Medway were left to rue wasted opportunities after a 23-16 Regional 1 South East defeat at home to Colchester.

Two first-half chances went begging which could have proved the difference and head coach Taff Gwilliam admitted the misses are proving costly.

“Colchester are a well balanced team with a dominant scrum and powerful runners off it," he said.

"We defended really well for long periods but failed to look after the ball when we had our own opportunities.

"We need to learn the lessons soon. We have the ability, but momentary lapses are killing us.”

In breezy conditions Medway played into the elements first and Colchester were soon on the front foot, controlling field position and pressing the hosts' line.

The first score did not occur until 20th minute when Medway were caught offside at the ruck and Colchester kicked the three points.

Medway then had two excellent chances to score against the run of play, but poor ball retention let them down. And with the Colchester scrum dominating, the visitors were soon on the offensive again.

In the 37th minute they won a penalty and went quick. Following a number of phases they moved the ball wide to score in the corner and the conversion left them 10-0 ahead.

Medway kicked off the second half with the breeze at their back but after attempting a quick throw-in they turned the ball over. Colchester won the ball from the scrum and good retention saw them score an unconverted try in the corner.

The hosts finally got on the scoreboard when good work by stand-in fly-half Max Bullock saw space created for Alfie Orris. He rounded the cover defence for a well-taken try and Jack Cohen added the extras.

Just three minutes later, though, Colchester won penalty and kicked into the corner. A catch and drive attempt on the Medway 5m was thwarted but two pick and go attempts later Colchester scored an unconverted try in the corner.

A Cohen penalty just after the hour narrowed the score to 20-10 and Cohen was again on target to get within seven points following good phase play from the forwards.

Any hopes of a Medway comeback however were dashed on 75 minutes when lock Henry Kenny was yellow carded for an offence in front of his own posts. The penalty was kicked to put Colchester 10 ahead again

The very last kick of the match saw Cohen convert his fourth penalty to secure the home side a valuable losing bonus point.

The loss leaves Medway ninth in the table ahead of Saturday's derby clash at Tunbridge Wells.