall play should have led to more points but the penalty count had taken its toll allowing Dartford to pin them back. Their manager realised that his charges were being misunderstood by the referee but he reminded them that rugby was not a bed of roses, that they should refrain from living in sin, perform a miracle, and do as the referee wanted, even if they didn’t agree with his decisions. “Learn to love” the man in the middle, Alpatchino said, and “keep the faith” as he sent his team back onto the field.
Unfortunately, his words were to fall on deaf ears as the penalty count against Medway if anything increased in the second half. It started after Medway were back to full compliment having weathered the opening 9 minutes of the second half without any dramas. However, as Medway forced yet another Dartford scrum backwards the referee penalised them for driving upwards. Medway argued the toss and were invited to practice their backwards walking for another ten which lead to a well worked penalty move from Dartford and a try near the posts which was duly converted to make the score 7-7.
Irons went on for the now injured Dixon. The penalty count against continued to take its toll, denying Medway the opportunity to go through the phases and release their wingers, Bourne and Rutherford, and regularly the Medway players were seen looking to the skies shouting “Hey God” as French received regular invitations to join the referee in conversation and take his bad medicine. Another scrum and Medway drove Dartford back a good ten metres before the front rows came up. However, the penalty award surprisingly went to Dartford and they stuck it between the posts to take the lead 7-10. Shortly after, a clever kick over the top bounced horribly for the Extras Full Back, James, and Dartford were on it for a well taken converted try and a 10-17 lead.
Slack was sent on for the hard working Rutherford and there was still time for Medway to turn the game around as they were encouraged to say to themselves, "I believe." Avery and Collings fought hard and drove Medway on but at key moments as they looked to release the pace in their back line the final pass went to ground or another penalty was conceded. There was some time for some minimal afters as Gwilliam got involved with a Dartford forward telling him not to “lay your hands on me.” Medway's last chance of the game came just inside their own half as Dance took a quick tap penalty and set off. He'd have been away too had a Dart's prop not taken him out well inside ten. Inexplicably, given Dixon's earlier sin bin for the same offence, their was no further punishment. Determination and courage in the face of adversity was not to be enough as Medway found this was not their day and despite looking the better side in most areas for long periods of the game they ended on up with a 7-17 defeat.
Dartford were excellent hosts and played to their strengths. Their wise 'old' heads up front caused havoc in the loose and gave their talented young backs a platform to play from. Sound tactical kicking was most evident and was backed by a strong line out allowing them to take full advantage of field position. Particularly impressive were their 'Colts' players who looked very comfortable at this level.
So what did Medway learn from their defeat? Firstly, it is clear that a lack of training as a squad doesn’t help. Medway dominated the scrums throughout but struggled at the line out and at the break down where they failed to clear their opposition out. Additionally, some of their open play was disjointed as players were unsure of what their colleagues were doing or what some of the calls were. Regular squad training will help sort this problem out. Secondly, Medway needed to be smarter with the referee. It doesn’t matter that we think he’s wrong or even if we know he’s wrong, his decision is final. The shining example of this came with the scrummaging in the second half. Having been dominant in the scrum throughout the referee decided that when a scrum came up, despite Dartford being in retreat, it was Medway’s fault. We were never going to convince the referee otherwise so we needed to ask ourselves whether there was any advantage to be gained in pushing Dartford back ten or fifteen metres. As there wasn’t in this game the smart decision would have been to secure and use the ball quickly, taking that particular penalty out of our game. Unfortunately, we didn’t execute that on the pitch and it was to cost us and leave us travelling home on the lost highway on the edge of a broken heart.
However, there were many positives also. Two Development Squad players, Avery and Dance, made their full Extras debuts and looked strong and assured, whilst a third, Irons, made his debut from the bench also looking assured and un-phased by the step up in class. Additionally, Masere, made his full debut as Hooker and had a good strong game. The pack was strong where Collings was a class act. The backs were solid and all had a good game but when given the chance Thomas and Gwilliam looked a useful partnership in the centres and Bourne was lightning on his wing where he was unlucky not to get away on a couple of occasions. French did a good job as captain leading from the front and the whole team, penalty count excepted, all had good games.
