Mission accomplished on Saturday for Medway as they beat Bromley and secured the points needed to crown them champions of the London 2 South East League.
They will now be promoted back to London 1 South from where they were relegated last season following RFU disciplinary action for administration registration errors.
On a beautiful day for running rugby, Medway coughed and spluttered during the first half and looked nervous making many unforced errors. Like last week against Beckenham, it seemed getting over the finish line was proving difficult. Medway squandered many good scoring opportunities and only led by 13 points to 5 at the interval. However, a couple of early scores in the second half calmed the nerves, broke Bromley’s resolve, and the locals then went on to score 47 more unanswered points, winning the game comfortably.
Medway started the game with good early possession and field position. Bromley infringed and Harvey slotted over the tricky penalty to give the home side a three point advantage after only two minutes. This lead was extended on 11 minutes when a Bromley kick was taken deep inside his own half by Dan Harvey who fed Charlie Wardzynski. He set off a searing run to slice through the visitors defence and score a brilliant individual try, 8 – 0 to Medway. Errors and good defence from Bromley then frustrated the locals for the next 20 minutes. Harvey crossed the line but was unable to ground the ball. Then from the ensuing scrum, a clear overlap pass with the try line begging, went astray.
Medway did extend their lead after 27 minutes when Tom Beaumont was first to react to a loose ball from a Bromley line out. However, on the stroke of half time, Bromley were rewarded following a period of possession when their pack rumbled over from a driving maul. With Bromley still very much in the game at the break, one wondered if the second half was going to be another nail biting affair, like Beckenham last week.
Thankfully, for the large home crowd, two converted tries from Luke Burns after 2 and 8 minutes put the game beyond Bromley. With the shackles released, five more tries followed at regular intervals. Burns completed his hat-trick, Beaumont got a second, Henry Hall scored two quick fires tries and Max Easton finished off an excellent flowing move. Harvey kicked six conversions to complete the scoring and seal the final result at 60 points to 5.
Man of the match went to flanker Tom Beaumont who really came to the fore once Medway got their flowing running patterns going during the second half.
Relief, joy and celebrations followed as the players, coaches and supporters enjoyed their day in the sun. Well done to everyone for an excellent league campaign and securing promotion with three games to spare.
Medway have a week off and play Charlton Park away on 25th March. This will be a difficult game as Park are locked in a close battle with three other sides to secure second place and a play-off game for promotion.
Medway’s team;
Petch, Humphrey, O’Leary, Fernyhough, Easton, Beaumont, Stubbington, Huntley, J Dance, Harvey, Burns, Clement, B Dance, Orris, Wardzynski, Subs; Sandison, Cooley, Hall (all used).