By Mark Bruce

Gravesend’s 25-23 Regional 2 South East defeat to Reeds Weybridge was the third home game in a row where the opposition edged victory despite finishing the weaker team.

As in previous contests, unnecessary penalties from a position of dominance ensured the opposition were allowed to clear their lines or come away and score.

Having conceded an early try, the dominant forward pack of Gravesend took only five minutes to drive the ball over from close range, with Matt Hewitt scoring. Reeds extended their lead, though, following a good kick and chase.

Back came Gravesend and following another strong passage of play Rocky Sims went over for what is surely the first of many tries for the club. The sides turned round with Gravesend five points behind in torrential conditions, but they soon trailed by just two and it was game on.

What had been a strong wind in their faces in the first half died down as the rain stopped and the greasy ball and soft conditions made any continuity difficult. It was no surprise that it took some time for for the next score and it was the opposition who managed it, adding an easy conversion to lead 25-16.

Gravesend, as is their want, seem to find an extra gear in the last 10 minutes and had good passage of play which went unrewarded until Stan Dadson - outstanding all afternoon - cut a line and scored under the posts allowing man-of-the-match George Bruce to knock over the kick.

There was still time for a restart but any hope quickly disappeared when, as in the games against Old Reigatian and Medway before, Gravesend were unable to keep hold of the ball.

Ninth in the standings, Gravesend visit leaders Beckenham on Saturday.