Final League Game of the Season
Gravesend’s Regional 2 South East campaign concluded how it began with defeat against Battersea Ironsides although unlike the first encounter a single point was all that separated the teams despite being at opposite end of the table.
With Ironsides, who lead the league for much of the season, still in the running for the title they were backed by a large and vociferous away support. Despite that it was Gravesend who were playing with the strong and gusty wind at their backs that started the stronger. A couple of penalties from Josh Smith was the topped by a fine try by Chris Brady. Catching a high kick he then rode 3 challenges before scampering in for the only try of the first half. 11-3 at half-time.
The second half barrage did come from the Ironsides who with Alleynians leading at Medway knew they needed the bonus point try Despite some frenetic defending the tries did come although the bonus point try proved elusive. Playing into the wind it was Gravesend who finished the stronger and further kick from Josh Smith and a try by Stand Dadson set up a nail biting finish. Ultimately it was not to be and the score finished 22-21 to Battersea Ironsides.
This game epitomised the season for Gravesend by being so close yet not enough to take the points. Next week sees the commencement of the Papa Johns Communith Shield where Gravesend host Dagenham in the first round.
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