By Mark Bruce

Gravesend’s poor Regional 2 South East form continued with a 33-7 defeat at Old Alleynians - their fifth league loss in a row.

The match was in doubt right up until kick-off. Overnight rain made the ground extremely heavy, while a strong breeze when the action got under way meant Gravesend struggled to make any real headway getting out of their own half.

Their defence began well, though, with player-of-the-match Chris Brady particularly effective.

However, some poor discipline from Gs saw them penalised time and again. From three of these, Old Alleynians used the wind to kick for goal and when they didn’t they managed to collect a lineout and drive over from close range.

With the slope and wind advantage in their favour, anything less than a 20-point half-time deficit would be a good result. It was almost better when Gravesend shipped the ball out wide - only for Andrew Cooke to be held up over the line.

Still, a 16-0 interval deficit left the away side in confident mood and they started the second half with intent. But despite good pressure, they were unable to convert their chances while they also gave away several penalties which saw a yellow card for Samraj Chahal.

The Old Boys then played out the second half with ball in hand, scoring three more tries from driving mauls, while Gs could only reply with an interception try from Harry Tasker to leave them with nine defeats from 12 games.

Gravesend, in 11th, are in derby action this weekend when they welcome fifth-placed Medway for their last game of 2023.