The first match of 2022 wasn’t exactly lit up by bright sunlight

That being said, Thanet Wanderers turned up to Rectory Field and play began with both sides slipping and sliding in the soggy conditions. Thanet had the majority of the ball and earned a penalty with just 5 and a half minutes on the clock, but two minutes later it was Ziggy who crossed the line with the first try of the match. The score was just 5-3 to the home side with less than 10 minutes gone.

The lead changed hands again after Thanet Wanderers were awarded another penalty and took the points to make their lead just one point at 6-5 to the visitors.

Gravesend were playing well with lots of possession and an ability to move the ball up the pitch, but Thanet secured turnover ball. However, Gravesend stole the resulting lineout and managed to come out of a tricky situation with their heads up.

On the half-hour mark, a Thanet Wanderer was sent to the sin bin for back chat.

Gravesend showed promise yet again but gave away a penalty for accidental offside just as they looked likely to score. After two Gravesend penalties kicked to touch, Tom Bird looked as if he had scored, but the referee changed his mind after awarding the try and instead gave Thanet Wanderers the penalty.

Half time came and went with the hosts still just trailing by one point at 5-6.

It didn’t take long before Gravesend’s forwards got a push on the drive and took the ball over the line to take a slender lead once more: 10-6.

For much of the second half, the play was mostly in the middle of the field with the ball not really going anywhere and both sides making handling errors due to the weather. However, Gravesend’s players did look secure under the high ball for most of the match.

Thanet Wanderers managed to find some space on 65 minutes and scored a try, with the conversion, to regain the lead and create a 3-point lead at 13-10. But, as seemed to be the norm for this match, it wasn’t long before Gravesend fought back with another try of their own and took the score to 15-13 on 73 minutes.

It looked as if it was shaping up to be a nervy finish but Gravesend were in the right place to push to widen the gap. After lots of play in the top corner of the field and Gravesend looking to be applying the pressure, they lost the ball and Thanet Wanderers were awarded a penalty to get them out of trouble.

With the clock showing 89 minutes the referee called an end to the match as the ball went into touch and Gravesend earned themselves a hard fought win in very tough conditions.

Match Report written by Fran Holmes