Sat 25 Oct 2025
Parkhouse show continues but forward grunt and defence ensures a great away win!
So this was the first ever meeting between these two sides, whose clubs seem to be on a similar trajectory in terms of attitude and rugby philosophy. The late arrival of the coach due to Brendan’s missing boots caused Letchworth diners to fear another North Walsham, but in fact it booted not, as the North Herts side ripped through the Men of Kent in a stunning first-half display, continuing on from the Shelford game last week. Considering the long trip and shortened time to prepare, this was impressive, as Medway are proud of their “fortress”, but this was well and truly breached, and their colours had come down by half-time.
The slanting rain fortunately desisted before kick-off as Letchworth had wind advantage for the first 40. However, Medway came away with the first points as a hanging ball was taken well by their gangly second row, who then set off for the try line. He was nearly brought down by Gibbs, but the ball was well offloaded for a try in the corner, which went unconverted.
However, this was very temporary as Letchworth moved up the field, spinning the ball wide, and man of the match Charlie Parkhouse fastened onto it for a great try in the corner. Skipper Josh Sharp, whose kicking was near faultless all day both out of hand and at the posts, converted this. Shortly after, a penalty to the corner saw the ball run loose, and Charlie Parkhouse again scooped it up, beating four men for a score under the posts to make it 5–14.
At this point, it was all Legends, but then Medway intercepted a wide ball outside and their winger headed for the line. Brendan Masume and his silver-winged boots nearly brought him down, but he had time to cross-kick for another try — the nearest they were to come to catching the visitors, who were rampant for the remainder of the half. Josh Parkhouse took a great restart, and several phases later, Josh Sharp had danced through to make it 12–19. More pressure from the visiting forwards, with Lewis, McGown, and Green all following pack leader Llewelyn Jones’ example, handed a try to effervescent hooker Tim Hughes for another score converted by Sharp.
Finally, amazing hands and Luke Mongston’s remarkable reverse pass at full tilt saw the flying Brendan feed equal speedster Chris Gibbs for the best try of the game. Sharp’s effort hit the posts. Although several chances went begging for the visitors in the next ten minutes, at the end of the half it was the Parkhouse brother show again. Charlie broke through and, seeing he was about to be tackled, grubber-kicked it for his brother to beat two men to the chase and dive over in the corner for a great score, making it 36–12 at half-time. Even the home support realised it was game over.
So, despite the second half being a bit like “after the Lord Mayor’s show”, there were still moments to savour as the visitors got to fifty points for a second week and Medway won a well-deserved bonus point. A lot of the game was in midfield, with Medway battling to get through but the Letchworth defence being more than a match for the newly promoted side. Again, Letchworth let some chances go begging before Sharp burst through, feeding Parkhouse, who handed the try to Josh Parkhouse. Medway scored a well-worked try and then another before the visitors pushed to the half-century with pack leader Llewelyn Jones crashing over and the immaculate Sharp adding the extras.
It must be said that the match was played in an excellent spirit, with no cards handed out and a referee who was sympathetic to letting the game flow, making it a great afternoon for all spectators — even the Medway ones and a few from local club Old Williamsonians, who were gracious in defeat.
After a rest week, another corker is expected at Legends Lane on the eighth of November, when the Seasiders of Westcliff come calling. There will be another gut-busting lunch beforehand, and all diners should contact Les Wilsher on 07827 373937.
