Hertford v Medway Match Report

(With thanks to Medway RFC match reporter).

Medway entertained Hertford RFC on Saturday at Priestfields for the very first time in this opening fixture of the new Regional 1 South East League.

Medway playing into the breeze kicked off and immediately conceded a penalty for an early tackle. Hertford gained good field position as a result and pinned Medway back with good phase play. On 4 minutes Hertford in possession at a scrum moved the ball from right to left and broke through the Medway defence and seemed about to score but Medway prevented the try by killing the ruck the ruck. A yellow card resulted.

Medway defended Hertford’s efforts to make the extra man pay but stout defence on their own line from the Medway team prevented the score. From a Medway lineout Hertford regained possession and broke through the middle of the home defence. Good handling from Hertford saw us go over in the corner for an unconverted try. 0-5.

The next 30 minutes of the half saw Hertford, with the wind at their backs, dominate field position but Medway’s defence was sound and held firm. On 34 minutes Medway having got into the Hertford half conceded a penalty just outside Hertford’s 22m. The home side turned their backs and Hertford ran the ball and got behind Medway to finish a clinical execution of a tap penalty with a try. The try was converted for Hertford to lead 0-12. The last play of the half saw Medway break out and go through a number of phases in the opposition 22m. Good patience and ball retention was rewarded with a penalty for not rolling away in front of the Hertford posts. A successful kick saw Medway go into half time trailing 3-12.

The second half kicked off with the breeze at Medway’s back. With 3 minutes of the half gone and Hertford attacking just outside Medway’s 22, Medway turned over the ball and launched a superb clearance kick clearing the Hertford back 3 and winning a 50-22 line out throw. Medway executed a set piece strike to go over out wide for an unconverted try. 8-12.

Medway had their tails up and with their supporters getting behind the team attacked from the re-start. On 53 minutes Medway won a penalty at the scrum. After a couple of phases and good hands Medway went over for a second try. Adding the conversion put Medway in the lead for the first time at 15-12. Hertford came back and put some good phases of play together forcing Medway to defend for prolonged periods.
Eventually though Hertford won a penalty in front of the Medway posts. Having gone to the catch and drive options earlier in the game and been thwarted they took the points to level the game at 15-15.

Hertford looked to retain possession and attack from deep to try and win the game. Medway in their efforts to keep them at bay saw them reduced to 14 men. Despite being down to 14 men Medway kept Hertford at bay. Just as Medway were about to return to their full complement Medway received a further yellow card.

The last 20 minutes of the game would see Medway play with 14 men only. Hertford continued to keep ball in hand and stretch the depleted Medway side. Medway defended well cleared their lines but Hertford kept coming back seeking the victory. With just two minutes left on the clock Hertford once again had possession and were attacking when Medway forced the ball loose at the breakdown and re-gathered. A couple of phases saw Hertford's defence out of position and Medway streaked away to score the wining try (unconverted) with the last play of the game.