Man of the match though goes to Avery who, as we come to expect from him in the Development Squad, played with his heart on his sleeve. He, ably assisted by Collings, was at the heart of most things that were good about the Extras today, and he never tired of running. He had several awesome runs that turned defence into attack and he scavenged around in defence securing turnover ball regularly like a good Flanker should. Well done Dean.
The Extras train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7-9pm. If you cannot make a session please contact Pat on 07904 208120.
Squad: Morant, Masere, Johnson, French, Sturla, Dixon, Avery, Collings, Dance, Dawson, Thomas, Gwilliam, Bourne, Rutherford, James, Slack and Irons.
Medway Extra First XV 21 Bromley II 10 - 17 December 2011
With Christmas fast approaching and player availability always uncertain new Skipper, Simon Rumsey, worked tirelessly during the run up to this game to put a strong side together. And so it was Medway selected a blend of experience and youth, using several of the Development squad who did not have a game this weekend. So this may be one of the reasons for the often disjointed play, although the cold and wind did not help either. Also in fairness their opponents arrived with a determined attitude and with a definite game plan to make use of their larger, burly pack along with their powerful centre, which they executed well.
The first 10 minutes consisted of a lot of effort and little rugby and it took a break out from their own 22 by the Medway side to get the game going. Good inter passing got James Avery free and his determined run set up good possession and position. The ball was moved wide and despite some initial uncertainty the ball reached Luke Burns who beat the defence with ease. Young fly half Charlie Wardzynski converted for 7-0.
Any hope that the Medway team would realise that this was the way to beat their opponents quickly disappeared and they became involved in a protracted arm wrestle. The Bromley team pounded the Medway defence and were quite prepared to take as long as it took to score. Eventually they were granted a kickable penalty which they converted and then quickly added to it with a controlled push over try from the first scrum of the game which was also converted. 7-10. This seemed to provoke Medway into life and following a stirring run down the right flank, with several players making ground and then offloading, lock Steve Lowry drove hard for the line before setting play up near their opponents line. Quick ball saw Wardzynski pluck the ball off his toes and move the ball down the line for a score by hard working flanker Wayne Dixon who kicked on near to the other corner and was the first to get to the ball over the line. Half Time 14-10.
Any hopes that the shivering spectators had that the Medway side would now play down the slope a more enterprising style of rugby were soon dashed as the second half saw a determined Bromley side continue to compete fiercely at all phases of the game. Their younger opponents more than held their own and it became a battle of tactical kicking and sometime poor decision making. Some of the outside backs from both sides had to, at this stage, be treated for hypothermia and boredom as the forwards slugged it out. Eventually from a line out near the Bromley line the young Medway forwards took their heavier opponents by surprise with a very well executed take and drive which resulted in a try for replacement prop Big Al Waterman - ever deadly from inches out. Wardzynski converted for 21-10. This was to remain the final score and it was only towards the end of the game that, in particular, the Medway side opened the play up and the ball was moved around to good effect with Luke Burns and James Avery making good incisive runs which the Bromley side did well to stop.
So the Extras ended their recent disappointing run of results and skipper Simon Twiglet had every reason to be proud of the effort all his players put in for this hard earned victory.
Medway Extra First XV 18 Blackheath IV 23 - 3 December 2011
By every true Rugby man's instincts the team that scores three tries to their opponents none deserves to win the match and there is no doubt that Blackheath deserved to win this game. However the Medway team have every reason to be understandably sore about this outcome after competing so fiercely for the entire 80 minutes and for being at least the equal of their opponents for 78 minutes....it was just the 2 minutes of self destruction that were the difference.
