Old Reigatian 26 Medway 5: Regional 2 South East match report

Medway returned from their first-ever meeting with Old Reigatian with just a single try for their efforts after a 26-5 defeat in Regional 2 South East.

The visitors kept their opponents in check early on, huge hits from Medway prop Zeki Yesilmen broke up the hosts’ flow and they were denied more territory through the defensive work of flanker Jonah Hyde, No.8 Dan Jackson and lock Seru Solomoni.

However that changed after 15 minutes of intense pressure. A clever kick by the Reigatian fly-half encouraged a good chase and some slick handling produced a try in the corner.

Medway’s response was swift and five minutes of continuous possession saw player-of-the-match Jack Johnson link up with centre Max Bullock and winger Connor Chalmers, who scored out wide for 5-5.

The Old Boys, making the most of their pace, retook the lead when they engaged their opponents’ defence before a well-taken, converted try for 12-5.

Two more tries in eight minutes followed to leave the visitors trailing by 21 points at the break, and although they dug deep to stop any more breaches Medway could not add to their tally.

The closest they came was when replacements Harry Campbell, Sean Marriott and debutant Joseph Byrne combined, but the latter was stopped short and despite the referee penalising the hosts, Medway could not cross the line.

Eighth-placed Medway are back in league action on December 2 at home to Battersea Ironsides.