Tunbridge Wells snatched a last gasp victory from Medway deep into injury time when the ref awarded them a penalty try for repeated infringements at attacking scrums.

Medway had led by six points but the seven points for the penalty try gave their hosts a win by the narrowest of margins. Tunbridge Wells players and supporters sportingly admitted they felt a little fortunate to get the result whilst the Medway contingent were bitterly disappointed to lose the game that they probably should have won.

Medway were left rueing a number of decisions that may have enabled them to close out the game and clinch victory. Unfortunately, they suffered a cruel lesson in game management at critical times and will learn from this painful experience.

The local lads travelled to Tunbridge Wells for the opening game of the league season knowing they faced a stern test but optimistic that their pre-season build up had gone well. Playing against the wind and up the slope in the first half, Medway started well and kept the ball in hand at every opportunity. After four minutes new fly-half Dan Harvey made a clean break from his own 22 and linked up well with the supporting players. Wells scrambled defence just managed to hold Medway out, but they did concede a penalty which Harvey converted to give Medway an early 3 – 0 advantage.

Tunbridge Wells took the lead themselves on the 14 minute mark when they used their large pack to catch and drive close to the Medway line before releasing their pacey backs to score a try wide on the left, 5 -3 to TW.

Medway responded quickly, going through their phases and playing some attractive flowing rugby and repeatedly testing the stout Wells defence. After 25 minutes, with a Medway catch and drive going nowhere, James Dance made a trademark darting break and set up a ruck close near the host’s try line. Ben Johnson was on hand to pick up and sprint over for the try. Harvey converted to give Medway a 10 – 5 lead.

Back came Tunbridge Wells, and shortly before the break they levelled the scores with their second try when a simple switch move caught the Medway defence surprisingly flat footed. 10 points all at half time and Medway had the advantage of the slope to look forward to in the second period.

Tunbridge started the opening 10 minutes of the second half a man short in the sin bin. Despite this, they were first on the score board when Medway failed to cover an aimless looking up and under, Tunbridge players pounced on the loose ball to score a try under the posts. Medway hit back immediately stretching the Tunbridge defence from side to side and creating the overlap for Sammy Garofalo to touch down in the corner, 17 – 15 to TW.

Medway regained the lead after 18 minutes through a Harvey penalty and extended it further after 27 minutes when Garofalo touched down again for his second try. Crucially the conversion attempt from out wide, that would have put Medway two scores ahead, shaved the wrong side of the post and Medway’s lead remained at only six points.

With Medway’s forwards tiring their hosts began to enjoy supremacy at the set piece. Both sides attacked, Medway looking for the bonus point try, Tunbridge to salvage the game. Unfortunately for the locals their error count was high and this offered Tunbridge one too many attacking opportunities to their grateful hosts.

Medway’s three new debutants Fred Tila, Dan Harvey and Rueben Meares all played well and were a constant threat in attack. Tom Beaumont had a fine game on the flank and was awarded Medway’s man of the match by their opponents.

Medway entertain local rivals Aylesford at Priestfields next Saturday and will be hoping to get their season back on track.

Medway team;

Brice, Sandison, Cooley, Easton, Johnson, Huntley, Beaumont, Humphrey, J Dance, Harvey, Garofalo Meares, Tila, Liua’ana, Wardzynski, B Dance, Petch, Flanagan.