Medway 5 Cranbrook 5
20 April 2008
Looking to extend an impressive unbeaten run the Cougars arrived at Priestfields on Sunday to host a very strong Cranbrook side. Both teams put on a fine display in what was a highly enjoyable game for the assembled spectators.
From the kick off each set of forwards put in some early big hits as they looked to impose themselves. The scrum halves looked for quick ball at the ruck, with the Cougars Ben Wellard having an inspirational game as he directed his team’s play. Forwards Harrison Irons and Ben Lazell worked tirelessly and when the pressure was on there was always the reliable boot of Charlie Wardzynski to gain the Cougars some breathing space.
The game was end-to-end with neither side prepared to give an inch but a slice of luck gifted Cranbrook the breakthrough. Their forwards took them to within sight of the try line and a final effort sent them over. As bodies collapsed it seemed that the ball had been held up by the Cougars before being knocked on by a Cranbrook hand. Unfortunately, the referee decided to give Cranbrook the benefit of the doubt and awarded the try – a kick in the teeth for the Cougars who responded positively but were unable to register a score of their own before half time.
During the half-time interval both sides played a closely contested development match. Similar to the main event, this was a tight game with the Cougars again inspired. They all played well although worthy of particular mention were the forwards Ian Patterson, Tomisin Mosuro and Tom Brown who continually drove the Cougars on and created the best opening of the game for second row Alex Morgan who, as he ploughed through the Cranbrook defence, was held up just inches from the line.
Encouraged by the spirited performance of the development team the Cougars started the second half with renewed vigour. Captain Fergus Stewart was a continual thorn in the opposition’s side and Connor Reynolds was having a phenomenal game at wing. However, Cranbrook continued to defend resolutely and it seemed that the Cougars would not find a way forward, particularly when they lost Liam Fitzpatrick and George Simpson to injuries. One final opportunity presented itself though, as Wellard launched the ball out to his backs. This time they worked the ball to the wing where Luke Gowdy provided an inspired overlap to run in the Cougars fifty-sixth try of the season – five each.
The Cranbrook coaches claimed it was the best game that they had been involved in this season while an emotional Mark Marriott congratulated the boys on their continuing unbeaten run before telling them, “You are all heroes and I am proud and honoured to call myself Cougars Head Coach”. The final word on an incredible day went to Captain Stewart who said, “ The lads were fantastic. They showed their mettle. These Cougars want to win things. They are never beaten and they never give up”.
Gravesend 0 Medway 53
A squad of 21 Cougars made the short trip to Gravesend buoyed on by their recent fine form. Following what has been a transitional period for the Gs u14s it was a pleasure to welcome them back on the ‘circuit’ and parents from both sides were looking forward to a competitive match.
In glorious sunshine the Cougars took the ball from the Gs kick off and launched their first attack, moving the ball swiftly through the hands of the backs with confidence. From outside centre, Luke made a break that gained 20 metres before some fine tackling brought him down. The Cougars recycled the ball through Ben W, Charlie and Adam before Luke, showing great drive and determination, popped up on the wing and went over for the first score of the match, which he converted.
From the re-start, debutant and veritable man-mountain, Max, ran the ball back 60 metres, brushing aside the Gs tackles before going in under the posts for his first score for the Cougars, again converted by Luke. Continuing to starve the Gs of possession, the Cougars spent much of that first half camped in the Gs ‘22’. Liam stole Gs line out ball 5 metres out before crashing over in the corner and then more fine movement from our backs put recent addition Adam over, again converted by Luke. A further line out steal brought Max his second try of the game before the Cougars finished the half with some fine rolling maul work from our forwards putting Alex W in, again converted by Luke, leading to a half-time score of 38-0.
The Gs re-grouped at half time and came out stronger in the second half, a credit to their coaches, parents and more importantly themselves. They secured better possession in a much more even second half and, but for the want of a little luck, could well have scored – unfortunately for the Gs it was not to be. Fergus, now playing at wing, danced 40 metres for his customary score before Liam crashed over again, this time from centre.
