Guildford gained sweet revenge over Medway for their early season defeat at Priestfields back in September last year.
They were good value for their victory which consolidates second position and keeps them hard on the heels of league leaders Sutton and Epsom.
Guildford won the game using their well organised driving maul as the primary attacking weapon, aggressive strong defence, and a good kicking game. Medway had long periods of possession and good field position, particularly in the first half, but lacked the cutting edge required to break through the impressive home defence.
The pattern of the game was evident right from the start. After only three minutes, Guildford kicked a penalty into the Medway half and won the subsequent line out 25 metres from the Medway line. They quickly set up a driving maul that seemed to catch the visitors by surprise, and promptly trundled all the way to the Medway line for a converted try, 7 – 0.
Medway got into the game and played the majority of the first half in the Guildford half, but try as they might, they could not unlock the Guilford defence. On the stroke of half time, Medway lost influential second row Max Easton to the sin bin and Guildford kicked the penalty to the corner. Medway knew what was coming, but couldn’t stop the driving maul as the home team went over for their second converted try, 14 – 0 at the break.
Medway weathered the early storm in the second half, but succumbed after 9 minutes when the ref awarded Guildford a penalty try, 21 – 0. Medway rallied again showing commendable spirit, several attacks went close, but they just couldn’t break down the home defence. Guilford secured the bonus point after 31 minutes with yet another driving maul try. Finally, in the last play of the game, Medway tried to run from their own line, lost possession and the Guildford scrum half did a clever chip and won the chase to score his side’s fifth try.
On the day, Guildford were the better side and showed their promotion credentials. Medway huffed and puffed but couldn’t break down the Guildford defence. Despite the score line, it was a spirited performance and coaches Gwilliam and Longstaff were full of praise for the effort put in by their team. However, there is plenty to work on in training this week in preparation for the important run of games coming up!
Medway face Charlton Park next week at home, kick-off 2pm.
Medway’s team;
Petch, Sandison, Johnson, Easton, Weobley, Huntley, Beaumont, Ebanks, Dance, Harvey, Chalmers, Burns, Liua’ana, Ellis, Garofalo, Subs; Cooley, Fernyhough, O’Leary (all used).