Medway moved into pole position in the race for the Regional 2 South East title with a 32-29 win over Beckenham.

As well as moving two points clear of their opponents with two games to play, Medway regained the Jim Kennedy Cup - the trophy played for between the sides in tribute to former Medway supporter Jim Kennedy, brother of Beckenham stalwart Steve Kennedy.

There was an early setback for the hosts when captain Antony Clement had to go off with an ankle injury and, shortly after, Beckenham’s prop broke through with the conversion making it 7-0.

Medway’s Max Bullock made a break which came to nothing, but when the hosts were awarded a penalty they took it quickly with Jonah Hyde getting the ball down and the extras making it 7-7.

Beckenham were reduced to 14 men and a penalty shortly afterwards put Medway in front, the kick true between the posts, but despite more home pressure, Beckenham intercepted a pass and moved rapidly down the pitch and over the line with the conversion making it 14-10.

Noah Hyde joined his brother on the scoresheet after a clever dummy, with Jamie Ford scoring the conversion, but the try scorer’s celebrations were shortlived when a tip tackle resulted in a yellow card, the third of the game.

The second half began in frantic fashion with Beckenham the first to score. Medway failed to release and Beckenham’s No.9 took a quick tap before, a few phases later, they got over the line to lead by four points.

Ben Dance helped Medway hit back, setting up Noah Hyde who repeated his dummy move for another try and a 24-21 advantage, but Beckenham keep pushing and took the lead again with an unconverted try before extending it with a penalty.

Medway weren’t finished and another quick penalty on the five ended with a try for winger Conor Chalmers, levelling the contest. The conversion went wide of target but a penalty 10m out was in range and Ford held his nerve for victory - and control of the title race.

With a free week this weekend Medway return to action at fourth-place Battersea Ironside on March 22.