Medway’s first meeting against Reeds Weybridge went to plan as the visitors edged Saturday’s Regional 2 South East game 17-14.

The Surrey pitch offered a steep slope said to be worth 10 points and Medway, after losing the toss, had the advantage first.

They started well and pressure from fly-half Jack Johnson and lock Jordan Stubbington forced Reeds to stray offside. Full-back Owen Church-Mills converted the resulting penalty, but when Medway, too, transgressed the hosts drew level.

Reeds began to explore the wide channels where both of their pacy wingers caused Ricky Reeves’ side problems and 10 minutes of high pressure produced a classy try in the corner. Another penalty conceded by the visitors gave Reeds an eight-point lead before the turnaround.

The home side adopted a kick-and-chase strategy in the second half and were unfortunate not to score with a brilliant run by their quickest man who touched down immediately after the ball went out of play. They were on target with an impressive drop goal from distance, though, and Medway now trailed by 11 points.

The visitors got a lift when Reeds went down to 14 after a yellow card and then good work from player-of-the-match Max Bullock created space for winger Sean Marriott to run in his side’s first try. Church-Mills did the rest from the tee and the gap was down to four points.

Medway went ahead when hooker Joshua Knight threw a perfect lineout that allowed Johnson to find space with Bullock finishing off the away team’s best attacking move of the match. Once more Church-Mills added the extras for a three-point lead with five minutes left.

There then followed nine minutes of extra time where the hosts won three penalties. Reeds opted for the scrum each time, rather than kick for the draw, but the Medway defence held firm for an impressive win on the road.

On Saturday Medway, in fourth, host table-topping Beckenham.