Second in the league Medway, took on third placed Sevenoaks at Knoll Paddock on Saturday, in a game that would have a big influence on who eventually finishes second, and earns the play-off promotion opportunity.

Medway were expecting a difficult game as Sevenoaks recent form has been impressive and they had the advantage of playing at home. The final result, margin of victory and quality of their performance was therefore very satisfying for all Medway players, coaches and supporters alike.

Medway coach Taff Gwilliam was worried that the warm-up for the game was poor and the players seemed nervous. He was right, his charges started very slowly, conceded possession immediately from the kick-off and had to soak up lots of early Sevenoaks pressure. The home side enjoyed the advantage of the elements in the first half, and each time Medway tried to relieve the pressure, Sevenoaks kicked them back deep in their own half. However, each Sevenoaks attack was met by determined and robust Medway defence, and try as they might, the home team could not break through. The game remained scoreless for the first twenty minutes and slowly but surely, Medway’s forays into the Sevenoaks half started to look more threatening as the Sevenoaks defenders struggled to shackle the Medway ball carriers.

Dan Harvey opened the scoring for Medway after 23 minutes with a well struck penalty but within a minute, Sevenoaks hit back with a good try after opting to kick for the corner, rather than going for goal. This seemed to trigger the Medway team into action, and for the remainder of the first half and then for the first twenty five minutes of the second, they played scintillating rugby and dominated the game. From 5 – 3 down, they scored 36 unanswered points and very quickly put the game out of reach of Sevenoaks.

Harvey, whose place kicking was imperious all afternoon, initially kicked Medway into a 6 – 3 lead, then Medway’s opening try came from a good kick-chase and Dan Hamilton floated a huge pass finding space and allowing Charlie Wardzynski to dot down in the corner. Harvey’s touch line conversion, into the wind was impressive, 13 – 5 to Medway at half time.

If Medway started the first half slowly, they couldn’t be accused of the same in the second. Skipper Dance turned down a simple penalty goal and instead kicked for the corner. His decision was vindicated as Billy Humphrey did exceptionally well to force his way over from the back of an ensuing scrum. Another outstanding touchline conversion from Harvey stretched the lead to 20-5. Two minutes later, Sevenoaks took a quick lineout throw and Humphrey was first to react to the loose ball, he recycled and Leo Liua’ana broke through the middle to set up Fred Tila for the simplest of tries under the posts. Five minutes later, Medway kicked for the corner again, this time Dance moved the ball quickly and Dan Hamilton broke through to score his first try for Medway, and secure the win bonus point. Medway were forced to defend for a short period, but then kicked clear and another good chase enabled Dan Huntley to steal the ball and release Fred Tila to run in from the half way line, 39 – 5 to Medway.

Sevenoaks trying to salvage something from the game were now running the ball from every opportunity. Their scrum half conjured a try out of nothing with a clever chip and chase. Not to be out done, Medway enjoyed the final score of the game. Harvey kicked a penalty into the corner again, the forwards won the lineout and Tom Beaumont finished off the excellent driving maul.

A superb, clinical team performance in an important game. The forwards laid a great platform and the back attacked with real threat and purpose. Robust strong defence, against big Sevenoaks ball carriers. Alex O’Leary was welcomed back after two months out injured, and did well at tight head prop along with fellow front rowers Brice, Petch and Sandison. Dan Huntley and Max Easton were outstanding in the forwards, Harvey’s game management and kicking was spot on.. Fred Tila, Leo Liua’ana and Dan Hamilton provided real cutting edge in the backs. Well done to the whole playing and coaching team.

Medway face another difficult away game next Saturday when they travel to Crowborough.

Medway team;

Brice, Sandison, O’Leary, Easton, Johnson, Huntley, Beaumont, Rutherford, Dance, Harvey, Wardzynski, Liua’ana, Tila, Hamilton, Bennison, Subs; Petch, Humphrey, Burns (all used).