Cougars pocket dynamo George was able to provide the comedy moment of the game, receiving the ball out on the wing before a theatrical swallow dive took him over the line – unfortunately, and much to the confusion of our very own touch judge Pat, it was the 5 metre line and no try was scored. Not to be denied George, from his more customary position at Hooker, received the ball after some fine team play crashing over the try line to end the scoring at Cougars 53 Gravesend 0, just before the rains came – well done Medway.
A big thank you to our excellent hosts Gravesend and we wish them well for what remains of the season as they build towards next. For us, its training Tuesday evening as usual before a big game against Cranbrook at home next Sunday – “come on Cougars”.
Medway 34 The Howard School 5
2 April 2008
Under floodlights on Wednesday 2nd April 2008 an evening kick-off saw a return fixture that the Howard School won the previous season narrowly and a determined Medway under 14s side who ultimately took the victory.
The Medway Cougars do not always start a match with passion and pace but on this cool and drizzly evening they did just that taking the game instantly to the Howard School who were left dizzy and confused after 5 minutes following total forward domination and a very well taken try by Tom Brown at number 8 converted by Mr Luke Gowdy and then immediately followed by quick ruck ball from the next kick off. The ball spun through the hand for Sam Cornell who scored the next try to make the score 12 nil after 5 minutes.
The Howard School then re-grouped and following some fantastic driving play by Liam Fitzpatrick of the Howard School, they managed to re-claim some territory and put their stamp on the game over the next 15 minutes.
Medway Cougars however kept up the pressure through their game plan which was to keep the ball away from the big and very powerful Howard forwards and as a result of quick ruck ball and bullet passes to the wings 2 more tries were scored through Mr Arron Thompson and Mr Connor Reynolds, making the score 22 nil at half time as the tries were unconverted.
The second half saw Howard come back into the match and they achieved a well worked try through their large powerful forwards in a 5 minute spell in the second half which showed why they are one of the strongest school teams in the area but with their forwards tiring and Medway having a squad of 25 boys, fresh legs meant that 2 further tries from some fantastic all round fast and powerful rugby from Arron Thompson and newcomer Adam Shears put the score at 32-5.
Mr Luke Gowdy capped off a fine game with the conversion, his running was a constant source of irritation for the Howard defence and final mention must go to the Medway half backs, Mr Ben Wellard at scrum half and Mr Charlie Wardzynski who totally controlled the game from half back, helped by their hard working forwards and the captain of the Cougars, Mr Fergus Stewart was heard to conclude the evening whilst the team applauded the supporting parents and crowd by saying "it was a privilege to captain you tonight, well done lads".
Maidstone 7 Medway 12
30 March 2008
The Medway under-14s travelled to Maidstone Rugby Club on Sunday 30th March and played a very tough match in both rain/sunny conditions against the local Derby side.
An earlier encounter in the season had resulted in a 12-all draw (at Medway) and the Medway under-14s “Cougars” were seeking some spoils.
The first half was played in the rain and Medway were attacking using the slope and Maidstone failed to break out of their half for the first 15 minutes. Despite constant pressure and possession Medway failed to cross the Maidstone line and the Maidstone defence must be congratulated for their stoic performance. Captain Matthew Kennedy drove into the heart of the Maidstone defence from his position at centre and the forwards’, most notably newcomer Jack Johnson and ever present second row forward Alex Morgan, continued to batter the Maidstone line.
The closest Medway came in the first 15 minutes to scoring was when Charlie Wardynski received a pass from scrum half Lewis Marriott and then went on a jinking run to be hauled down once again by the Maidstone defence desperately short of the line.
Maidstone then rallied in the last 5 minutes of the first half drove and spread the ball wide scoring a very well taken try which was converted, meaning that the half time score was Maidstone 7 Medway Cougars 0.
Animated half time discussions took place and the Medway team responded. Full back Aaron Thompson took the resultant kick-off and returned the ball plus interest, quick ruck ball was then flashed through the backs to Luke Gowdy who scored a first class try and converted it himself to make the score 7 all.
With time running out Medway almost tried too hard and 3 try scoring opportunities were knocked on despite the overlap having been created. Up then stepped prolific try scorer this season Sam Cornell who received the ball after a well worked phase including Captain Fergus Stuart where Sam Cornell out paced the defence on the right wing to ensure a very close Medway victory from which both clubs should take heart, Maidstone 7 points Medway under-14 Cougars 12 points.
