By Colin Whiteley
Thanet Wanderers RUFC 30 – 20 Medway RFC 2s
There were first starts for Dominick Springer at tight head prop and Finley Hickmott at six. Ben Cannon started at number 8 and Dennis Davies was back in the second row. Henry Mirams returned to play in the centre with Callum Doody filling the fullback spot. Wanderers started the match in second place in Kent 2 with Medway in fifth place.
The morning’s rain had gone leaving a pleasant afternoon and a good playing surface as Wanderers kicked off up the slope. Left wing, Harrison Quittenden used his exceptional speed to chase and then leap above the visitors’ defence to secure possession and set Wanderers on the front foot. Pressure was maintained and Thanet’s pack was unstoppable with Mike Whitehead claiming the touchdown within a couple of minutes.
Back surged Medway and on five minutes, despite a superb tackle from Doody, their forwards were celebrating a converted try and a 7-5 lead. Cannon was clearly enjoying his No 8 role and on nine minutes there was no stopping him as he sped over after some quality handling in the build-up.
The 10-7 lead was short-lived as three minutes later Medway’s kicker slotted a penalty from near the home ten metre line. Wanderers were showing great enterprise in attack but over ambition saw opportunities missed. Medway went ahead with a straightforward penalty after 27 minutes.
With around five minutes of the half remaining, a quality build-up from Thanet followed by a lovely combination between Lewis Downer and Ben Cannon ended with the number 8 weaving through for his second try. There was no conversion but Wanderers led 15-13 at the break.
Wanderers again made a fast start to a half when Cannon picked-up near the line and tacked his way across the field before touching down near the posts for a try to complete a brilliant hat-trick. Downer’s conversion made it 22-13. Andrew Dolan had joined from the bench at half time but soon returned there following a yellow card. Downer now converted a penalty to stretch the home advantage to 25-13.
Louis Marshall was on the wing and spotted a gap before dodging and speeding his way to the line for a fine individual try to give Thanet a 30-13 lead with half an hour remaining. The visitors reduced the margin by seven points with 15 minutes remaining to raise their hopes of bonus points. Thanet’s defence stayed strong and Adam Harrison’s long clearances were of great value. Downer took a knock and was replaced by Charlie Panteli home from Uni for the weekend. A very kickable penalty opportunity was not taken in favour of a set move but there was no further score and Wanderers took the win 30-20.
Lots of quality performances throughout the side, so there were many candidates for Thanet coaches as their man of the match. It was a joint award to outside centre, Henry Mirams and his wing partner, Louis Marshall who combined so well in attack and defence. Next week the team travels to Dulwich in South London to take on Old Alleynians who are currently in fifth place having won three and lost three. Wanderers remain unbeaten in second place having won five and drawn one of their six games.
