Sutton & Epsom 26 Gravesend 37

Gravesend secured a fine win on the road away at Sutton & Epsom with a display full of attacking intent. 

With usual second row Josh McKenzie absent and Matthew Bruce withdrawn before kick  off after being injured in the warm up and with fellow forwards Chris Shorter and Samraj Chahal being retiring hurt it was left to the returning Tom Bird to galvanise the troops in what could have been a rearguard action.

Despite this Gravesend started brightly and scored early on when Ned Warren dived over following good forward play.  Sutton responded well and scored two converted tries which did not bode well given the mounting injury list. 

Gravesend were having none of it though and a Ben Hope try after galloping over half the length of the pitch was the least Gravesend deserved.  With a Josh Barnes penalty bringing the first half to a close the scores were locked at 14-13 to the home side. 

Another Barnes penalty in the second half nudged Gravesend ahead before their real attacking intent was unleashed pouncing on unforced errors by the home team and some individual brilliance.   Josh Barnes was on hand to collect a skilful kick by Ben Kite and outsprint the home defence before some neat wide play allowed Ben Hope to pick up a pass and run around the Sutton defence.   

Gravesend’s defence and in particular the impressive Nathan Alderson held firm and Sutton did not really look like breaking it down.   It was no surprise then that after a coupled of barnstorming runs from Les Falefatu and Harry Brooker that Ben Stelfox was on hand to step inside and cross the line. 

A lack on concentration followed by two yellow cards allowed Sutton to get back into the game and secure a solitary bonus point by scoring late tries following some tidy forward work. 

This was an outstanding team performance and with a rest week next week plenty of time for injured players to return as Gravesend look to make a final push for the playoffs.

Gravesend’s next game is on 14 Februarywhen they are at home to Bromley.

Match Report - Mark Bruce

Photos - JP72Photography

Kind regards

James Percy

Gravesend RFC