The next training session will be on Tuesday 8th April at 6.45 at Priestfields, the Cougars then play Vigo away on Sunday 6th April, all are welcome.
Romford and Gidea Park 10 Medway 44
Medway under 14's travelled to Romford in Essex to play against the opposition who they have not met for at least 3 seasons. On Sunday 16th March the weather was damp, very cold and the pitch was in parts flooded. Never the less Romford were happy to play the game as were the Medway under 14s who arrived with a good number of 21 boys to play in the very cold wintry conditions.
Medway started up the slope and into the wind and were in good early form. The first try was scored by Liam Fitzpatrick crashing through the defence following a penalty given away by the home side at the ruck. Medway's forwards were dominant and Fitzpatrick's try was not converted given the very strong wind in the face of the kicker.
The game then settled down with Romford playing some very good attacking rugby using their backs trying to get the ball wide into open space. Lewis Marriott then took a blow to the face and had to leave the field making way for his replacement, Matthew Kennedy who, normally playing in the forwards took up the position of centre and accounted himself well. Pressure told from Medway who then began to use Kennedy in the centre as a battering ram. The forwards were rampant and Fergus Stewart got the next try followed closely by Henry Parish which meant that Medway were 15 - 0 up and looked to be in control.
Romford did not capitulate, they spread the ball wide and scored a first class try with their winger attacking space and a rounded the defence to bring the score to 5 - 15 (all conversions missed at this time). The last play of the first half into the wind saw the forwards and backs combine with some excellent work from Lewis Bailey and Ian Patterson that allowed Ben Wellard to spin the ball through the hands of fly half Charlie Wardzynski allowing Aaron Thompson to score a try from his strike position at full back.
The Half time score was 5 -20 when Medway turned around and played with the wind on their back and the weather deteriorated further!
The second half saw Medway concede one try from a stout Romford side but Medway repeated the same first half score winning the match 44 -10 with the second half try scores being Ben Wellard, Sam Nicholls, Sam Cornell and Fergus Stewart (for this second try).
Two conversions were scored by Matthew Kennedy and Henry Parish to round off a very good pre Easter win for Medway.
The under 14s will train on Tuesday 25th March starting at 6:45pm following which there will be a meeting about the tour to Leicester Rugby Club in early May 2008, the meeting starts at 8pm in the club house at Priestfields.
Kent Festival
2 March 2008
Medway U14s drew with Canterbury (last seasons Finalists), 5-5, then drew with Sittingbourne, 7-7 and lost to Bromley, 0-3 to exit the County Festival at the quarter final stage at the weekend. The Man of the Matches for the Medway "Cougars" was Master Liam Fitzpatrick who scored the tries and praise must pass to all the players and parents who played and supported so well on the very long but enjoyable festival day.
Medway 7 Barking 27
On sunday 27th January 2008 Medway u14's hosted Essex u14's county champions Barking in a very fast open match that the visitors, Barking won by 27 pts to 7pts.
The pace of the match was frenetic from the start as medway tried to tire out the huge pack of forwards who crossed the QEII bridge early on sunday morning. Medway switched the play left and right but the visitors defence was superb with many cover tackles preventing Meway scoring early. After the initial storm Barking mounted their own attack to score two well taken tries, the first by their speedster on the left wing who beat Medway' s cover defence (unconverted) and the next 
by Barking's big prop who completed a driving maul to crash Medway's line (unconverted) to make the score 0-10.
With the last play of the first half Medway piled the pressure on through the forwards with liam fitzpatrick, fergus stewart, jake christolou and tom whitnell smashing their bodies into Barking's defence who were penalised for continual killing of the ball in this phase to set up henry parrish for a deserved try which dan stone converted, half time Medway 7pts - Barking 10pts.
Medway did not stop their efforts this week and tackled a rampant Barking team the whole of the second half but the greater physical size and strength of the visitors eventually told and Barking closed the match as victors.
Coach Mark Marriott re-assured the team and praised them for their endeavor and application during the match so much so that Barking sought to book a return fixture immediately to play against the impressive and resolute Medway u14's.
Next Match away to Thanet on Sunday 10th February .
