Disappointing loss to Medway

Hove vs. Medway (H)
After a three week break for Christmas and New Year, Hove returned to action against run away league leaders Medway at the Rec. Hove’s form was very good before the break and so optimism of a scalp was high in camp.

Rob Biggs kicked off deep into Medway territory, but this was returned with interest into Hove’s half. Hooker Pat Andrews found Morgan Griffin at the front of the lineout and the Hove backs went about breaking down Medway through Martin Macdonald in the centres. After a spell of Medway pressure in the Hove half, Hove as they have done all season looked to run the ball from their own 22, however a loose pass was picked up by the Medway centre and he found a supporting runner to go underneath the sticks. The conversion was true and Hove trailed 0-7.

Medway continued to attack and after Sam Whiting was penalised at the breakdown, he failed to retreat the necessary 10 metres and was given ten minutes in the bin. The resultant penalty was knocked over; 0-10. Hove’s 14 soon became 13 as Will Walker was adjudged to have deliberately knocked the ball on and prevented a try so joined captain Whiting in the bin. The penalty was kicked to the corner and the Medway forwards crashed over and with the successful conversion extended Medway’s lead to 17 points.

Hove defended well in the next 15 minutes with their numerical disadvantage and Phil Dugard had a shot at goal just sail wide. Once their full contingent returned they went about breaking Medway down. Ryan Morlen made a good break, however his offload to Sam Whiting didn’t quite stick and the opportunity was lost. Back came Hove and strong carries from Ian Saunders and Rob Ward gave Hove territory. A quick tap penalty in midfield was moved wide and good hands from the tight forwards allowed Sam Whiting to gallop in from 30m into the corner. Dugard’s conversion drifted wide, but Hove were on the board 5-17.

Tries just before and after half time put the game to bed however as lapses in defensive concentration allowed Medway to capitalise. The outside half converted one of these to leave Hove trailing 5-29.

Further tries in the second period extended Medway’s lead out to 5-41 and injuries to Whiting and Morlen didn’t help Hove’s cause. Hove also has Rob Biggs sent to the sin bin for backchat to the referee. Hove continued to batter the Medway gain line and Declan Peake’s impact off the bench was certainly felt (unlike Tom Lemahaute), but continued pressure was met by good covering defensive and Medway held out.

Credit to Medway who are a strong, well drilled outfit and will return to London 1 South with some ease.

Hove: Wallace, Andrews, Shergold , Saunders, Mohan, Knott, Ward, Griffin, Biggs, Dugard, Walker, Macdonald, Morlen, Garrish, Whiting © Subs: van Gelderen, Peake and Lemahaute