Cobham RFC 24 - Gravesend RFC 48

Gravesend picked up where they left off last season with a fine win away from home against newly promoted Cobham. 

• 

• 

• 

The result does not tell the full story as Gravesend were made to work hard for the win and a combination of individual errors and poor discipline by the Gs keeping the match in the balance for 60 minutes.

After weathering the early storm Gravesend scored with their first two visits to the opposition half with Josh Barnes and Ben Hope taking advantage of some fine interplay by the back line and poor defence by the home side. 

Scores were then traded and the home side were lucky not to be down to 14 men after collapsing the maul and probably only saved by Gary Brett adding to the score to give Gravesend a 19-14 lead as we approached half time.   Two yellow cards in quick succession for Rhys Betts (tip tackle) and Stan Dadson (high tackle) gave the home side numerical advantage and real impetus. 

Gravesend can out for the second half and were guilty of being asleep to allow Cobham to score and take the lead.  A succession of penalties against the scrum kept the pressure on but just when it looked like Gravesend would not hold three quick tries in five minutes by Andrew Cooke, Josh Barnes and Harvey Deane too what was a tight game out of Cobham’s reach. 

Gravesend then assumed control of the match winning key collisions and forcing errors in the home side.  Josh Barnes scored another fine solo try  and when Ben Hope rounded off the scoring Gravesend had built a commanding lead which they then saw out for the win. 

Next week Gravesend are at home to Hammersmith & Fulham.