Medway made it three wins in three games with a victory over Hove at home on Saturday.

The weather was good and in front of a large Priestfields crowd, the local lads produced a convincing first half display to lead by 29 – 0 at the interval, effectively putting the game beyond the reach of the visitors. Their second half performance was not so good as they lost concentration at key times, wasting several good scoring opportunities and allowed Hove to score three tries, two of which were in the final 6 minutes of the game.

Playing into a stiff wind in the first half, Medway started brightly and immediately put the visitors under pressure. Wave after wave of attack was met by solid Hove defence. Harvey slotted a penalty on 10 minutes and three minutes later Alfie Orris got the first try with a flash of individual brilliance to beat the covering tacklers and run around under the posts. Orris quickly scored his and the teams’ second following a great run by James Dance and fine grubber kick by Dan Harvey, 15 – 0.

Medway continued to play well depriving Hove of the ball and controlled phased play led to two further tries in the first half. Pete Walsh, who had a fine overall game, scored his first try for Medway on 27 minutes following excellent approach work by the whole team. Shortly before half time Jordan Stubbington secured the bonus point when he crashed over following a line out. Half time 29 – 0.

Within two minutes of the restart Hove showed their attacking threat in the wide channels when they reduced the deficit to 29 – 5 with an excellent counter attack try. Medway frustratingly lost possession twice on the Hove try line to miss good scoring opportunities but after 18 minutes a quick tap and go by James Dance released brother Ben to score. Harvey increased the lead with another penalty before Chalie Wardzynski crashed over for Medway’s sixth try and to make the score 46 – 5 with 10 minutes remaining.

Credit to Hove as they rallied in the closing stages to put their hosts under pressure and score a brace of late tries to narrow the score line.

A Hove player suffered a nasty looking injury late in the game necessitating an ambulance, we wish him well and a full recovery.

Meto Matappa won man of the match for Medway. Charlie Wardzynski, Alfie Orris and Ross Cooley also featured prominently throughout the game.

Next week Medway face Horshan RFC at home.

Medway’s team: Petch, W Sandison, Matappa, T Sandison, Fernyhough, Beaumont, Stubbington, Huntley, J Dance, Harvey, Burns, Hall, Walsh, Orris, Wardzynski.

Subs: Cooley, Chalmers, B Dance (all used)