Medway celebrate their title success Picture: Peter Still

Medway secured the Kent 1 title with a 28-14 victory over Cranbrook on Saturday.

It was Medway’s third successive title and promotion, marking a rapid rise through the Kent League.

Coach Taff Gwilliam said: “Despite the recent injury crisis, we have come through and thoroughly deserved our success.

“In a 22-game season, only the best team can finish top. Everyone at the club has worked hard and deserves to share in the success.”

A big crowd at Priestfields saw Medway emerge victorious from a must win game against their mid-table visitors.

With a victory for fellow title-chasers Old Gravesendians in the final round of matches, nothing less than a win was needed, as their challengers for the championship had a superior points difference.

Nerves were eased for Medway when Glen Wadsworth struck two penalties. The first try of the match came on the half-hour when sharp handling from Wadsworth and Simon Green allowed Rob Ellis a run at the line and he grounded an unconverted try.

On the stroke of half-time Medway added a second try when Ellis scored in the corner and Wadsworth converted to give his side an 18-point cushion.

Medway had a great start to the second half Kevin Kimble crashed over and another conversion took the lead to 25-0.

Cranbrook weren’t dead and buried though, and they stormed back into the match with two converted tries just before the hour mark. Only good defensive work from Roger Rhynheart denied Cranbrook a third try and with 10 minutes left Medway made sure of victory with a drop goal from Wadsworth.