Medway 0 Cranbrook 29
A pivotal match for the 25 strong medway u14's saw medway host a very strong cranbrook side on sunday 20th january. After a good win last week medway had to defend the line that was buffeted by wind and cranbrook poured on the pressure.
Medway defended for 20 minutes and each player gave all they had in thwarting the cranbrook waves of attack, in particular, liam fitzpatrick, aaron thompsom and fergus stewart kept themselves busy with new arrival henry parrish putting in a high tackle count. Two converted tries was the half time concession by medway which meant that they could use the srong wind and slope to their advantage.......at 0-14 cranbrook seemed vulnerable to the large crowd.
The u14's played the second half in a very different spirit than the first however, the loss of inspirational captain, fergus stewart to a knee injury did not assist the cause however cranbrook played with belief and confidence to run three unanswered and unconverted tries in, a lesson in keeping the ball in hand and attacking space out wide that the medway boys hope to emulate in future weeks.
The tackle count across the match showed medway missing too many tackles, allowing cranbrook to play their fast open game. Medway face Barking on sunday 27th at priestfields and will look to improve their game.
Medway 34 Upminster 5
An enthusiastic twenty six Medway u14 lads put in a fantastic performance on sunday to take the spoils from a solid Essex Upminster u14 team who looked as if they have played together for quite some time.
The forced festive break cobwebs were blown away with some fine continuity play from both forwards and backs linking to score six Medway tries to Upminster's one try.
Fergus Stewart, returning from a holiday in New-Zealand played like a true All-Black maurading all over the pitch and dominating all loose play from his position of Flanker and his was the first try after constant forward pressure from Prop and Medway Captain, Tom Whitnell who slipped the final scoring pass. The conversion was well taken by Luke Gowdy - 7-0.
The Backs were next to score with Lewis Marriott, Dominic Collins and Daniel Stone combining to send Centre Aaron Thompson in for a well taken try. No conversion scored - 12 - 0. Still playing into the wind saw some strong driving mauls led by the No8. Liam Fitzpatrick ably supported by the Locks Matthew Kennedy and Ben Lazzell to ensure the game plan was followed and two further unconverted tries followed from Tom Whitnell and loose head prop Alex Williams to end the first half - 22 - 0.
The second half saw Medway play with the biting wind and Hooker George Simpson fed blind side winger Sam Cornell who used his strength to bash through the defence and score, Stone converted, 29 - 0. Upminster then dug in and refused to capitulate entirely and a period of sustained pressure from medway led by Sam Nicholls, Kieran Edmeads, Heydn Sheahan and Charlie Wardzynski failed to produce a score, despite Wardzynski's brilliant solo effort cruelly denied by the referee who deemed a foot was in touch!.........rough justice that Wardzynski accepted without a trace of disappointment, in true Medway Rugby Club style.
Upminster were rewarded with a well taken try from their backs to make the score 29 -5 and then Edmeads scored the final try, unconverted following stirling work from Harrison Irons and Alex Morgan to conclude a great start to the new-year.
Medway 10 Old Colfeians 21
16 December 2007
A beautiful day welcomed both sets of Under 14’s and the kick off was delayed to allow a final player for the visitors to arrive (a Medway Player lent the latecomer a pair of shorts and so the game began).
Medway started brightly with some excellent work by the forwards, in particular Mr. Tom Whitnell supported well by Mr. Ben Lazzell and these players took the ball deep into the Old Colfeians defensive area. Sustained pressure did not result in points for Medway who continued to play very enterprising Rugby.
The Old Colfeians fall back (an exceptionally talented player) then collected the ball deep in his twenty-two and ran the length of the pitch to score a try.
The pattern was then repeated with Medway putting much pressure on with excellent continuity with the ball in hand only for the ball to spill, the Colfeians fallback to collect it and again ran the length of the pitch to score a try both of which he converted to make it 14 points to nil.
The second half then saw Medway consider their sterling work and attack, attack, attack. The pressure was rewarded by a try from Mr. Tom Whitnell to make it five points to fourteen and then a further try fell to Mr. Jake Christodoulou with neither being converted, ten points to fourteen.
