In their first home game of 2017, and following two good performances on the road earlier in January, Medway convincingly beat Crowborough on Saturday.
Medway were a little unsure what to expect as although Crowborough sat at the base of London South East 2, last time out, they posted a very impressive away victory at Deal and Betteshanger, a team Medway struggled to beat just before Christmas. As it turned out, the home team and league leaders started the game like a run-away train, scored four unanswered tries in the first 18 minutes and very quickly put the final result beyond doubt. They went on to score a further six tries in the second half and with Dan Harvey kicking eight conversions, complete a satisfying score line and performance.
Medway elected to play into the wind in the first half and after a mistake from the kick-off, went on to play pretty much faultless rugby for the next 18 minutes. They played with pace, accuracy and skill, stringing phase after phase together. Although Crowborough tackled well, they simply could not cope with the onslaught from the home team. Medway’s first two tries were probably their best, Cooley ran in under the posts following an excellent team move after only 2 minutes. This score was surpassed four minutes later when a huge passage of play ended with James Dance setting up brother Ben to finish a great team effort. Luke Burns, who had a good overall game, scored two tries after 11 and 18 minutes to put Medway 26 – 0 up after only 18 minutes and secure the bonus point.
Understandably, Medway’s pace and accuracy fell away for the remainder of the first half and Crowborough enjoyed a period of possession and pressure. This was eventually rewarded when they scored a try of their own just before half time.
The second half had a symmetry with the first. Medway started well again, scoring four tries in the first 16 minutes, then took their foot off the gas to let Crowborough have some possession, pressure and score a try. Unlike the first half though, they did finish the game with a flourish scoring two further tries in the final ten minutes. Ben Dance scored two, Luke Burns got another and hence both players got hat-tricks. Charlie Wardzynski scored a brace and Tom Beaumont completed the try scoring. Ben Shove came off the bench to make his First XV debut and showed he can fit in well at this level.
Medway did what they needed to do on the day. Crowborough to their credit, never gave in and kept tackling right to the end. Some of Medway’s play in the first half was very good and overall it was a good team performance with backs and forwards combining well to play a very expansive game.
Medway now have another week off, before travelling to Old Alleynians on Saturday 11th February
Medway’s team;
Petch, Sandison, Cooley, Fernyhough, Stubbington, Beaumont, B Dance, Huntley, J Dance, Harvey, Burns, Clement, Walsh, Orris, Wardzynski, Subs; Chalmers, Shove (all used)