Old Colfes 2s came to Priestfields on a for once warm-ish, dry and wind free day. A strong team at theirs, we were unsure of how they would travel. With a few injured players out and one or two returning, plus 3 Colts making their Senior debut’s along with Ben in his second senior game who knew what the outcome would be. Hopes and confidence were high in the squad though that we would win our 7th game in a row.

Colfes kicked off and Medway took possession confidently. All of the early pressure was coming from Medway, with the team playing fast but controlled rugby and going through the phases. Colfes were very quick over the breakdown and competing well, with any small error by Medway letting them get out of their half for while with good Crossfield kicks out into space behind. Colfes had worked out our line out early on but our scrum with Locks, the two Ollie’s in their first senior game doing great work in the engine room.
Medway were really up for it though and stepped up their work rate with strong runs from Louis and the forwards in particular. Kie also did superb work with controlled pick and goes.

Half chances for both sides were snuffed out or didn’t quite work, and the very physical contest gave no quarter with multiple big tackles from each side. Harry had to be substituted early due to a boot rotting off his foot, for which he later got the DotD award, with Lewis coming on in his place.

18 minutes in Colfes gave away one penalty too many for offside and Aaron stepped up to break the deadlock, 3-0. Battle recommenced in a similar pattern, until after another 12 minutes, Aaron was again called upon to slot the penalty, 6-0.

Colfs were clearly rattled but determined to get back into the game and started to put pressure on us at the breakdown. 5 minutes of sustained pressure forced an error from us that had our defence scrambling to get into position, but some missed tackles allowed Colfs to score a try, which was converted as well, putting the score at 6-7. And there is stayed until half time, as Colfs tried to capitalise, and Medway refused to let them.

The second half began quickly, and proceeded to go by in a blur as Medway stepped things up in all departments. 4 minutes in Matt, who had threatened breaks in the first half, made one stick for our first try. Aaron added the extras, 13-7
Then a few minutes later, Louis capitalised on some smart play from Billy that almost saw the debutante score, with a props bulldozer try, Aaron again providing the extras for 20-7.

It wasn’t all one way and shortly after that, Billy, who was having a blinder stopped an almost certain breakaway try with can only be described as an incredible and unorthodox tap tackle.
This fired Medway up again, while having the opposite effect on Colfs, as the crowd really started to get behind us. Lewis Utchanah was the next to make his mark off the back of some good quick passing in dangerous areas. An overlap was made, support lines run and he was able to score our 3rd try in the corner taking us to 25-7. Time for some more substitutions, and we were able to use all 4, for a change in their proper positions.

The last 10 minutes of the game was almost all Medway as Colfs tired, though there was one late scare that aggressive but fair defensive tackling ended that. First Kyle, then Harry added tries, taking the score to 35-7 in the last 5 minutes of the game.

The game ended without further score, however it was one of the most complete performances of the season, with good defensive work throughout, bar the 5 minutes where Colfs had their only score. Offensively, it clicked today, as hands were slick, handling was good, and phases of play were controlled intelligently and not rushed. Players coming in showed that they are ready, players coming back in, showed what we had missed. Even comedy had its place in the game as Sean passed and Cole caught one! Who knew.

Every one of the 70 or so spectators watching and Gordon and I were entertained royally and entertained by, for me, our best game so far. Now onwards and upwards…