A welcome break in league action this week saw Medway line up against local neighbours Aylesford in Round 2 of the Kent Shield on Saturday.

The Priestfields based side ran out comfortable winners and produced a much improved performance to that seen at Crowborough the week before. They were far more accurate, skill levels were higher and the team scored some quality tries following some excellent phased play.

First XV debuts were handed to Antony Clement and Steve Stewart. Both scored tries and will have enjoyed playing in such a dominant backs line. The pack had an unfamiliar look from recent weeks with Luke Burns and Ben Dance playing in the back row whilst Paul Morant occupied the hooker berth. Wardzynski played fly-half whilst Bobby Ellis made a welcome return after injury on the left wing.

The writing was on the wall for Aylesford as Medway scored their first try in the first minute and were soon three tries and 19 – 0 to the good inside ten minutes. In all, seven first half tries came from Luke Burns, Antony Clement, Charlie Wardzynski, Steve Stewart, Joe Fernyhough, Meto Mataapa, and Alfie Orris. Four conversions from Wardzynski made the score 43 – 3 at the interval. Aylesford kicked a penalty just before half-time after James Dance was sent to the bin.

The second half belonged to Medway’s right winger Alfie Orris who quickly scored a hat-trick of tries to add to his first half touch-down. Henry Hall completed the scoring finishing a fine flowing move whilst Wardzynski kicked another three conversions. As the result was clearly beyond doubt, and in the interests of everyone concerned, the game was called short after 60 minutes of play.

Medway entertain Old Alleynian Rugby Club next week in round six of the league.

Medway’s team;

Matappa, Morant, Cooley, Stubbington, Fernyhough, Beaumont, B Dance, Burns, J Dance, Wardzynski, Ellis, Hall, Clement, Orris, Stewart, Sub; Petch (used)