Medway’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end on Saturday at Chichester. The home side thoroughly deserving their victory dominating the young Medway side for large parts of the game.

Medway conceded 17 early points and although outscoring the home side in the second half could not recover the deficit and left empty handed.

Chichester opened their account after just 2 minutes when following a series of phases they found space on the blind side to score a fine unconverted try.

Immediately from the kick off Medway found themselves defending deep in their 22 and although turning the ball over failed to clear their lines as Chichester continued to press hard. Their endeavours were rewarded when Medway fell off some tackles and allowed their backs to run in the second unconverted try to lead 10-0.

At the resultant re-start Medway failed to kick the ball 10 metres, Chichester won the ball from the scrum kicked into the corner and stole Medway’s line out ball. Chichester’s backs broke the defensive line to score under the posts and lead 17-0. It was all Chichester, Medway making too many uncharacteristic errors to get into the game.

In the 28th minute Medway’s first real foray into the Chichester half saw them win a kickable penalty but Harvey’s attempt was pulled wide of the posts. However he was on the mark after 33 minutes following a break by James Dance and the home side killing the ball at the ruck.

The half ended with Medway desperately but successfully defending their line as Chichester pressed hard for the bonus point try.

The second half started with Medway gaining good field position in the Chichester 22m but with the scrum under pressure Chichester secured the loose ball and cleared their lines.  Medway came back following a strong run from Henry Hall. The resultant ruck saw Chichester penalised for killing ball and preventing a good scoring chance The offending player was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Harvey kicked the points  and Medway were soon attacking again taking advantage of the extra man. Chichester’s discipline was poor when under pressure and another penalty saw Harvey reduce the deficit to 17-9.

Just as Medway were gaining a foothold in the game Chichester, on 58 minutes, slammed the door shut. Medway failed to exit from a Chichester kick and following good phase play from the home side they secured the bonus point try with a well worked unconverted try and put their lead out to 22-9.

Medway came back and with 9 minutes to go were pressing the home side. Chichester once again infringed at the breakdown and another yellow saw the home side reduced to 14 men again. 14 soon became 13 two minutes later for yet another breakdown offence and Chichester played the last 7 minutes two players down.

Medway had the chance to secure an unlikely losing bonus point but poor decision making out wide saw Chichester hold their line intact and secure the victory.

Chichester were deserved winners. Medway will look to bounce back from this defeat when they take on Cobham at Priestfields next Saturday.