Medway scored three tries but lost their Regional 1 South East clash 33-15 to Westcombe Park.

The league leaders were always in control at Priestfields but although the defeat was Medway's second successive loss, coach Taff Gwilliam was encouraged by what he saw.

He said: "Westcombe Park are a good, well-organised side and deserved to win.

"That said, I was really pleased with the improvement in our performance and this will provide the belief for the boys that they can compete at this level successfully.”

Two early penalties against the hosts and a couple of missed tackles saw the visitors score a converted try with just two minutes on the clock.

They extended their advantage on 13 minutes. Medway were defending deep in their half when a loose clearance kick provided Westcombe with the space to counter attack and their left-winger went over in the corner.

As the half progressed Medway started to find their way into the game. They retained possession and with the scrummage going well exerted some pressure of their own. However, kicking opportunities at goal and touch went begging and scrum-half Cullen Daly was forced to temporarily leave the field due to a blood injury.

Despite losing him for 10 minutes Medway continued to press and two minutes before the break strong scrummaging allowed the home side to go wide and Max Bullock crashed over.

The touchdown, however, seemed to spur Westcombe on and they added a third try, which was converted, in the final play of the half. They scored first in the second half, too, after Medway conceded a penalty, and added the extras for a 26-5 lead.

Medway were boosted by a man-advantage when a high tackle on Antony Clement was deemed worthy of a yellow card and good counter-attack work from Tom Beaumont and Daly saw Lewis Stimpson drive over.

A penalty on 60 minutes led to another Medway try. After teammates gained good ground, Daly and Jack Cohen combined to put the outside backs away with Alfie Orris crossing the whitewash.

However Park had the final say after Medway lost possession on their own line, driving over to score and finish with the conversion.

Medway travel to Sidcup on Saturday.