Medway's search for an away win this season continues - but they went close at Harpenden losing 22-20 in Regional 1 South East.

The visitors recovered from the home side's fast start to lead 20-17 with 13 minutes left and although Harpenden retook the advantage, only a late missed penalty from long range denied the away side.

Coach Taff Gwilliam said: “[It's] a very frustrating loss, especially having taken the lead despite the early setbacks.

"We are improving but the reality is we now need wins to secure our place in the league. The work goes on.”

Harpenden began and as Medway looked to clear their lines Max Bullock’s kick was charged down, with the try converted.

Medway replied through their scrum - a feature of their play all afternoon - which provided the platform for Jordan Stubbington to break and power over out wide. The conversion, however, was missed.

On 17 minutes Harpenden stretched their lead. A penalty saw Medway forced to defend a catch-and-drive effort in the corner. This they did successfully, however a number of pick-and-drives later Harpenden drove over for an unconverted try.

The visitors thought they had scored in 22nd minute with a brilliant effort from Alfie Orris - only to be denied by the touch judge’s flag. They did, however, narrow the gap before half-time with a Jack Cohen penalty.

Just as in the first half, the second began with an early Harpenden try. A few missed tackles allowed them to get up the middle and crash over for the unconverted score.

Medway were boosted by a yellow card for their opponents after a deliberate knock-on and capitalised when Billy Sandison connected with Max Easton in the lineout and Bullock kicked through for Cohen to regather and score.

From another attack Medway got up to the Harpenden line. A last-ditch tackle prevented the score but a penalty was then conceded. More penalties and yellow card saw a penalty try for the away side, giving them a 20-17 lead with 13 minutes to play.

Harpenden fought back and managed to win a penalty for a breakdown infringement. They kicked for the corner and a well-executed catch-and-drive saw them score out wide. The conversion was missed - as was Medway's late penalty, to the relief of the home side.

Tenth-placed Medway host Bedford Athletic, in seventh, on Saturday.