It is rare for the pivotal moments that decide the outcome of a game come in the opening 20 minutes, but on this occasion there is a good argument to look at the defensive performance of the Havant side in the opening quarter as decisive.

Medway started the game like men possessed, they dominated possession and showed great control to play phase after phase of rugby taking the ball across the full width of the pitch several times.

As the phases mounted Havant's defensive organisation was incredible, rarely anything resembling a missed tackle and even more impressive the concentration to ensure no ruck was over competed and as the ball was moved the shape of the defence stayed immaculate.

Medway played good rugby but were just not making any headway. With Steve Cruddas leading the line the Medway attack was scythed down time after time. Across the whole team Havant's accuracy in the tackle was exceptional. Eventually Medway earned a penalty for their efforts but from a Havant perspective it was a moral victory.

Nineteen minutes in having weathered the initial storm. Havant started to gain an attacking foothold in the game. A scrum 25 metres out and the ball was moved by No8 Dan Munden to scrum-half, Jake Hewett who drew the defence and put winger James Wise away for a well worked try. Joel Knight stepped up to add the conversion.

Medway came back and added another penalty but within three minutes the visitors had extended their lead. From a ruck in the home 22 Jake Hewett broke and made a lovely darting, sideways run that held the defenders and caused enough doubt that when Jerome Trail hit back against the grain with a powerful run he went straight through to score.

Now it felt like it was all Havant and as they pressed hard again Skipper, Joel Knight, took the ball into the teeth of the Medway defence before dabbing a beautiful grubber through the line, Harry Carr nudged it on again and then won the race to the touch down. Knight added the conversion.

Havant added a penalty from the boot of Knight and at halftime the visitors had a 13 point lead.

Half-time: Medway 9 Havant 22

With the slope and the stiffening breeze in their favour the home side started the second half with real intent. Clever use of the slope kept Havant pinned in their own 22 and the visitors own mistakes were ensuring a ready supply of possession for Medway.

As the home side pressed they were looking to move the ball across the line when Joe Moore pounced on a loose pass and won the foot race from half-way to home to score Havant's bonus point try. Knight again adding the conversion.

Medway came again and after a sustained period of attack breached the Havant line for their first try as they piled over with a driven maul. The conversion was good and it was clear that the men from Kent fancied their chances.

A second try came within five minutes, this time a series of drives and the ball moved smartly across the line for a score wide on the right. Conversion good again and the gap was now only six points.

The last 14 minutes were an age for the Havant faithful who had made the long trip. Havant guilty of playing too much rugby and coiughing up easy possession. Medway desperate to claim the last score to take the game.

As the minutes ticked on it was the Havant defence again that held sway - just! When the final whistle went the celebrations indicated how tough the game had been and how important it might be in the context of the rest of the season.

Medway, as always, proved tough opponents, they just never stop playing. Havant showed the resolve and commitment in defence that has been a hallmark this season and also a cutting edge when they had the chance that was the difference between the two sides.

Havant move on to a home game against Dartfordians next week.

Havant Head Coach Will Knight,

"Well done to Medway, they are a credit to the club and to Taff. They never give up and have a game that will trouble a lot of side when they come here."

"I thought our defence was amazing today, we probably only had about 40% possession but we rarely lost our shape or organisation in D."

"We were a bit wasteful, at times, when we did have the ball but we still score 4 very good tries. In the second half I thin we were trying to play too much rugby up the hill and mistakes in execution that put us under pressure."

"The lads are clearly buzzing after a win like that and then to hear that Westcombe had been edged out by Camberley was the icing on the cake."

"As always we will learn from the game today and take the learning into the next match - Dartfordians."