Battersea Ironsides 14 - Gravesend 33

Gravesend produced a superb second half performance to come from 14-0 down at Half Time at Battersea Ironsides which while mathematically does not secure a play off spot puts them firmly in pole position.

The first half saw Gravesend guilty of over playing in key area of the pitch which allowed Battersea to take advantage and score a breakaway try followed by a well worked move.   On the two occasions when Gravesend got close to the line they made poor decisions and coughed the ball up on both occasions.  With the slight slope in their favour Gravesend knew that they had to up their game if they were to remain in the driving seat.

The second half started in perfect fashion for the visitors as Rocky Sims capitalised on a fumble from the kick off.  This set the tone and it was not long before the excellent Chris Brady crossed the line and with Josh Barnes adding the extras the scores were level.

Battersea’s discipline started to wane under the constant pressure that Gravesend were putting on them and when one high tackle too many resulted in a yellow card Gravesend were soon to capitalise.  The rolling maul was proving particularly effective and Stan Dadson was on hand to score.   10 minutes later Samraj Chahal was the beneficiary and dived over from close range.   With kicking duties passed to George Bruce he made no mistake and opened a 26-14 lead for Gravesend. 

Worse was for to come for Battersea when straight from the kickoff they received their fourth yellow card of the afternoon for a high tackle on Chris Brady.  With the ball dispatched down the slope and forwards now in rampant form  it was no surprise when Les Falefatu completed a fine afternoon barging his was across the line and taking the score to 31-14 to Gravesend, with the conversion adding the extra 2 points

Next week Gravesend play bottom club Old Reigatians before the Easter break. 

Match report - Mark Bruce

Photos - JP72Photography