Playing into the wind against experienced and rugged opponents they took the game to Blackheath and the pattern was set. Very physical scrummaging, mauling and rucking with no quarter given led to lots of scrappy set piece play. This led to lots of interventions by the referee, some of which confused both sets of players. Following a bad penalty miss by their opponents a strong run by full back Ben Barter won a penalty kick which Simon Rumsey calmly slotted over from 30 yards. 3-0. Then another indiscretion saw him take another opportunity well for 6-0. Blackheath were running hard and trying their best to run the ball at all times and with their fine number 8 making several rampaging runs it was a compliment to the Medway side when they successfully were forced to take a drop goal. 6-3. The pattern of the half continued and from a harsh penalty decision on half time Blackheath levelled the scores. 6-6.
The 2nd half followed a similar pattern. a fine forward drive by the Medway pack, in which Wayne Dixon (on his return from a long term injury) and Steve Bayles were prominent in forcing several turnovers, a penalty was won. 9-6. Then Medway went off the boil and the strong running opposition 12 broke 6 "attempted tackles" and was driven over the line to score a well earned converted try. 9-13. The Medway side buckled down and pressed the Blackheath line and won another penalty. 12-13. From the kick off Medway ran hard, won quick ball and when Chris Thomas chipped over the defence he was taken out after he kicked (Geoff Kempt likened his sudden collapse to watching a Turkey faint when it has learnt about the stuffing) to got another penalty. 15-13. Medway were in the ascendancy and so everyone was shocked when following a long clearing kick by Blackheath the Medway defender's clearing kick was so poor that it went straight to the chasing (not very enthusiastically) opponents who recycled the ball and scored in the far corner. 15-18. So Medway gave it another go and forced another penalty for Rumsey to level the scores with his 6th penalty. 18-18. Then the moment of horror - having won a scrum on their own 22 comfortably and everyone in the ground (including a dog on the football pitches) expecting the big clearing kick the Medway side were racked with indecision and the eventual clearing kick skimmed the grass for 15 yards straight to their opponents who fly hacked it towards the corner flag. The final Medway defender could not make his mind up what to do so the Blackheath chasing winger dropped on it. (The names of the Medway players have been omitted on H & S grounds). 18-23.
So a real case of what might have been. E. I . Addio - your man shaking his head in disbelief whilst smiling at Martin Farbrace's assessment of the referee.
Medway Extra First XV 53 Old Dunstonians II 5 - 12 November 2011
Medway Extras continued their league campaign against an in form Old Dunstonians side. The Extras themselves fielded their strongest side this season with the return of players from injury. It was perfect rugby conditions apart from Howard getting scared that it was getting dark towards the end of the game. Both teams tried to play an expansive game as Old Dunstonians did not have a front row so uncontested scrums were the order of the day. The Extras started the game in a high tempo, erratic way which starved the opposition of ball and territory. With all the possession Medway failed to turn pressure into points as they lacked composure. And it showed as they should have scored with an overlap but the visitor’s winger picking off an interception and running 90 metres to score under the posts. Conversion missed 0-5. Thomas and Young demanded composure and structure. The only positives was that every time the visitors had the ball they were being driven back or forced to kick away possession, The men applied the instructions and were awarded penalty after penalty for infringements at the breakdown. Rumsey converted 1 from 3 pens in front of the posts blaming the visitors talking. The visitors then had a man in the bin for persistent team foul play and Medway composure and decision making started to pay off with Whitnall opening the try account after good interlinking play between forwards and backs. Rumsey converted 10-5. The extras were playing high tempo rugby that was breath taking at times with strong runs from the returning and very impressive Glen ‘The Bear’ Stapleton, and man of the match Max Easton. Williams was next to score 15-5 missed conversion, followed by Gwilliam on the score sheet after more superb work by the forwards. Con missed and 20-5 at half time.
The Extras started the second half where they left off, strong running good interlinking play and excellent defensive pressure leaving Old Dunstonians with no answers. Medway started to play breath-taking expansive rugby and run riot scoring seven unanswered second half tries, touching down was Gwilliam, Whitnall and Williams scoring their second, man of the match Easton with two, and Bourne, with Rumsey finishing off the game with the last and 5 from 10 attempts with the boot. The only disappointment was losing Steve Young with a groin injury who will be out till after Christmas. Final score Medway Extras 53 Old Dunstonians 5.
