Medway RFC hosted Sidcup RFC in this local derby for the first time this season in league competition on Saturday for what transpired to be a very tough encounter for Medway. The first recorded game between the two clubs took place at the same venue on Saturday 30th November 1968 and in the days of low scoring rugby, it finished as a 0-0 draw back then. The hosts, lying bottom of the league table were understandably optimistic as the visitors sat in 11th position (one spot above Medway) and neither team have been playing particularly well at this stage of the season, reflecting in this foot of the table match. Sidcup were favourites having earned a narrow (10-6) victory when they hosted Medway in the early season exchanges. With thanks for the extraordinary works by the Medway RFC grounds-men the match was played on a first class Medway pitch. Playing conditions were good underfoot & at 2pm a sizeable crowd had gathered and a stiff breeze blew very cold air across the event. Sidcup started with verve scoring a try in the first minute! Another try in the 5th minute by Sidcup & Medway RFC began to wish the low scoring days were still with us, 0-10 with no conversions scored after just 8 Minutes. Medway then settled & the icy wind blew making handling a real struggle. The referee officiated well, with a focus on allowing the game to flow. Medway won a few penalties & chose to kick for territory. This happened three times in the next 12 minutes but Medway struggled to win their own line out ball and each of the three attacking lineout positions were without reward. Fly-half Harvey then spotted a gap, chipped & No.8 Stimpson collected and arrowed for the try-line but excellent Sidcup defence thwarted the last attack of the half. 0-10 half time score.

On the 45th minute Sidcup broke out of defence to score their third try, aided by a perfect bounce plus a conversion, 0-17 & then it began to rain too! Replacements were made, a debut by Josh Knight who came on at Hooker plus Harry Campbell at Prop. These young players really changed the tempo of the game and Adam Richards-Shaw enjoyed the first completed catch & drive line-out by scoring a terrific try – 5-17. Medway enjoyed their best spell. The Sidcup winger attempted an interception & a yellow card reduced the visitors to 14 men. Medway pressed hard. Great combinations with forwards & backs then saw Billy Sandison crash over for a good try. Harvey converts & the score is 12-17 after one hour. Some hope for Medway! Sidcup however closed the game with more refined tactical kicking, penning Medway in their own half. Two more try’s for Sidcup, using their bigger, stronger pack saw the game finish 12-27 and Medway were left to rue missed set piece opportunities.

Good spirit saw a Medway RFC who refused to give in and they host Shelford RFC next week who are second in the League. It is a steep hill, in a very competitive League and Medway Captain Tom Beaumont praised the young players enjoying debuts during the past few weeks for stepping up & giving their all. Congratulations were offered to Sidcup RFC.