Gravesend RFC 24 - Hammersmith & Fulham RFC 21

On a day of remembrance for ex Chairman & President Graham Haggar, Gravesend continued their unbeaten start to the season against Hammersmith & Fulham. 

After some early dominance Gravesend were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty try when George Bruce was tackled high as about to score.  They did not have to wait long though when from the resulting penalty Player of The Match Josh McKenzie dived over from close range. 

Forward dominance started to tell and Gravesend should have had two more tries but were guilty of players getting caught taking contact rather than passing out wide for what arguably would have been a walk in. 

On 30 minutes Josh Barnes did though find himself in space and made the most of it to extend the lead to 10-0.  The ‘Hammers’ resolute in defence all afternoon responded immediately having decided the best form of defence was attach and reduced the deficit to 10-7 at Half-Time

Shortly after half-time hooker Stan Dadson was the beneficiary of another fin driving maul and withe the conversion successful took the score to 17-7.  The Hammers were then reduce to 14 men for a yellow card for slowing the ball.  Gravesend failed to capitalise but did so on 63 mins when big Les Falefatu forced his was over to extend the lead to 24-7. 

Gravesend were penalised themselves for another high tackle and reduced to 14 men. This allowed the visitors to probe intently and stretch the home defence.  With 80 minutes on the pitch clock they scored to reduce the deficit and with the referee allowing plenty of extra time they even forced a try with the final play to return home with a deserved bonus point. 

On a warm day in front of a big crowd this was a result which Gravesend deserved but a bit like Cobham this side have more to offer.

Next week Gravesend visit last seasons runners up Brighton Blues.