The Extras travel to top of the table and undefeated Sidcup next week. Hopefully we can continue our rich vein of form and come away with a result.
Thanet Wanderers II 19 Medway Extra First XV 20 - 29 October 2011
Medway extras had a tough fixture away to Thanet Wanderers IIs. After two heavy defeats Medway fielded a strong side for this fixture with players returning from injury and prior commitments.
Thomas skippering the Extras after returning from injury wanted the team to show character and play the rugby they were playing at the start of the campaign, and the team delivered playing some outstanding interlinking rugby only for the final pass to go amiss. Thanet did not know what hit them as they tried to keep Medway pinned in their own 22 with a kicking game, applying pressure from there. But with good counter attacking from Bater, Rutherford and James Medway kept on the front foot, along with some big hits, driving Thanet backwards. Medway should have scored at least two tries but last ditch defending quashed the opportunity. Against the run of play Thanet was the first to score, Medway giving away countless penalties enabled their outside half to slot over 3 penalties to lead 9-0. Thanet couldn’t believe their luck as they did not enter Medway’s 22 most of the first half. Then came the Medway breakthrough, good work by the impressive Tom Whitnall in his first full game for the Extras, and a superb break by Pocock, good interlinking play by the forwards enabled Pocock to be driven over the line to score the opening try. Rumsey missed the conversion 9-5. Missed opportunities by Medway could have proved costly as the half time score was 9-5. Thomas and Young rallied the troops to have more composure and up the communication as they should have been thirty points up.
The advice was taken on board as Medway came out all guns blazing playing sensible rugby, good interlinking play between McLaren and Thomas created the opportunity for Bagnall to dance his way past his centre and fullback to score under the posts. Rumsey converted 9-12. More enterprising rugby saw Rutherford score Medway’s third try to lead 9-17 but Bater missed the conversion. Medway was starting to run away with the game with forwards and backs continuing to test the Thanet defence to the limit. A penalty put Medway 9-20 up with 15 minutes to go. Thinking the game was in the bag Medway switched off. Continuing to give away penalties proved costly as Thanet pressurised Medway’s try line with many phases eventually scoring in the corner to make it 14-20, conversion missed. Then Medway had McLaren sin binned for persistent team penalties. Thanet continued the mauling game, executing a catch and drive to score making it 19-20, conversion missed. It was a very tense 8 minutes as Thanet kept spoiling and depriving Medway of ball and the backs did not touch the ball for the last 15 minutes. But team spirit and determination showed as Medway held out for a superb win, not for the faint hearted but with more players returning from injury this team is going to get better and better. Some very impressive debuts by Alex, Ben Lazell and McLaren, contributed to a gutsy win. Everybody was superb and skipper Thomas was very proud of their efforts.
Medway Extra First XV 45 Dartfordians II 3 - 01 October 2011
Medway Extras continued life in Invicta 2 with a deserved win against a youthful Dartfordians side. The extras fielded another strong team With Adam Clause making his impressive debut at scrum half. The scorching temperature did not affect a confident Medway side as they were always looking to play interlinking expansive rugby.
Thomas, the Captain, set the same two objectives before kick-off. The first was to make first up tackles and the second was to win the game. Both objectives were met; Medway’s defence again was superb which Dartfordians had no answers to.
Medway opened the scoring after a quick tempo, good rucking and driving by the hard working forwards and quick ball, strong running in midfield by Thomas and Whitnall freed Williams to score in the corner. Rumsey missed the conversion 5-0. Medway gathered momentum with forwards and backs combining and with Collings quick at the breakdown spoiling and stealing Dartfordians ball. His efforts were rewarded with a try which he picked and drove through the guests defence. Rumsey converted. 12-0. Thomas was next on the score sheet with good counter attacking from Wilkinson he linked with Thomas who passed to Farbrace who held off three defenders and passed back to Thomas who crossed the line under the posts. Rumsey converted 19-0.
