Old Reigatians 19 - Gravesend RFC 52

Gravesend made it four on the spin with a fine 52-19 win on the road away at bottom club Old Reigatians.

Barely a minute on the clock and Josh Barnes opened the scoring with a scorching run from deep in his own half.  Any thoughts though that this was going to be a walk in the park were quickly dispelled as Reigatians hit back following a succession of moves. 

It wasn’t long though before Gravesend opened up after being awarded a penalty try and then further tries by Rocky Sims, Ben Hope and another by Barnes which secured the bonus point before half time.

Turning round at 31-7 and playing into a strong headwind and persistent rain it was no surprise that he hosts came back strongly.  Indeed they opened the scoring first in the second half before Gravesend regained some control.  Substitutions and an injury to Henry Falconer disrupted their rhythm but when Les Falefatu crashed over normal service was resumed. 

The try of the game arguably came next when Player of The Match Josh MacKenzie was on the end of a move which saw the ball pass through numerous phases of play involving forwards and backs.   Reigatians though did not lie down and for the next 20mins enjoyed their best spell of play with another 7 points being their reward. 

The final act saw Ben Stelfox take a difficult ball after some quick thinking by George Bruce to dot down and with the extras added by the trusty boot of Josh Barnes the bonus point win was secured. 

Next week Gravesend travel up the A2 to play Old Colfeians. 

Match report - Mark Bruce

Photographs - JP72Photography