The closing stages of the game saw Medway attack the Old Colfeians with Dominic French and Aaron Thompson trying to score out wide but the Colfeians line did not look like breaking.
The final move of the game saw the Colfeians fullback (who in the writers opinion will receive high representative honours) collect the ball and again score a try that was simply exceptional.
Medway Under 14’s were congratulated by all the spectators the Coaching staff and the old Colfeians on a super display of Rugby and Medway look towards next seasons fixture with some hope as the same fullback scored six tries the previous season, only three tries today and who knows what next season will bring.
If you are Year Nine and wish to play Rugby come and join Medway Rugby Football Club contact us.
Medway 12 Maidstone 12
The weather dominated these local sides in the Derby Match, which produced, fittingly, a draw.
Maidstone defended the posts, which saw most of the action as the wind, rain and slope of the pitch ensured that the whole match was played virtually within that twenty-two meter area. Medway started well using the wind wisely with Charlie Wardzynski tactically kicking the ball and pinning Maidstone back.
The forwards kept pressure on Maidstone with particular strong work by Fergus Stewart and Jake Christodoulou carrying the ball deep into the heart of the defence and Mr. Sam Cornell being denied an early try by some fantastic cover tackling by the Maidstone defence.
Eventually, Maidstone defence gave way for Liam Fitzpatrick to score a try that was converted by Mr. Luke Gowdy.
Medway’s backs then enjoyed some width but again the Maidstone defence held strong until the forwards once again dominated with a try by Ben Lazzal. Half time ensured a 12 – nil lead by Medway and the big number 8 Liam Fitzpatrick continued to pick the ball up and drive out of the defensive areas (kicking was absolutely pointless in these conditions as the ball was travelling back over the heads of those kicking for clearance) and Medway looked as though they were going to close out the game 12-nil.
Maidstone however camped on the Medway line and with five minutes remaining of the match scored a very deserving try through constant efforts. The conversion was very well taken and with three minutes to go Maidstone enjoyed possession, kicked the ball long and then scored another wonderful try emanating from forward strength making it 12 all. The last kick of the game almost fronted the posts to take the victory, the conversation was missed and the game ended a draw.
Both sides Coaches and parents are to be congratulated for the way they stayed with the game despite the dreadful weather.
Medway Under 14s (School Year 9 School) welcome new players to train at Priestfields on Sunday the 6th of January 2007 commencing at 10 am, see here for directions.
Aylesford 5 Medway 22
On Sunday 18th November 2007 the Medway u14 "Cougars" travelled
to Aylesford RFC for a local derby and both teams faced bitterly cold and
windy conditions but still managed to play some sparkling rugby.
With the wind assisting the visitors, Medway immediately took the game
to Aylesford knowing that the elements were worth at least 10 points. The
home defence had no answer to the quickly rucked ball that was spun wide
early on by the impressive Medway backs, in particular the half back pairing
of Daniel Stone and Charlie Wardzynski who troubled the defence all morning.
The first try came to Fergus Stewart who marauded at blind side flanker
and crashed over after some sweet forwards and backs interchanging rugby,
unconverted, 0-5.
Then Ben Wellard made a probing run for quick recycled ball to be spun
wide to the other wing allowing captain Luke Gowdy to score a try which
he converted, - 0-12.
Aylesford were allowed no time to settle and medway dominated all phases
with their recent concentration at training (each tuesday at priestfields
at 6.45 pm) on tackling and rucking beginning to bear fruit with 90% of
possession going Medway's way a further try to stewart was inevitable but
the 60 meter dash indicated fergus is perhaps as suited to winger as he
is to flanker! - Unconverted 0-17.
In the last minute of the first half Aaron Thompson scored a deserved try
for the creative back line who passed and ran with a lot more confidence
this week - Unconverted 0-22 at half time.
The second half saw the home side use the wind and scored a good try after
sustained pressure but the home coach was quick to congratulate medway
on their defensive discipline and patience (Medway simply refused to panic
when under pressure) and that try was unconverted - 5 - 22.
Good defensive work by Lewis Marriott, George Simpson and Matthew Kennedy
kept the home side out. The bravery was best displayed by full back Connor
Chalmers who snapped his collar bone making a crunching tackle against
one of Aylesford's larger players, Connor is doing well but will miss a
few weeks because of the injury.
