Gravesend RFC 57 - Battersea Ironsides 15

Gravesend made hay in front of a large and vocal crowd to deliver arguable their best performance of the season and run out 57-15 winners against Battersea Ironsides.

Having been on the receiving end in recent encounters between the sides Gravesend knew they had to put in a performance to get the win to keep them at the right end of the table.

What unfurled was an entertaining affair despite the heavy conditions and blustery wind.   After an early score from a sniping run by scrum half Ned Warren, Battersea had their best spell which saw them score out wide. 

The backs started to play and with good ball secured it was not long before Gravesend started to make their dominance up front count.  Andrew Cooke, Rocky Sims and hat-trick hero Ben Hope  all added to the first half tally.  With the trusty boot of full back Josh Barnes the scored turned round 28-10. 

What could have been a testy half had Battersea scored first was over in a clinical 10 minute spell when firstly Rhys Betts, then Zac Filmer and a brace by Man of the Match Ben Hope put the result beyond all doubt. 

The visitors did not give up though and scored a fine try following some slick passing and a miss move out wide allowing the winger to touch down.

It was left to Barnes to seal the victory with the final kick of the game and ensure Gravesend started looking up rather than down the table. 

Next week Gravesend are away at Old Reigatians.

Match Report - Mark Bruce

Photos - JP72Photography