A disappointing performance saw Medway lose out to a good Heathfield and Waldron team on Saturday and miss the opportunity to keep up with the early pace setters in London South East 2.
The visitors enjoyed a near perfect start to the game, kicking a penalty in the first minute, but thereafter things went down-hill and despite creating some good try scoring opportunities they were unable to trouble the scoreboard again. Heathfield are a good team with a solid scrum, efficient lineout and a physical set of pacey backs who run straight and hard.
After taking the lead in the first minute, Samuela, Dance and Best then immediately combined well from the back of a scrum but unfortunately the referee disallowed the try for off-side. Heathfield recovered and began to get their game going and after ten minutes scored an excellent try through intelligent, patient play which eventually created the overlap to score in the corner. A good conversion gave them a deserved 7 – 3 lead.
Heathfield then enjoyed their best period of the game, with an upper hand in the set piece and re-cycling of quick ball, they caused Medway all sorts of problems and seemed capable of creating overlaps at will. Medway hung on, weathered the storm, and prevented any further score from the home team. The final fifteen minutes of the first half belonged to Medway, but frustratingly three good try scoring opportunities went begging through either lack of composure or poor accuracy. Half time 7 – 3 to Heathfield.
The second half was punctuated by stoppage after stoppage (mostly injuries) and both teams found it difficult to establish any rhythm or grip on the game. Heathfield extended their lead after seven minutes with a well struck penalty, and Medway’s frustration at their own poor play and error count grew and grew. Scoring opportunities were few and far between for both teams as mistakes and stoppages ruled. With five minutes remaining Heathfield kicked another penalty to extend their lead to 13 – 3 and effectively win the game. Medway exerted huge pressure on the home team’s line for the final five but their impressive defence held firm and the visitors were unable to salvage even a bonus point from the game. To cap Medway’s afternoon, Humphrey crossed the line to touch down, but the referee was unsighted and missed the score!
A frustrating game for the visiting players and crowd but credit must go to the home team who deservedly won the game and played to a simple but effective game plan. Medway certainly had more than enough opportunities to win but lacked the precision and composure to take them. However, given the number of new members in this very young Medway team, we need to be patient as it is going to take time for them to gel as a group and get used to playing together.
Medway team:
Petch; Humphrey; Reddish; Johnson; Easton; Beaumont; Samuela; Huntley; Dance; Wardzynski; Catlin; Burns; Fussell; Ellis; Best; Petch; Taylor; Liua’ana.
Next game is at home to Tunbridge Wells on Saturday 12th October 2013 in the league.