Medway travelled to Chiswick on Saturday to face a side who they beat at Priestfields earlier in the season, but the Londoner’s had caused them plenty of problems later in the game after the home side had taken a healthy early lead.

The pitch, on the banks of the Thames, was in good shape particularly considering the heavy overnight rain and with only a gentle breeze blowing, conditions were good for rugby.

Medway won the game via two second half tries. They were pleased to gain a victory away from home, were good value for their win with parts of their game working well, and most importantly, their defence was excellent. However, it was an error strewn performance, some unforced, but credit must go to Chiswick for the pressure they put on their visitors.

Chiswick kicked off to start the game, Medway knocked on twice and then conceded a silly penalty just outside their 22metre line which Chiswick kicked to take an early 3 – 0 lead. The visitor’s early attacks were stopped by either robust Chiswick defence or errors from Medway. They did enjoy plenty of possession and good field position and looked the more likely of the two teams to score. Medway got back on terms after half an hour via a simple penalty from Dan Harvey and the score remained locked at three each until half time.

Chiswick started the second half brightly and went close to scoring after running back from their own 22. Medway looked the stronger team but again errors prevented them from converting good scoring opportunities. Eventually the Medway pressure told and Chiswick lost possession in defence. Number 8 Matt Gardner swooped on the loose ball and ran in to score in the corner. Harvey kicked the tricky conversion and Medway were 10 – 3 to the good after 10 minutes of the second half.

Medway gave their hosts brief hope when they conceded another silly penalty right in front of the posts after 20 minutes to narrow the lead to only 10 – 6.  However they quickly extended their lead through the best play and move of the game. The forwards won a scrum 30 metres out; the ball was initially moved right and then recycled back wide left via great handling. Charlie Wardzynski did well and fed inside to Luke Burns who scored in the corner, 15 – 6 to Medway.

Chiswick finished the game strongly but the Medway defence held firm and prevented any further score before the referee brought the game to an end.

Overall, good endeavour and commitment by the whole Medway team to win away and win ugly even when things didn’t go to plan.

Medway entertain Chobham next week at Priestfields, kick-off 2.30pm.

Medway’s team;

Petch, Sandison, O’Leary, Easton, Rutherford, Huntley, Fernyhough, Gardner, J Dance, Harvey, Garofalo, Burns, Ebanks, Ellis, Wardzynski, Subs; B Dance, M Matappa (both used).