Bourne to Win!!

On a damp blustery day Gravesend came out on top in a thoroughly enjoyable encounter with Sittingbourne at the Rectory Field. Things could have turned out so different as earlier in the week it looked like we were going to field a full strength side then due to some last minute injuries to Christian B, Jonny H and Harry N meant some hasty re-arranging had to be done.

Playing up the steeper of the slopes in the first half Gravesend came out of the blocks well. Indeed but for a bit of luck G's almost got off the mark when George B charged down an attempted clearance and unfortunately could not take the loose ball. George left the field injured to be replaced by Tyler O. Despite some good tight work it was Sittingbourne who opened up the scoring when their large outside centre made one of a number of marauding runs, fended off some weak tackles and ran the ball in.

G's then started to show some good forward runs with Ben W, Levon B and George Bo all taking the ball at the opposition. There were a number of infringements from the Sittingbourne players as they defended their line and from one of these it was Levon that managed to barge his way over to score for Gs. Zac converted easily and the first half ended 7-7 with neither side having a real claim to being on top.

The second half started more of less in the way the first finished with both side battling for possession the middle of the park. The front row of Tommy, Mide and Samraj were slowly getting on top and as a result a steady supply of good clean ball was coming the way of the Gravesend backs. On two or three occasions G's were guilt of poor execution with first a 4 on 1 overlap being wasted and then the drop of the season saw them fail to score.

Just when it looked like these lapse may be costly another fine move saw Zac F (who had stepped up from the U13s) take the ball and cross the line. George Br who had returned from the sidelines stepped up and knocked the ball over. As Gs introduced a number of new players it was difficult to see if this lack of continuity was going to pose a problem. Instead all those lads that came on did fantastic with good runs from Jamie C, lineout take and drive from Luke T and a solid start in the pack for Charlie P on his debut.

Instead of disrupting the team the changes and fresh legs started to take their toll and Sittingbourne started to look the more tired of the teams and in the final quarter were penned back. The backs then had their opportunity and it was no surprise to see Zac F crash over again after quick ball was sent out wide. The final try from Taylor (who rounded off a fine career at Gravesend) was arguably the pick of the bunch. Ball was moved quickly from the base of the scrum, went through three or four pairs of hands, Josh W-F cut back in and the ball was recycled to Taylor who scored near the corner.

As the whistle went G's celebrated a fine victory in a game that was played in a really good spirit. Sittingbourne played their part in a tough encounter and we look forward to the next meeting.