Good start to the new campaign

The blend of debutantes and experienced players proved that with a clear channel from scrum half to fly half, Gss have the ability to move the ball to the backs to complement the platform set by the pack.
Three tries plus one that went unseen by the referee, and possibly more if the ball had moved wider more quickly, set the scene for what promises to be a lively season.
A little light weight in the pack, but this did not prevent excellent performances from a stable front row, that produced two tries, a tight pair at lock, and a back three that dominated the loose.
Brad Smith at nine, continued where he left off last season, and gelled with the returning Dave Dorton whose work commitments kept him out of the running last year. It was the latter's kicking that put the first points on the board for Gravesend as he slotted over a penalty on eleven minutes to pull Gss back into the game after they fell 0-7 down from an early serge from the visitors.
Having been caught up in the mayhem of the counties roads, the late arriving visitors, Chobham, were the quickest to settle and caught Gss with a cover that was too narrow, which allowed the speedy Josh Devitt to run in a try after just six minutes, with the added conversion from the boot of fly half Alec Thomson.
Gss responded well, and it was pressure from the hard working forwards that forced the visitors to concede a penalty, which Dave Dorton duly slotted between the posts to reduce the arrears.
Just four minutes later and a driving Gravesend maul was being held back by the larger/heavier Chobham pack but as it seemed to come to a stop, the joining in of the backs added the momentum that took Adam Kitt over for Gss first try and his first on his debut for the senior team.
Dorton's conversion added the two extras that raised the score to 10-7.
The only part of the Gss game that didn't fire to its best was the line out, but given time we know that the jumping capabilities of Newman and Bird will get this off the ground.
The play was in the visitors territory for much of the half, despite them enjoying considerable assistance from a strong northerly breeze, and they used this to clear their line on numerous occasions.
With yet another onslaught of the line stopped short, Gss recycled well and it was another front row, hooker Terry Papworth, back in the squad after three seasons in the 3rd XV, that crossed for the touch down. The wind took the conversion attempt past the posts but Gss were moving ahead at 15-7.
Chobham's well drilled back line had proved a threat with ball in hand, but Gss defence stood firm to most of their attacks, but on the thirtieth minute, the visitors captain, Tony Paul, created the space to outwit the defence and run round for their second of the afternoon. Unsuccessful kick, but the difference was narrowed to 15-12.
This purple patch for the visitors continued through the last ten minutes and a second run in for Josh Devitt took Chobham back into the lead 15-17 but on forty minutes on the clock a second penalty from the boot of Dorton restored the advantage 18-17 at the interval.
What we have seen from this young Gravesend side, who had stepped in to replace the NINE close season departures, was the promise of an entertaining season. The returning of Charlie Cutting (two seasons injured) Terry Papworth, Dave Dorton who all played to their strengths, and last seasons remainers, skipper Tom Bird, Temi Okenla, Cameron Barbour, Geoff Marshall, Tom Goss and James Newman all brought the experience that can support the players who took to the field.
Every one of the new/occasional starters equited themselves well, Smith outstanding at scum half, Betts at full back and the defensive play of the speedy Brady on the wing, Kitt in the front row and Lewis at six, along with the replacements who all had time on the park. Skinner, Semphill and Frampton helps to build confidence for the coming season.
With the wind at their backs, Gss were quick to counter from the drop out. It was Barbour, looking more like Wurzel Gummage, who opened the scoring after the break, his strong runs in the centre saw him power his way over for a well deserved try, to which Dorton added the extras for 25-17.
There was much toing and froing as Chobham continued to press for the bonus point try, but they were coming up against a solid Gss defence that kept their line secure.
Chances were missed by both XVs, and it was the more disciplined performance by Gss that help them through the third period.
With the penalty count rising for the visitors, Dorton added a third kick to increase Gss advantage 28-17.
Several times Gss failed to move the ball wide when there was a choice of speed outside, and these must count as chances missed. When Tom Goss chipped through just outside the twenty-two, the chase appeared to be won as two Gravesend players were first to the ball. The referee who was unsighted felt he could not award the bonus point try and brought play back for the scrummage having deemed the ball to have been kicked dead.
Disappointment for the player who touched down, but again the enterprise of the experienced Goss and the speed and support play of the young players in the chase adds promise for the future.
A fourth successful penalty kick from the boot of Dorton for 31-17 was the last score of the day, but Chobham continued to look a fourth try of their own to take a bonus point home, but to no avail.
Next week Gravesend travel to local rivals, Sidcup (4th last year), who are never an easy team to play as they always seem to be able to produce one of the biggest packs in the competition.
Team: Rhys Betts, Temi Okenla, Tom Goss, Cameron Barbour, Chris Brady, Dave Dorton, Brad Smith, Tom Bird, Geoff Marshall, Zac Lewis, James Newman, Matt Hewitt, Adam Kitt, Terry Papworth, Charlie Cutting, bench James Semphill, Matt Skinner, Ashley Frampton.