The first fixture of the season for the newly promoted Gs kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday 6 September when Gravesend play host to first time visitors Bury St. Edmunds.

Many of you will know that one or two players have moved away from the club to play where there are financial benefits on offer that do not fit in with the ethos of Gravesend. We never-the less thank them all for their help in getting Gs back to SSE National Division 3.

Those of you who are regulars at Rectory Field will see that we have a newly appointed Head Coach, in the shape of Chris Wilkins, Kent Coach and DOR at Whitgift School.

There will be many of the familiar names on the team sheet, and several welcome additions to our senior squad, who we hope will work to maintain our place at National level for seasons to come.

The "Saturday Lunch", which has been a great tradition at Gravesend, continues at every 1st XV home fixture and with a steady 15:00 kick-off throughout the season, thanks to the new floodlights, that have been put up during the summer, we are ensured of a great pre-match meal.

For the uninitiated, you need to pre-book with Neil/Donna by Thursday to ensure a place for a two course lunch which is all for a reasonable price. Telephone 01474534840 or 07711567286