On a bright, sunny, very breezy late March afternoon, Medway travelled to Kidbrooke to face Charlton Park in their third from last league game of the season.

Medway had mathematically won the championship two weeks ago, whereas Charlton Park remain locked in a close, tight battle with three other clubs to finish second in the league and secure the play-off game for the remaining promotion position. Charlton are in excellent form having defeated London Cornish last week, away, in the Intermediate Cup and are now only one game away from the final at Twickenham of this National competition.

Medway’s team contained a number of enforced changes in key positions due to unavailability’s. This however, did not seem to affect their performance as they produced a clinical first half display seeing them score four tries in the first 33 minutes, securing the bonus point and opening up a 15 point lead that Charlton were unable recover from in the second half.

Medway started the game playing down the slight slope. Having secured the kick-off they patiently retained possession and worked their way up field to score their first try. Charlie Wardzynski who had a fantastic game, cut through the home defence, combined well with Sammy Garofalo and scored under the sticks for a 7 – 0 lead after only two minutes without Charlton having laid a hand on the ball.

Charlton hit back with a simple penalty after 8 minutes as Medway’s play became a little scrappy and errors crept into their game. On the quarter hour mark, Medway pounced on a loose ball and good approach play saw Charlton penalised at the break down. The penalty was kicked to the corner and an excellent lineout move saw Billy Sandison touch down for the team’s second try. Wardzynski’s touchline conversion stretched the lead to 14 – 3.

Charlton, when in possession used their big runners to punch holes in Medway’s defence. They scored their opening try after 20 minutes but Medway responded immediately when, that man Wardzynski, cut loose again and ripped through four tackles to score a great solo effort under the posts, 21 – 8. A good penalty from Charlton was again quickly countered as Medway scored their forth try when another penalty to the corner and lineout drive brought a score for Tom Beaumont. Half time 26 – 11 to the visitors.

The second half was entertaining as both sides played open, and at times frantic rugby. Charlton were desperate to get back into the game and ran the ball at every opportunity; Medway’s game is expansive with width and pace. Both sides scored two tries in the second period and thus Medway’s healthy half-time lead remained intact for the remainder of the game. Medway’s two tries were scored by Billy Humphrey and Joe Fernyhough. Wardzynski converted both.

Medway, who had little to play for other than pride, were good value for their win against a combative side having scored six tries and conceded three. Tom Beaumont was outstanding in Medway’s pack, but man of the match went to Charlie Wardzynski who, playing out of position, scored two tries and kicked five out of six conversions.  This bonus point win means Medway retain their healthy 17 point lead at the head of the table.

Medway’s team;

Cooley, Sandison, O’Leary, Fernyhough, Easton, Beaumont, Stubbington, Huntley, J Dance, Wardzynski, Burns, Hall, Walsh, Orris, Wardzynski, Subs; Chalmers, Petch, Humphrey (all used).