Medway gave Regional 2 South East leaders Beckenham a run for their money, with only a last-minute try consigning them to a 31-24 defeat.

Not only were league points at stake, but the Jim Kennedy Trophy, in honour of a former player of both clubs, was also up for grabs.

The hosts made a bright start, centre Max Bullock collecting a pass from captain Antony Clement and breaking clear for an impressive solo try in the first five minutes. Fly-half Owen Church-Mills added the extras.

Beckenham responded immediately and attacked with solid phases, but they could not contain Medway scrum-half Ben Dance, who fed a pass to lock Jordan Stubbington and he used all of his 6ft 5in reach to score a second try. Again Church-Mills scored from the tee.

The away side showed why they top the standings, though, with the game’s next score. Big carries deep into Medway’s defence created the overlap and Beckenham touched down in the corner. They missed the extras while Medway were unlucky to hit the upright post having won a heard-earned penalty.

Undeterred, the hosts kicked for position and executed a near-perfect lineout allowing a catch-and-drive with flanker Dan Jackson imperious and hooker Josh Knight crashing over for Medway’s third try. Once more Chruch-Mills added another two points.

The visitors upped their game in the second half and scored the first try with a brilliant solo effort by their winger. The conversion was missed but they then held the numerical advantage after a yellow card for the home team.

The tide turned when Medway lost three players to injury within a five-minute period. Beckenham took advantage with another well-taken try and the extras to move within four points. Medway’s player-of-the-match, flanker Jonah Hyde, pulled his side back into the contest with herculean tackling and carrying while Knight and Sean Marriott made try-saving tackles and No.8 Todd Johnson put in plenty of work to keep the pacesetters at bay.

A rare trip into the Beckenham half was rewarded with a penalty from Bullock to extend the gap to seven. However, a second yellow card left Medway on the back foot again and a pushover try levelled the scores before a converted try in the final minute secured victory.

Medway, in sixth, travel to fifth-placed Old Reigatian on Saturday.