Sunday 15 February 2009
Gillingham Anchorians 0 - Medway Cougars 36
Tries: Johnston, Fenton 2, Shears, Hardinges, Stewart
Con: Gowdy 2, Stone
Consistent poor weather since the New Year meant that this was the Cougars first fixture for a month and only their second this year. This was reflected at times with more than the usual handling errors and wayward passes. However, this did not stop our boys taking the spoils in an eagerly contested return game with Gillingham Anchorians. Medway kicked off with the final words of wisdom from their captain, Dan Stone, still fresh in their minds and immediately forced the Anchorians onto the back foot. The Anchorians full back cleared well under severe pressure but was injured in the process and had to leave the field of play. Anchorians re-grouped but a scrum on the 10 metre line was taken against the head by the Cougars and Jack Johnston, playing at eight, picked up and drove over for a great try from a well executed planned move. Luke Gowdy converted well from an awkward angle. Anchorians restarted and exerted pressure deep in Medway territory. However, a resultant scrum was again won against the head by Medway and Charlie Wardzynski cleared deep with the boot. Medway's simple game plan of using the forwards to clear out and win the ball whilst using the backs to take us up to the line was working well. Good hands by the backs well supported by the forwards got Medway to within a couple of metres of the line and Max Fenton was there to pick up and dive over for the second try of the game, again converted by Gowdy. The resultant re-start was again secured by the Cougars forwards and quick ball through the hands of the backs saw Adam Shears go over for a try out wide. The next re-start saw an almost identical play by Medway with the fowards securing the ball and the backs using their pace to gain valuable ground. This time Nick Hardinges was on hand to take the ball on from Shears before going over in the corner for another Cougars try. The forwards and backs were working well together and it was no surprise when a further phase of play saw Shears play Hardinges in again. This time, he was held up short of the line and some spirited Anchorian defence pushed Medway back five metres. However, the Cougars reworked the play and Fergus Stewart came out of the resulting maul with the ball before crashing over under the posts for a try converted by Stone. At half-time the score was 31-0 to Medway.
Those watching as the second half got under way may have feared a rout was on the cards but a re-worked game plan by the Anchorians kept the remainder of the game much closer. The Anchorians kicked off and were immediately in the faces of the Cougars. The Medway forwards always relish a good scrap and the game evolved into a number of personal battles amongst the forwards and both sets of coaches and parents should be proud of the brave display put on by the boys. A long kick forward by the Anchorians was covered by Hardinges who was immediately sacked by three Anchorian boys rushing up. However, when Medway did get it out to the backs they were held up twice just short of the line by some great Anchorian defence. Eventually though, the pressure told and another pick up and drive saw Fenton go over for his second try of the game. Later an excellent miss-move saw Wardzynski appear out on the wing but he was driven into touch inches short of the line. A Medway steal from the resultant line-out saw Gowdy held up over the line and the following scrum saw Gowdy again held up over the line for what was the last play of the match.
It was great to finally get a game of rugby on again after so much recent disappointment and we thank a very spirited Anchorians team for being superb hosts and we wish them well for the rest of the season. For the Cougars, the handling will improve once we get more match day practice and we can look forward to next Sunday's fixture at home to Cranbrook. A big thank you to Tom Brown, Aaron Thompson and Nick Hardinges who all put in an appearance for the Anchorians at some stage during the game.
(Match Report by Pat Nolan)
