Medway RFC Cougars

Sunday 12 September 2010

Dover 18 - Medway 26

Tries: Wardzynski, Irons, Whitnell, Gowdy

Con: Wardzynski (3)

Cougars Squad:

Welcome to the 2010/11 season which sees Medway Cougars (now under 17) joining the Kent RFU Plate League. With our first competitive fixture being away to Whitstable on 26 September in the East Kent Cup a hard fought match away to Dover was just what the doctor ordered.

Having lost a few key players from last season the side took on a slightly different shape for this opener, and from our 26 man squad, 19 players made the 42 mile trip to Dover. Liam Fitzpatrick took the captain's armband, leading by example from the middle of the pack with Ben Lazell, a very able voice, easily heard shouting instruction and encouragement to his team. Conor Chalmers stepped in at full back and played a solid game showing a very safe pair of hands and good brain and boot. And talking of boots it was refreshing to see Charlie Wardzynski take up where he left off last season with some inspired kicking and what some are already saying is the try of the season when he opened the Medway scoring. Welcome back also to Dominic French after injury kept him out of most of last season's games and indeed welcome back to all the players after their summer break.

The game kicked off in beautiful autumn sunshine and the first real move came from a scrum on half way which Wardzynski kicked clear to within 10 metres of the opposition's line. Medway's subsequent drive was stopped short with the first of what proved to be far too many conceded penalties both at the breakdowns and in open play. Something that needs serious attention from the squad as a whole if we are going to stand any chance of winning any honours this season. The next drive showed the strength of the pack driving Dover backwards with Fitzpatrick leading and ripping. This came to nothing though and shortly afterwards a penalty in front of the posts allowed Dover to take an early 3 point lead. They capitalised on this with a break from the kick off. A long kick into space where the race for the ball was won by Dover and a converted try put them 10-0 in front.

One of the great strengths of this Cougars squad though is to never give up and the next passage of play saw Dover soak up a lot of pressure. Highlights were some quick thinking and reactions from Lazell racing through to take a penalty which created a good chance. There was a fine break from Wardzynski with Alex Morgan following up. The pack put on some great shoves and there was a good break from Chalmers from full back, well supported by Sam Cornell. The Medway push finally got its reward when they were awarded a penalty on half way. Dover didn't retreat and Wardzynski took the retake quickly, chipped deftly over the Dover back line, nipped through to collect and sprint to the line for a magnificent score which he converted himself. Morgan took a fine catch from a Dover punt after the restart but the ball was lost in the breakdown and then Dover extended their lead to 13-7 kicking another penalty. Cougars continued to press through some great team work which ended with Fitzpatrick making ground and feeding Harrison Irons who drove over. Wardzynski converted and the half closed with a one point advantage to Medway, 13-14.

Three substitutions were brought on at the beginning of the second half including Tom Whitnell who soon made his presence felt with some penetrating runs through the Dover backs. Medway were moving the ball around well with the backs passing and recycling and the forwards working well together at the breakdowns. One kicked Dover clearance was taken brilliantly by Chalmers at pace but Dover got possession back and were awarded a penalty on their drive resulting in a kick which was only narrowly missed. Cougars continued to pressure though, a great pick and drive from Tom Brown who had been picking out the line out balls which were well placed by hooker George Simpson, made valuable yards. The next drive saw Whitnell power through the Dover back line and then wrestle with three Dover defenders on the line to win the try. Wardzynski converted again and Medway now led 13-21. Cougars continued to press and were using the backs to full advantage. French saw a gap and made good ground, Jake Christodoulou made some good breaks and Wardzynski narrowly missed a penalty from wide on the 22.

Play turned for a while with Dover pressing hard. During this period Cougars gave away penalty after penalty and were lucky not to concede a score. Frustration showed when Whitnell was red carded for a late tackle so Cougars really need to work on their discipline. Heads down a little, they allowed Dover to run the ball wide and score in the corner pulling the score back to 18-21. Great in character as ever though Medway showed the strength of their conviction and had the majority of the ball in the last 15 minutes with one fine ball down the backs feeding Luke Gowdy who nearly lost his shirt as he forced his way through to score in the corner. Wardzynski's conversion attempt was just wide and the game ended 18-26.

A good all round performance, a strong pack dominating the scrums, good movement in the backs and a solid Chalmers performance saw him just pip the man of the match award from Wardzynski who was there or there abouts with some great kicking and a thoroughly brilliant first try of the season.

(Match Report by Pete Cornell)

Paul's Pictures