Gravesend 12 Sutton & Epsom 17

On a wet and windy afternoon Gravesend succumbed to their second defeat on the trot as the visitors managed the conditions far better. 

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With a growing injury list Gravesend started the game playing into the elements with a hastily reshuffled back line.   As expected Sutton set about their task with gusto and despite a relatively even first 10 minutes were first on the board with a converted try.  Gravesend to their credit bounces straight back when the returning Ben Hope galloped away to score outside.   

With the conversion missed it was real backs to the wall stuff with Gravesend holding out for the rest of the half with some heroic tackling all round with the Player of the Match Brad Money ably assisted by Les Falefatu and Gary Brett on his 50th cap all making outstanding contributions.

7-5 down at half time and a gale at their backs Gravesend only need to play in the opposition half to come away with points.  Unfortunately, from the kick off Gravesend failed to clear and were caught with the ball to give Sutton another scrum, an area in which they were dominant all afternoon.

When Gravesend did get the ball they failed to use it and following a try awarded to the visitors started to lose a lot of shape, which given the changes were inevitable.  Sutton on the other hand had a centre Freddie Bunting who had an off day from the floor kicked wisely from hand to keep Gravesend under pressure.  It was therefore no surprise when Sutton scored again on 56mins. 

Gravesend were forced to go uncontested in the scrum due to injuries with props and this deprived Sutton of a valuable foothold.  From then on Gravesend got the upper hand and looked to have scored when Fili Laqerabeta drove over and the referee awarded the try only to change his mind after the Sutton defence got under the ball. 

Gravesend did not give up and scored with the final play of the game when Money picked up and darted over the line from close range.  Rhys Betts converted to give the home side a valuable bonus point. 

With other results around them Gravesend dropped to 4th in the table although they are now only 3points behind the leaders. 

Next week Gravesend are away at 8th placed Bromley.