CS Stags 1863 30 Medway 7: Regional 1 South East match report

Medway failed to build on their opening-day win after a 30-7 Regional 1 South East defeat at CS Stags 1863.

It took the hosts just five minutes to open the scoring with a penalty and they added 27 more points, Jack Cohen claiming Medway's sole try.

"We were second-best today," Medway coach Taff Gwilliam conceded.

"CS deserved to win and gave us a valuable insight in what is needed to survive at this level.”

Stags led following a breakdown infringement by Medway in front of their posts and on 10 minutes they went further in front.

Medway broke the home line but a lack of support saw the ball turned over and it was moved to CS' left-winger. He rounded the defence to score an unconverted try.

With 28 minutes on the clock Medway's task became even harder. They looked to clear from their own 22 but failed to find touch and CS counter-attacked. Good handling, aided by missed tackles, saw space created out wide and Medway conceded another unconverted try.

Two minutes later hooker Ross Cooley was adjudged to have deliberately knocked the ball on and was sent to the sin-bin, but, despite the disadvantage, Medway managed to prevent any further scoring before the turnaround.

With the visitors restored to their full complement they came out for the second half with added intent and the first five minutes saw Medway retain possession well.

As they went through the phases Tom Beaumont broke the home defensive line and carried deep into the half. He fed John Sipowa, who in turn ran well to put Cohen away for his third try of the season.

Medway added the extras to reduce the deficit to six points and a spell of dominance followed. However the visitors were unable to make it pay and, instead, CS looked the sharper side as the game