Another solid win from this ever improving u14 group at medway.
Folkestone 12 Medway 21
Medway U14s travelled to folkestone on sunday and in very windy conditions observed a minute silence then kicked off at 11.01 am against a very strong folkestone outfit who are used to winning matches.
The home team's number 8 and outside centre were their outstanding players but the Medway forwards rucked much quicker ball this week allowing possession to remain with the visitors for much of the 1st half. A breakaway try by the Folkestone centre put the home side 7-0 ahead after 15 minutes but then the Medway forwards led by the outstanding Tom Whitnell at prop drove the home side back allowing Fergus Stewart to score a try, converted by Mr Reliable himself, Luke Gowdy.....7-7.
Medway took the lead after its back row of Dominic French, Fergus Stewart and Liam Fitzpatrick began to dominate all of the breakdowns and secured most of the possession with a second try by Fergus Stewart and converted this time by Kieran Edmeads.....7-14.
With 5 minutes left Folkestone scored another breakaway following some sloppy passing by Medway but missed the conversion...............12-14.
A super effort by the whole squad then put the new full back, Connor Chalmers into a scoring position and he made no mistake with a well taken try, converted with the last kick of the game by Edmeads........12-21.
Medway travel to the very strong Aylesford U14s for a local derby on Sunday 18th November seeking another improving performance for the Medway "Cougars" U14 squad who train each Tuesday at Priestfields in Rochester commencing at 6.45 p.m.
Medway 5 East Grinstead 12
4 November 2007
Medway hosted East Grinstead on Sunday and played some very open Rugby against a very well organised Under 14’s side that they had not previously met.
The visitors were made very welcome and some very fierce exchanges took place in the first half. Neither side was able to dominate the other for the first ten minutes of the match but East Grinstead with the stronger backline and playing with more width than Medway were able to score the opening try near the posts following staged pressure which was converted, seven nil.
Medway responded well and some first class play from Liam Fitzpatrick and Fergus Stewart almost broke the visitors defences but the visitors defence was superb and Medway were unable to score.
East Grinstead then got a try towards the end of the first session unconverted leaving Medway trailing 12 points to nil.
The second half team talk allowed Medway to get fired up and traditionally the Under 14’s are very slow starters but this period saw Medway wanting to make amends for the first half and Aaron Thompson made some blistering runs into the heart of the Grinstead defence from his position at inside centre.
The forwards began to impose themselves and in particular Tom Whitnell who was a constant source of irritation for the defence with his storming runs and very strong scrimmaging. Medway continued to put the pressure on with a try eventually for big number 8 Liam Fitzpatrick after a high tackle under the Grinstead posts resulting from desperate defence from Grinstead following the waves of Medway attack. unconverted, 12 points to 5.
The Under 14’s have approximately 30 boys in their group and a development game was also organised against a development side from East Grinstead which allowed newcomers to the game and newcomers to the Medway Under 14 group, put in to practice what they have been coached recently and both of the development sides enjoyed some open running rugby and Medway hope to return the fixture for East Grinstead later in the season.
The Under 14’s travel to Folkestone on Sunday and if you are interested in playing Rugby at Medway Rugby Club then please visit see our contact page.
Medway U14s “Cougars” Win Kent County RFU 11-a-side silverware!
Medway U14’s travelled to Ashford RFC to play in the county rugby competition on Sunday 30th September and ran out winners of the Plate competition after a full day of Rugby Football.
MEDWAY VS DARTFORDIANS.
After a period of sustained pressure some good scrums and tackles Dartfordians took the first try and conversion of the day taking a 7-0 lead. Medway, keen to fight back, dominated the second half and stepped up the pressure and Ben Wellard took Medways first try of the day and Kieran Edmeades converted equalising the match at full time 7-7.
MEDWAY VS BECCEHAMIANS.
