Gravesend bounced back from their 44-22 defeat at Cobham to beat Sidcup 26-14 in Regional 2 South East.

Two years ago it was two Divisions that separated these clubs but the early exchanges showed this was going to be a much closer affair. Gravesend started strongly taking the ball into contact and making some inroads into the Sidcup defence. Two early penalties from the boot of Betts was their only reward and as the half wore on the bigger Sidcup side started to get into their stride. On the half hour mark ill discipline and backchat cost Gs dearly and Sidcup drew level after a couple of penalties of their own.

Gravesend managed to breach the Sidcup defence as half time approached when player of the match, Matt Hewitt, who was relentless all afternoon received the ball after good work from the forward to crash over and give Gravesend a 11-6 lead. There was still time for Sidcup to respond with a penalty to make it 11-9 at half time.

Playing into the wind in the second half Gs opted against kicking the ball away. On 45 mins Sidcup received a yellow card for collapsing the maul and Gravesend responded by trying another maul with this time Chahal being the beneficiary and taking the ball over. Either extras converted score moved to 18-9.

Gravesend now had the upper hand and following some slick hands Andrew Cooke scored the third try of the afternoon to extend the lead. Betts extended the lead courtesy of another penalty going into the last 10 mins. Gravesend then received a yellow before Sidcup scored with what was almost the last play of the game. Final score Gravesend 26 Sidcup 14. It’s a rest week next week before Gravesend seek to continue this form as they travel to London Cornish on 14th October.

Match Report - Gravesend RFC Chairman - Mr Mark Bruce