‘It all comes together’

‘It all comes together’

Gravesend travelled to Chobham for the final game of the season and were met with fierce sunshine and fierce opposition. Fantastic conditions promised a day of running rugby and the spectators were no disappointed. The hosts got off to a strong start and were pressed hard in defence, with Gravesend requiring to scramble defensively on numerous occasions. Penalties conceded in their own half resulted in 3 points for Chobham, but Gravesend responded in kind through the boot of Betts. Both sides looked to play expansive rugby but neither seemed to be able to break down the other’s defence, with special note to Temi Okenla for some fantastic covering tackles.

With Cameron Barbour and Manbo Mann playing their final games for the black and whites, emotions were kept in check as Gravesend held Chobham to a 6-3 lead going into the second half. Gravesend soon found their rhythm and with some quick ruck ball and Brad Smith supplying backs quick ball they were soon able to exert pressure and begin racking up the points. The scrummage, led by Semps, Cutting and Lewis, tore through the opposition on numerous occasions and this, coupled with the experienced bench of Sox, Ziggy and Tony ‘sparkle’ Nolan resulted in second half tries for Chris’ The Real Slim’ Brady, Brad Smith, Cameron Barbour, Geoff Marshall and Marc ‘The Bludgeoner’ Klus.

This was a mature performance and Gravesend were able to ride out the storm from Chobham several times and full credit to the hosts who never gave up with some spirited offence and defence. When asked about the game, skipper Bird commented ‘The team were immense today, we have been promising a good performance and I believe we have brought that. Led by Colonel Frampton at 10 we were able to produce the goods. Bring on the beer’.