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Medway 32 Sutton & Epsom 31: Regional 2 South East match report

Medway showed tremendous powers of recovery to overturn a 26-point deficit and beat Sutton & Epsom 32-31 in Regional 2 South East.

The match between the sides fourth and fifth in the standings began after a minute’s silence to honour Medway's groundsman and former 1st XV player Mel Collins, who passed away last week having been part of the club for 60 years.

Medway's Harry Campbell is stopped in his tracks on Saturday. Picture: Jake Miles Sports Photography
Medway's Harry Campbell is stopped in his tracks on Saturday. Picture: Jake Miles Sports Photography

Medway got off to a rocky start with Sutton getting early points on the board. The ball made it out to the wing after an early scrum and Sutton dashed 40 metres down the pitch and over the whitewash. The extras were missed, but the visitors continued to look a threat.

Sutton's second try came from a lineout, caught by their full-back who ran through the middle and under the posts. The conversion made it 12-0 in the away side’s favour. and their next two tries came in quick succession.

Firstly, they stole the ball from Medway and chipped ahead before scoring. Then an impressive crossfield kick was caught over the try line and the receiver crashed to the ground for a 26-point lead.

John Sipawa on the charge for Medway against Sutton & Epsom. Picture: Jake Miles Sports Photography
John Sipawa on the charge for Medway against Sutton & Epsom. Picture: Jake Miles Sports Photography

The hosts started the comeback just before half-time with man-of-the-match Jack Nickalls’ first try of the season after several phases and they scored the first try of the second half, too, with John Sipawa touching down.

The gap closed further with Jamie Ford’s penalty making it 26-15, and he was accurate from the tee again after Noah Hyde’s try to leave the hosts just four points in arrears.

When Medway won a penalty in their 22 in front of the posts they opted for a scrum. Max Bullock was tackled but the ball found its way to Ford who scored for 27 unanswered points.

Medway celebrate Dan Jackson's try against Sutton & Epsom. Picture: Jake Miles Sports Photography
Medway celebrate Dan Jackson's try against Sutton & Epsom. Picture: Jake Miles Sports Photography

The final try from Medway came from Dan Jackson, who pushed through the Sutton defence before going over under the posts .

Sutton had the final say with a try in the corner, but a missed conversion kept Medway a point ahead until the final whistle.

Medway play their rescheduled match at home to eighth-placed Old Reigatian on Saturday.

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