Medway were left to rue several missed opportunities after a 10-6 defeat at Sidcup in Regional 1 South East.

Taff Gwilliam's side had numerous chances to rescue a result in the second half but the home defence kept their line intact.

Gwilliam blamed his side's poor composure with the try-line in sight but had praise for Sidcup's resolve.

He said: “This is obviously a disappointing result as we had several chances to win the game.

"Our poor skill execution and lack of patience, combined with a quality defence from Sidcup, resulted in the loss.

“I cannot fault the effort and intensity of the boys. They worked hard and the bonus point may prove crucial in the long run.”

It was not until the 23rd minute that the scoreboard was troubled.

Medway had a scrum on their own 22 and Jordan Stubbington broke and gained ground. However, the support were deemed guilty of sealing off and Sidcup kicked the resultant penalty to lead 3-0.

On 27 minutes Conor Chalmers kicked behind the home cover but, as he raced for the ball and the line, he was taken out, reducing Sidcup to 14 men.

Medway kicked for the corner but Sidcup turned the ball over and looked to exit. Good defence in midfield from Medway earned a penalty at the breakdown and Daniel Harvey levelled the scores.

The second half began with Medway having the advantage of the breeze and when the home side came in at the side of a ruck Harvey was on target from the tee for a 6-3 lead.

The advantage did not last long, and when Medway were penalised at a scrum Sidcup evaded two tackles to touch down for a converted score. Medway then found themselves down to 14 men when Stubbington was penalised for coming in the side of a Sidcup catch-and-drive lineout.

Maik Timmerman replaced Richard Petch and Lewis Stimpson came on when Stubbington's yellow card expired and strong carries towards the Sidcup line created several opportunities, but none were taken as the game ended in frustrating fashion for the visitors.

Medway, now second-from-bottom in the table, host second-from-top Sudbury on Saturday.