It was clear from the start that Thanet had a speedy centre who made a break up-field early on in the match. Gravesend tried to match them when Ziggy Stevens intercepted a pass and made a run for it, only to be brought back for offside. Thanet took the opportunity to open the scoring and lead 0-3.
Against the run of play, Matt Bruce crossed the whitewash shortly after Thanet took the first points and the conversion made it 7-3 with just ten minutes played. This seemed to ignite the fire within Gravesend’s spirit for a while and, ten minutes after the first try, Matt Brady showed his quick wheels when he went over for the team’s second. The added extras extended the lead with the score now at 14-3.
A passage of sloppy ball ensued, which was frustrating to see amongst an otherwise good looking Gravesend team. The pack showed strength against the head with a promising drive, but Thanet took the ball quickly and ran with it, gaining substantial ground. The Thanet centre, obviously put out by the fact that Gravesend had runners (almost) as quick as him, wanted to showcase his own skills and scored Thanet’s first try, which was converted and cut the lead to a slender three points. Thanet were on the front foot for the remainder of the half, a missed penalty attempt for them kept the score at 14-10 at half-time.
The second half kicked off with Thanet putting the ball straight into Stevens’ hands. Swapping possession a couple of times, Gravesend’s attack looked strong when they had the ball, but Thanet’s defence seemed to match them. George Corrigan was judged to have been held up over the line, which disappointed many that were convinced he was over. Again, Gravesend were fighting hard and a steal of the opposition’s lineout certainly got everyone’s spirits up. Thanet’s backs were quick and strong and Gravesend’s sloppy handling errors were not helping build the score. However, fortunately for them, Thanet were making just as many errors as they tired towards the end of the match and tries from both Charlie Cutting and Matt Hewitt - one converted, one not - sealed yet another victory for the boys in black and white, with excellent pressure from Gravesend to secure the ball for both try scorers. Final score, 26-10.
Saturday 12th October see's Gravesend 1st XV take on Wanstead in the First round of the RFU Intermediate Cup at Home - 3pm Kick Off