Beccehamians got off to a flying start taking the first try and conversion, and a lead of 7-0. They then took the next and another, leaving Medway boys struggling to put the ball on that tryline. After a few injuries and excellent tackling from Charlie Wardzynski and Aaron Thompson it just wasn't enough to hold off the Beccs. Sad score for the Medway boys: 36-0
MEDWAY VS CRANBROOK
The Medway lads kept up the pace with Cranbrook, with fantastic tackles from Aaron Thompson, Lewis Marriott and an excellent sprint from Liam Fitzpatrick. Cranbrook lads just got ahead by taking two tries and conversions. The Medway boys kept their heads up and battled on but ran out of time with a final score of Cranbrook 12- 0.
MEDWAY VS DOVER - PLATE QUARTER-FINAL
The lads came alive once again and with some excellent passing, great tackles from Matthew Kennedy, Liam Fitzpatrick and Luke Gowdy, new player to Medway Ben Lizzal made a wonderful run and almost scored. Then from the lineout Liam Fitzpatrick caught the ball and went on to take the try. Medway 5-0
MEDWAY VS MAIDSTONE - PLATE SEMI-FINAL
Aaron Thompson was determined as he took a chance and it paid off by taking the first try, and converted. The Medway lads were certainly awake and playing fantastic rugby. Alex Williams soon saw his gap and made his way to the tryline and Luke Gowdy then converted. Charlie Wardzynski's feet were alive and was soon scoring again for Medway, Dan Stone taking the conversion. Now the Medway boys were liking this and alive once again and a marvellous run from the scrum from Liam Fitzpatrick through to Alex Williams who then put the ball on the try line. Meds were back on form! Final score 35-0
MEDWAY VS SITTINGBOURNE - PLATE FINAL
Medway boys played well enough to earn themselves a place in the plate final against Sittingbourne. The match soon got off to a flying start with Aaron Thompson, Fergus Stewart and Tom Whittnell playing some fantastic rugby. Jake Christodoulou made some wonderful tackles and George Simpson had some good runs.
An absolutely brilliant run from Dan Stone taking the first try and conversion in this final, Luke Gowdy was displaying excellent tackling, and the second and third tries were yet again from Dan the Man who then converted. Fergus Stewart then showed us some tactical rugby by taking the next try with Stone converting. Sittingbourne were really in trouble and Medway earned themselves another try from Liam Fitzpatrick. The Medway lads worked hard and deserved this win. They took the silverware and medals home with them, with tired parents who were very proud of their achievement!
FINAL SCORE 39-0
Medway RFC U14 29 Sidcup RFC U14 29 - 23 September 2007
The first game of the season for both Medway and Sidcup under fourteens saw a fiercely contested match played over three stages which resulted in 29 points each and a very good performance by both the home team and the visitors leaving both sets of coaches knowing what needs to be worked on in the future and with a great deal of comfort because both sides played some sparkling rugby.
Weather conditions were perfect on a dry sunny morning at Priest fields. Sidcup attended with around 25 boys and Medway had 27 boys representing this age group. As a result three sessions were played with the first session resulting in only one try in Sidcup's favour, the second session resulting in three tries to two in Medway’s favour and the third session three tries to two in Sidcup's favour, the kicks ensured a draw that fairly reflected the levels of ability and a level of commitment for both teams.
Medway’s backs fizzed the ball around the pitch allowing a well-taken try by Haydn Sheahan with some exceptional play by Lewis Marriott who distributed the ball from centre very well. Each time the Medway back line got the ball wide they looked dangerous. Sidcup had the much larger pack of forwards and although this was to Sidcup's advantage early on, as the day wore on and the heat of the morning increased, the Sidcup forwards tired a little and Medway scored four further tries, two from their number 8 Liam Fitzpatrick, who was involved in all aspects of play.
Two further tries were scored by forwards, the first an unstoppable run by second row forward Ben Lazell and the next by, George Simpson who uncharacteristically popped up on the wing, received a wide pass and crashed over (George denies that he was out of breath and not keeping up with play, preferring to say that he had intuitively read the game and chose to stay out wide on the wing enabling the try……… to draw Medway level…The rest of the team is yet to be convinced!)
Dan Stone converted well and a very spirited match ended with applause from all parents both at home and from the visitors as the Medway under-fourteens ‘Cougars’ continue to develop as one of the stronger sides on the south eastern circuit.
Training commences at 6.45pm at Priestfields each and every Tuesday evening, all under 14s are welcome