Medway suffered just their third defeat of the Regional 2 South East campaign with a 29-21 loss at Beckenham.

As well as points the Jim Kennedy Memorial Trophy - named in honour of the Medway and Beckenham member - was also up for grabs and, back in action after a free weekend, the away side showed no signs of rust when Harrison Fermor charged down a kick and scored the game’s first try in the corner.

His conversion put the visitors seven points ahead.

Beckenham then enjoyed several good phases and got the ball out wide, but the final pass let them down as Medway defended well.

The hosts finally broke through under the posts and a successful conversion made it honours even at 7-7.

Medway went back ahead with a penalty on the half hour, but Beckenham respond quickly, getting the ball to the flank off a set-piece, and crossed the line once again for a two-point advantage at the break.

A combative second half saw early yellow cards for both sides, but Medway’s task became harder when a third home score, plus conversion, left them nine points in arrears.

They hit back with a penalty before Max Bullock’s try after a break from the 50 yard line made it 19-18.

Beckenham saw yellow again and the visitors led by two following another three-pointer, but the scoreboard see-sawed once more with a home penalty while a final try and conversion secured victory.

Fourth-placed Medway are at home to leaders Battersea Ironsides on Saturday.