30 March 2008
The Medway under-14s travelled to Maidstone Rugby Club on Sunday 30th March and played a very tough match in both rain/sunny conditions against the local Derby side.An earlier encounter in the season had resulted in a 12-all draw (at Medway) and the Medway under-14s “Cougars” were seeking some spoils.
The first half was played in the rain and Medway were attacking using the slope and Maidstone failed to break out of their half for the first 15 minutes. Despite constant pressure and possession Medway failed to cross the Maidstone line and the Maidstone defence must be congratulated for their stoic performance. Captain Matthew drove into the heart of the Maidstone defence from his position at centre and the forwards’, most notably newcomer Jack and ever present second row forward Alex M, continued to batter the Maidstone line.
The closest Medway came in the first 15 minutes to scoring was when Charlie received a pass from scrum half Lewis M and then went on a jinking run to be hauled down once again by the Maidstone defence desperately short of the line.
Maidstone then rallied in the last 5 minutes of the first half drove and spread the ball wide scoring a very well taken try which was converted, meaning that the half time score was Maidstone 7 Medway Cougars 0.
Animated half time discussions took place and the Medway team responded. Full back Aaron took the resultant kick-off and returned the ball plus interest, quick ruck ball was then flashed through the backs to Luke who scored a first class try and converted it himself to make the score 7 all.
With time running out Medway almost tried too hard and 3 try scoring opportunities were knocked on despite the overlap having been created. Up then stepped prolific try scorer this season Sam C who received the ball after a well worked phase including Captain Fergus where Sam C out paced the defence on the right wing to ensure a very close Medway victory from which both clubs should take heart, Maidstone 7 points Medway under-14 Cougars 12 points.
The next training session will be on Tuesday 8th April at 6.45 at Priestfields, the Cougars then play Vigo away on Sunday 6th April, all are welcome.
