Medway returned to league action on Saturday this time visiting near neighbours Aylesford RFC whose form has recently improved after an indifferent start to the season. Having trailed 13 nil at half time, Medway turned the game around in the second period clinically scoring two tries during a critical phase of the game whilst Aylesford were reduced in numbers with players in the sin bin.
Roger Rhynehart made a welcome return to the starting line-up, and Medway chose to play into the wind and up the slight slope in the first half. The pattern of the game was obvious from the very start; Medway played with high tempo and looked to run the ball at every opportunity from deep inside their own half; Aylesford mostly kicked the ball and used the elements to pin their opponents back deep in their own territory. Although playing “quite” well, Medway did make too many errors and tried forcing the play at key moments, regularly turning over the ball after good passages of play. As a result, Aylesford were able to establish a 13 – 0 lead by half time capitalising on Medway errors via a converted try and two well struck penalties. Medway did come close to scoring on several occasions and fully tested the Aylesford defence particularly on the half hour mark when a frantic attack was just rebuffed by the home team.
One wondered how much difference the elements would make in the second period. Medway reduced the deficit after only 3 minutes through an Ollie Best penalty and then used the supporting wind and accurate line kicks to set up good field position. Aylesford were regularly penalised at the breakdown and eventually had a man sent to the bin after 11 minutes. Medway immediately capitalised and Sam Brice forced his way over for a try from close range. Aylesford were reduced to 13 men for a trip on Medway’s scrum half as he darted for the try line just before Brice scored. Medway quickly used their numerical advantage and shoved Aylesford back off their own scrum. The ball was moved back and forth and then Luke Burns pinned his ears back and sliced through the tiring Aylesford defence for a try under the posts. Medway now led 17 – 13 as Aylesford were restored to full numbers, and to make things interesting, the referee sent Sam Brice to the sin bin for getting involved in a Sam Catlin fracas! Aylesford now sensed the opportunity of numerical advantage themselves and attacked with purpose; Medway were penalised in front of their own posts and the easy penalty reduced the lead to a single point. Straight from the kick-off an Aylesford error gifted Medway a penalty which Best converted well and to restore a four point lead, 20 – 16.
Much of the final 10 minutes of the game was thankfully played deep inside the Aylesford half, but Medway were unable to extend their lead further although going close a number of occasions. Aylesford tried desperately to run the ball but just could not break out of their own half.
Overall a good spirited team performance, but special mention to the front row of Brice, Humphrey and Cooley who played and scrummaged very well. Medway have not quite managed to rediscover their pre-Christmas form yet, but are close, and they remain competitive and keep “just” prevailing in tight, closely fought matches. Well done to the whole team.
Medway team;
Brice, Humphrey, Cooley, Easton, Weobley, Huntley, Beaumont, Rhynehart, Dance, Best, Liua’ana, Burns, Fussell, Catlin, Wardzynski, Flanagan, Wadsworth, Petch.
Next game is at home to Old Colfeians on the 5th April in the League.