Medway's final away game of the Regional 1 South East season ended in disappointment after a 19-7 loss at Hertford.

The club last week announced the appointment of Ricky Reeves as their new head coach, but couldn't celebrate his arrival with a win despite a closely-fought contest.

Hertford, in need of two points to retain their status Regional 1 South East status, began the match with energy and determination and the home spectators were quickly cheering a well-taken try in the corner that passed through most of the backs' hands. The conversion gave the hosts a 7-0 lead.

Medway thought they hit back when Conor Chalmers gathered a crossfield kick and raced over the line. The referee, however, called offside.

The positive work from Medway continued, but the final pass or catch wouldn't stick. Hertford then delivered a training-ground lineout move from which their full-back scored the second, unconverted try.

In the second half Medway's stronger scrum started to produce some quality possession and Max Bullock outpaced and dummied his way over the line and the extras were converted, but despite 20 minutes remaining that was as good as it got for the away side. Instead, a spell of pressure from Hertford produced a further converted try.

Medway end their league campaign at home to Tunbridge Wells on Saturday.