Medway's five-match Regional 2 South East winning streak came to an end at Sutton & Epsom - but they didn't leave empty- handed thanks to a losing bonus point after finishing just four points behind at 22-18.

Sutton were awarded two penalties early in the game and they opted for the posts on the second, giving them a 3-0 lead, and although man of the match Max Bullock made a break soon after Sutton defended well and stopped him from touching down.

The home side returned the pressure but an impressive chase from Harrison Fermor stopped then from pulling further ahead - until the first 10 minutes ended with another successful penalty and a 6-0 advantage.

Soon after Medway had their first scrum but the play ended with yet another penalty to the hosts. The kicker made it 9-0 but the visitors hit back from the tee via Fermor to get on the scoreboard.

The game’s first try went the way of the hosts, who added the extras to lead 16-3, but Medway showed their intent in the second half when, after good work from Noah Hyde, John Sipawa on the wing made it past three Sutton players and into the corner.

The conversion was missed and in a double blow for Medway Sutton added another three points.

Medway were to win the try count, though, after the rapid Bullock set up Fermor for a second score and with moments to spare Bullock found a gap to make it over the line. In between, Sutton registered their fifth penalty, with Medway missing the extras after Bullock’s score.

The defeat leaves Medway fourth in the standings with their next match a trip to bottom-of-the-table Thurrock on November 9.