On a lovely late September afternoon Medway made the long journey to the coast to face Deal and Betteshanger in their third league match of the season.

With a record of one win and one narrow loss, it was important for the locals to register a victory to push them into the top half of the table.

Medway did come away with the win, but were a little disappointed with their performance which was only good in parts. Both teams looked good in attack, but equally both will be working on their defence for the return cup match at Priestfields next Saturday.

Medway led for most of the game and when the score was 41 – 19 after only 15 minutes of the second half, they threatened to kick on and post another big score. Deal and Betteshanger however refused to lie down and finished the game strongly scoring two late tries to give the final score respectability.

Medway scored four tries in the first half to secure the bonus point and a further two tries early in the second period. Dan Harvey kicked four conversions and a penalty. Leo Liua’ana stood out as Medway’s best running back, whilst Tom Beaumont had another good game in the pack and Ben Johnson got better and better as the game progressed. Joe Williams made a promising first team debut at number 8 working tirelessly for the cause.

Deal and Betteshanger have traditionally been a very difficult team to beat, and particularly at their Drill field home. They proved this again on Saturday and the local lads will need to raise their game next week as the D & B Lions will be out for revenge!