U15 Just Fall Short in the Monsoon.

This was the U15's first Kent Competition game of the year and having trained over the summer in the glorious weather the players and spectators alike were greeted with an absolute deluge of rain. Initially the Gravesend struggled to get to grip with these playing conditions and early handing errors allowed Old Elthamians to get on the front foot and within 20 minutes they were two tries ahead. The score remained 0-12 until the end of the first both with both sides tackling with intensity in defense preventing any further scores.

Gravesend started the second half and the pressure from the kick chase forced a fumble which the Gravesend 10 ( Josh Harris) hacked through winnng the race for the ball and using the wet conditions slid in from 2 meters out to score, a successful conversion (Fin Myers) made the score 7-12. Gravesend were next to score with a interception in the midfield by the Gravesend center (Marcus Sinden) who raced to the line, the extras were added (Fin Myers) making the score 14-12.

Old Elthamians were far from beaten and using their direct runners worked the way up the field with Gravesend giving away a number of penalties forced a score in the corner, this was unconverted making the score 14-17.

Gravesend responded and made their may back down the field and were awarded a penalty 10 meters out, they went for the tap and go and unfortunately in the slippery conditions the ball was spilled letting the pressure off Old Elthamians.

Old Elthamians responded working back up the field and added another try which was converted from out wide making the score 14-24.

This was the final score of the game, leaving Old Elthamians the winners.

Disappointment for Gravesend in this first game but they showed their ability and teamwork and is a great platform to work on for next weeks game away to Ash RFC.

Thanks and congratulations to both sides for a fantastic game of rugby in appalling conditions and thank you for all the supporters from both clubs that braved the monsoon conditions.