In the first league game of the season it was a scratch team that took to the field, ably supported by our third and fourth team. The weather was fine and the Maidstone pitch in excellent order. It was Maidstone that led the opening salvos, fast ball from their strong forward pack setting up their backs who were expertly marshalled by their influential 10. This was to be the story of the first half. Maidstone played a kicking game well and pushed Medway back time and time again into their own 22. Medway didn't help themselves because when they did have possession they made errors time and time again trying to force the ball when all they really needed to do was recycle and play the phases. After 8 minutes the pressure from Maidstone told, after a penalty conceded by Medway Maidstone caught and drove from the resulting lineout. Although stopped they recycled the ball and drove three times and scored to the left corner. Conversion missed. Medway where victims of their own demise, too many simple penalties, unable to keep possession for any extended periods of time. Maidstone using the territory kicking well to pin Medway back. It was from one of these kicks through that Medway found themselves pinned in their 22 to the left of the posts. Instead of adopting an exit Medway decided to try and play out from their 5, an error of judgement that cost 7 points with an interception finished off under the posts. Maidstone lead 12-0 at the break. Despite the deficit Medway felt they were still in the game if only they could go through the phases and use the width of the pitch.
The second half began as the first ended however with Maidstone using a good kicking game to pin Medway back. It was from one of these kicks that Medway conceded yet another penalty in their 22. Maidstone kicked to the corner and drove over for a well deserved try. Conversion missed. Maidstone now 17-0 up.
This seemed to spark Medway into life and for once they started to play with the pace and skill that I know they are capable of. Quick ruck speed and using the width Medway moved the ball quickly and found space on the left hand wing. Harry Meadows finishing off a flowing move to the left of the posts, conversion missed. 17-5. Medway had found a new lease of energy and belief and after the restart they continued in the same vane, moving the ball quickly, quick ruck speed and flowing rugby. If it was not for odd handling errors the final score could have been very different. It wasn't until the last play of the game that Medway's new found belief resulted in another score. Again fast ruck speed and playing to width, with good interchanges in passing. Kyle Wilson scoring just to the left of the posts, converted by Jack Brown. Final score 17-12 to Maidstone.

A game of 'what ifs' for Medway. Some simple fixes to take into next week's game.