Medway remain second in London 1 South after an impressive 27-19 win at Chichester on Saturday.

The hosts sat third in the table and although early in the season, it was still a key game for both promotion contenders.

"We are delighted with the result," said Medway coach Taff Gwilliam.

"This is a very difficult place to come and get a win. Although early in the season, it was nonetheless an important victory."

Medway gave league debuts to Stewart Stockford and John Sipowa but it was the hosts who had the perfect start. A handling error from the kick-off gave Chichester great field position and after a couple of phases they scored a well-taken converted try.

Medway responded quickly when three minutes later Chichester were penalised for holding on in the ruck and Owen Church-Mills slotted the kick to make it 7-3.

The next half-hour was a tight-fought affair but Medway started to get on top. Their set-piece with Jack Nickalls, Bill Sandison and Maik Timmerman dominating their counterparts caused the home side problems and disrupted their platform.

On 31 minutes a penalty at the scrum saw Medway kick for field position. The lineout was won by Max Easton and three phases later the backs put Alfie Orris away. He was tackled short but good support saw Sam Garofalo on hand to take the offload and score under the posts, Church-Mills added the conversion.

With just a couple of minutes left in the half Medway went through several phases, Jordan Stubbington, Henry Kenny, Mo Pangarker, Stockford and Antony Clement all involved to provide space for Orris to get behind the home defence. As the cover converged, it was Church-Mills in support to receive the pass and score under the posts before converting to make it 17-7.

Referee Tony Hanks suffered a muscle injury early in the second half but fortunately another qualified referee from Chichester was on hand to ensure the game was completed.

The first score of the second half came on 57 minutes. Medway drove from a lineout but Chichester were adjudged to have collapsed the driving maul and Church-Mills made no mistake with the kick.

Chichester worked hard to get back into the game but the Medway defence held firm. Captain Tom Beaumont, Henry Kenny, Easton and Pangarker prominent.

The game was put beyond the reach of the home side on 70 minutes. Good ball from the lineout saw Medway attack deep into the Chichester half, winning a scrum.

The scrum platform was sound and saw Medway attack through Lewis Stimpson and Stubbington. When the ball was re-cycled, Orris was away in space but while he was tackled short of the line debutant Sipowa was on hand to take the offload and score under the posts. Church-Mills added the extras and Medway led 27-7.

To Chichester’s credit they never gave up. They showed great character and scored two late tries to narrow the gap to eight points but the day belonged to Medway.

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