Medway RFC Cougars

Sunday 3 April 2011

Medway 14 Thurrock 17

Tries: Simpson, Whitnell

Con: Gowdy 2

Cougars Squad:

Despite the return of '95 percent' Stone, 'Flag Face' Morgan and the 'Ginger Peril' Gowdy, the Cougars were still suffering a big injury list as sixteen men true and strong took on our good friends from Thurock who had made the trip to Priestfields for this friendly fixture. Missing 'Laces' Marriott it was left to 'Marvin' Stone and 'TAF' Simpson to lead the team for this game. A new approach was adopted and there was no talk of rugby as the side, having warmed up, chilled in the changing room before the game. The weather was nice enough but there the pleasantries ended as both sides entered into a niggly affair, arguing every decision and giving the referee constant verbal. Itr turned out to be a difficult game for 'Sir Fat' Pat to referee.

The game got underway and Medway got off to a blistering start making good use of their forward power. The opening five minutes saw the Cougars starve Thurrock of possession and they got their just reward when the forwards went through several phases to tee 'Gorgeous' Simpson up at the back of a ruck. He picked up and went blind to crash over for the opening try, expertly converted by the 'GP'. At the restart Medway's fowards were all over Thurrock again but the ball was spilt, went loose, and Thurrock were back in the game as the ball went through the hands for a well worked backs try, which was converted. That was to be the order of the day as Medway dominated up front but Thurrock had the hands and gas in the backs. The game continued and another well worked backs move saw Thurrock gain another try, this time unconverted. The rest of the half saw Medway dominate possession and territory but Thurrock looking strong when their backs did get some possession. Medway troubled the Thurrock line on a number of occasions while Thurrock broke with pace and caused Medway trouble. On more than one occasion 'Flag Face' and 'New Boy' Nebbs were called on to make last gasp covering tackles to keep Thurrock out. Medway were unlucky towards the end of the half as another strong drive took them just short of the Thurrock line and although they managed to ground the ball and claim the try, the referee saw it as a double movement and the try was not given. So the score remained at 7-12 to Thurrock.

The two teams took to the field for the second half and the game continued in the same way. Medway powered forward early on but it was Thurrock who scored the next points, claiming another loose ball that they fed through the backs again to run in another unconverted try. That seemed to be the end of Thurrock's attacking intentions as they set about protecting their lead. Medway continued to dominate and their majority posession and territory led to another session inside Thurrock's 22 metres. The forwards drove from a line out fifteen metres out. Thurrock couldn't stop them, despite a number of attempts to bring the maul down, and Medway were at and then over the line. Shouts went up and it was 'Never Surrender' Whitnell who dropped to the floor and grounded the ball. Another conversion by 'GP' and Medway were right back in it at 14-17. From the restart Medway drove again before spreading the ball out wide to the left via '95 percent', 'Chatterbox' Wardzynski, and the 'Baby Faced Assassin' Chalmers. As the backs got stalled 15 metres out the forwards took over again and the 'Thespian' Fitzpatrick, supported by the rest of the pack, drove Medway forward once more. Desperation set in for Thurrock and two infringements at the maul saw Medway awarded a penalty slightly left of the posts fifteen metres out. A quick look at the time told Medway that this was going to be the last play of the game. The Cougars gathered and discussed the situation, a successful kick through the posts would have gained them the draw. However, showing true Cougar spirit they decided to tap and go for the try and the win. They moved the ball right and taking the contact set up the ruck with numbers left for a good scoring opportunity. However, Thurrock had other plans counter rucking like demons driving Medway off the ball. Knowing Thurrock would kill the ball, Medway desperately tried to get the ball back but were penalised for coming in from the side, which brought an end to the game, Thurrock winning 14-17.

So, not the best game we've seen between these two sides but a good spectacle all the same. Medway came close to ending that losing streak but Thurrock dug deep and held out in the end. All the players fought hard and put in real good stints, led well by their captain the 'Thespian'. Man of the match though goes to an unsong heroe who played his heart out and was instrumental in keeping the pack and the team going forward. That player is the 'Care Bear' himself, Harrison Irons. Well played Harrison.

(Scribe, 'Sir Fat' Pat Nolan)

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