Wilkinson who has played very well this season had to go to hospital, which was confirmed that he has broken his wrist. He will be missed by his teammates and Medway rugby club who all wish him a speedy recovery. Medway were full of confidence and putting rent less pressure on Dartfordians with Bagnall, Williams and Wilkinson superb at kick returns, Whitnall and Thomas making hard yards down the centre. And Clause and Rumsey teasing the visitors. Steve Young almost scored a magical Gethin Jenkins equivalent try running 35metres with the line 5metres away he passed to the visitor’s fullback. Great half by Medway only criticism was the amount of penalties conceded. Half time Medway 19 Dartfordians 0.
Medway started the second half scrappy the front three of Young, Pocock and birthday boy Morant who was superb all carried the ball well. The heat did not seem to affect Medway as French and the whole back row pressurised and turned over ball and it paid off as Eastern scored from another good counter attack. Rumsey missed the conversion 24-0. Thomas then powered his way through a demoralised defence to score his second. Rumsey converted 31-0. To Dartford they did not give up they were testing the Medway defence all afternoon but the wall of red and gold was too much for them. The visitors had a penalty in front of the posts on the 22 and opted to take the three points, strange decision 31-3. Clause then scored on his debut with a sniping run and scoring under the sticks. Rumsey converted 38-3 Medway kept up the pressure and Rutherford scored to complete another good day at the office. Rumsey converted 45-3. Medway were then reduced to 14 men as Burns was deemed to dump the Dartfordians flanker yellow card, and sat out the remainder of the game. It was another gutsy performance and a deserved win which again will give selection a big headache for the next game, well done everyone a great start to the season let’s keep up the momentum and cut down the penalties conceded. The Extras would like to dedicate the win to Ben Wilkinson and hope he is back playing rugby soon.
Charlton Park IIs 8 Medway Extra First XV 14 - 24 September 2011
Medway's Extras started life in Invicta 2 with a deserved win against a big physical Charlton Park side. The extras fielded a strong team with seven new players making impressive debuts which shows the quality of the players currently at Medway and there are still more players to return, so competition for places in both 1sts and Extras is competitive and an exciting prospect.
Thomas the captain for this season set two objectives before kick off. The first was to make first up tackles and the second was to win the game. Both objectives were met; Medway’s defence was superb all game which Charlton Park had no answers to.
Medway opened the scoring after a quick tempo but scrappy first 20 minutes, good rucking and driving by the hard working forwards and quick ball from Rumsey to Thomas who kicked over the rushing defence into space and Wilkinson making his debut, was on it like a flash kicked forward and re-gathered leaving the Charlton park wing in a heap on the floor to open the scoring. Rumsey converted. Medway gathered momentum with forwards and backs combining well and gaining territory and possession playing a fast paced game, but failed to create the scoring pass. At this point the Charlton Park scrum half put in a cheap shot on Collings, who started chasing the 9 all over the park like a sketch from Benny Hill - very funny. This led to complacency as Medway conceded needless penalties and throwing needless passes which the hosts almost capitalised on.
Medway then produced good interlinking play and almost scored. From the resulting penalty a quick tap and Rumsey hurled a pass over Thomas' head only for Whitnell who had a big game in midfield managing to pluck the ball and drive at the defence. The remainder of the backs got under Whitnell and drove him over the line to score. Rumsey converted 0-14. Just before half time some sloppy play allowed Charlton park into Medway's 22 and from the resulting line out a catch and drive which Medway could not prevent enabled them to score in the corner. Conversion missed and 5-14 at half time.
Second half was again played at a quick tempo with both sides playing open expansive rugby but as in the first half where defences were on top along with poor execution the only score of the game came at the end with Charlton park kicking a penalty 8-14. Rumsey had a chance to seal the win with a kick at goal but put it wide. As the game drew to a close a Charlton park supporter tried distracting our lads in the line out (with an eye full) but with only a few minutes left Medway held out and achieved their win. It was a gutsy performance and a deserved win which will give selection a big headache for the next game, well done everyone a great start to the season let’s build on it!!