Chi take the points home

On the other hand, Chichester's record was showing an average of 24 points per away fixture, this game was played out true to form as the final score shows.

Lets not take anything away from the Chi team, who took to the park and produced a performance worthy of the win, just!

This was bound to be a close game, given the home and away performance record of both XVs, and at half time with the scores level at 5-5 there was all to play for.

Jack Bentall had been the outstanding player of the first forty minutes as he tried to keep Chi on the front foot.

A push-over try which followed fifteen minutes of early pressure was just reward for the lively number eight, but unfortunately the conversion kick didn't match these efforts of the forwards.

At 0-5 and the breeze in their backs along with the lowering sun that was playing into the eyes of the home defence, one would have expected more from the visitors.

Several counter attacks from the home XV went unrewarded until the pack looked likely to get one of the trade mark drive overs. When the referee indicated that a penalty was to come, Forsyth peeled off the back to feed Montgomery.

A miss pass movement of the ball made room for Ashley Moorey to gather and race across the line to level.

Half time came and there was little margin of advantage that could be given to either side, although with the wind advantage, should it hold up, should have favoured the home side.

So close was the attention of the players to their opposition that a penalty for Gs just four minute in to the second period was perhaps typical of the game, but Gs now led 8-5.

A lack of attention to ball retention from Gs allowed the lively Bentall to gain his second touch down but full back Henry Ashcombe was again off target from the tee, but it still edged Chi in front at 8-10.

Very little time was being allowed for the tackled player to release the ball, before a penalty call was made, but it appeared that the tackler was not being penalised for not rolling away and often this prevented the player from releasing the ball.

Gs were beginning to take the initiative and the play to their visitors, and at last this paid off when Ziggy Stevens powered over for a well deserved try.

George Montgomery stepped forward to add the points from the tee to put Gs back in front at 15-10.

As so often happens, a lack of concentration following a score, leads to one coming from the opposition and it was perhaps just reward for his efforts throughout the game that saw centre Arron Lowe cross and touch down the first of his decisive two tries.

15-17 and Gs were chasing the game but still with thirty minutes left.

Gravesend's forwards were performing as is always expected, winning their own ball and competing well for the visitors, but it was not until sixty-five minutes had been played before they re-took the lead as Montgomery slotted over a penalty for 18-17.

A dour battle ensued for the remainder of the game and with three minutes on the clock, it was again the twinkle toes of the elusive Lowe, in his orange footwear that stepped between the tackle to put the ball down for the winning score.

Credit must be given to the thirty players on the park for producing an entertaining spectacle for the three hundred plus crowd of spectators.

With a huge turn out at the traditional "Captains Day" Lunch, it was no surprise that the 'predict the score' had some very close predictions, but none were spot on. The consolation prize of £75 was shared by three of Richard Hooper's guests, Messrs Allen, Brown and Clarke, all of whom had just a point difference either way.