12 November 2006
Medway had too much firepower for Upminster on Sunday, as another fine team performance produced tries regularly through the first half. Medway dominated the loose and produced quick ball for the backs to exploit.
Stewart intercepts and runs in
Just two minutes into the game a tap penalty in their own half and a couple of quick passes wide exposed a weak defence on the flank for Richard Verrall to run in under the posts.
Two minutes later a break and an expert dummy by Stewart Stockford made room for Jamie Chapman to score. Richard Verrall got his second after more rapid passing though the back line.
Stewart then anticipated and intercepted a pass and ran in under the posts. Aman Gill converted all four tries and Medway were 28-0 up after less than ten minutes.
Upminster fought back though and it wasn't long before a tap penalty five metres from Medway's line allowed their flanker to crash through for a try that was converted.
It was a short-lived revival though as Medway struck back with two more tries before half-time. More quick ball from a ruck gave Stewart a little space, and an audacious cross-field kick was perfectly weighted for Jamie to seize and go into the corner.
Gav does his stuff
Then Gavin Hyder got the pack on the scoreboard with a powerful run from a pick and go.
A score of 38-7 gave coach Tony Ellis the chance to experiment by switching a few players into unfamiliar positions for the second half.
It took a while for Medway to settle and Upminster came out with renewed resolve. Their forward play and tackling improved and it was 15 minutes before Stewart Stockford ran in Medway's seventh try and converted it himself.
Simon avoids the touchline for
his first Medway try
A long passing movement from wing to wing gave Ryan Williams the chance to score his first try for the team which Stockford again converted.
Before the end fine support play by hooker Simon Brooks was rewarded as he scored his first try for the club, but only after an anxious wait while the referee checked that he had not put a foot in touch.
It is a testament to the way this team is coached and the way they play that Simon became the 16th player to score a try this season after only six games.
