Medway were unable to hold their narrow first-half lead in an opening-day 18-12 defeat at Old Tiffinians in Regional 2 South East.

The hosts got the game’s first points with an early penalty, but Medway hit back when captain Antony Clement and Max Bullock combined before player of the day John Sipawa touched down in the corner to celebrate 50 caps in Medway 1st colours in style.

Tiffs responded with some solid and frenetic phases but away lock forward Pete Cole stretched his whole 6ft6in frame to intercept a pass, run 40m and touch down. Harrison Fermor added the extras, but that was as good as it got for Medway.

A Tiffinians penalty reduced the deficit to six points and the hosts’ third left them trailing by just three at the break.

The sides were level when a deemed late Medway tackle led to another penalty and a yellow card for the away team. Tiffinians made it four from four and, 10 minutes later, with the visitors back to 15 players, another penalty, plus a further yellow card for the visitors, saw the hosts lead by three.

Medway’s front five of Deji Oyesola, Josh Knight, Harry Campbell, Jordan Stubbington and Cole tackled and carried ceaselessly as they tried to respond, while debutant scrum-half Harry Johnson almost went over but was bundled into touch.

Connor Chalmers stopped a certain try with a last-gasp tackle, but another yellow card for Medway was followed by another three Tiffinians points from the tee.

Medway welcome Dartfordians on Saturday.