Lewis Stimpson scored a hat-trick as Medway ran out 33-19 winners at Battersea Ironsides in London 1 South.

With four wins from their previous five at home the hosts went into the game in a confident mood. The wind and rain added to the challenge for Taff Gwilliam's side, but they tamed the conditions to record their 16th win in 18 games, adding another bonus point to boot and moving a step closer to promotion.

Gwilliam said: "This is a real tough place to come and secure a win. Ironsides had had only one defeat in the last five games at home so we are delighted to have secured the win with a try bonus point."

Medway played with a strong wind at their backs in the first half and were soon on the front foot. Good field position well marshalled by fly-half Jack Johnson saw Max Bullock break the home defensive line, and quick ruck ball set Stimpson up to scamper home, with Johnson adding the extras.

Despite dominating field position, Medway found themselves level pegging when the ball was turned over cheaply and a quality kick chase led to a converted try for Ironsides.

On 25 minutes an excellent counter drive from the visitors, with Billy Sandison, Mike Timmerman and Richard Petch dominating their opposition, saw Medway win the turnover. Mo Pangarker, on his return to the 1st XV, picked up and beat several tacklers to score an excellent try with Johnson making it two from two at the tee.

Medway No.8 Jordan Stubbington's match ended early with a shoulder injury, but the setback didn't halt their momentum. And from a five-metre scrum Stimpson, having moved to No.8, showed good control at the base to secure the pushover try with Johnson again converting.

Battersea had the final say in the first half. From well-won turnover ball, consecutive penalties conceded by Medway saw Ironsides score with the extras reducing Gwilliam's side's advantage to seven points.

The second half was kicked off by Medway with the elements behind the hosts. The kick went loose and was recovered by Johnson before an excellent foray deep into the home half saw him create a two versus one. Bullock received the pass and finished well out wide for an unconverted try and the bonus point.

There then followed a spell of Battersea dominance without scoring and when Medway finally broke they drove deep into the home 22 where they were awarded a penalty. A strong driving scrum saw Stimpson show excellent ball control to secure his hat-trick of tries, with Johnson again adding the conversion.

The final points went the hosts' way, with more sustained pressure rewarded with a short-range uncovered try.

Medway are next in action at home to London Welsh on March 5.