Two tries for Maddie Smith, and one each for Izzy Van der Straaten, Gracie Lonergan and Orla Hannant-Clune ensured the girls left Kent with their heads held high.

Great teamwork and determination from Sophie Edwards, India Tierney, Phoebe Austin and player of the match Betsy Beak-Jackson saw Manor put early pressure on the Medway line, with Smith capitalising through an impressive drive after five minutes.

Manor's advantage was short-lived, as Medway levelled two minutes later, with the referee giving the benefit of the doubt as the ball appeared to be dropped over the line.

Manor quickly got back on the attack, with a brilliant run from Sasha Flack, who was eventually forced into touch near the half way line.

Medway were still battling, but Van der Straaten ripped the ball on the 5 yard line and brilliant pressure from her enabled Smith to cross the line for the second time.

Crunching tackles and fierce determination were the order of the day, with brave stops from Olivia Davidowska and Lizzie Dillon. But the Manor girls were unable to stop Medway's powerhouse player who eventually burst through to make it 2-2.

Manor were determined to restore their lead before half time, with a fantastic effort from Edwards really opening up the play and sheer power from Van der Straaten who threw herself over the line to make it 3-2 at the break.

The second half saw Manor playing up the hill. Medway took advantage of the slope to equalise for the third time. Manor stuck with it, with Elisabeth Woods making good ground and offloading superbly near the touch line. Despite Medway pressure, a piece of luck saw the ball break to Lonergan who touched down to grab back the lead. But Medway weren't done, retaliating straight away to level 4-4.

Medway had the wind in their sails now, and took the lead for the first time with a fifth try. The Manor girls dug deep and with a brilliantly worked final play, Hannant-Clune powered over the line to make it 5-5.

At the end of a bruising game, the girls had left nothing on the pitch. They go into next weekend's Eton Manor Festival looking a tough side to beat.

Eton Manor RFC

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