Gravesend ran out of steam as they lost 29-12 at National League 3 London and South East high-fliers Hertford on Saturday.

The visitors enjoyed the better first half, leading 12-9 after tries by Sox Stevens and Terry Papworth, but couldn’t maintain their good form after the break.

Hertford had struck first with a penalty by Rob Richardson, but Stevens’ touchdown, Dave Dorton’s conversion and Papworth’s score gave them the edge at the interval.

That was as good as it got, however, as Graves failed to add to their tally in the second half with Dorton’s penalty miss and a chance for Harris, whose momentum took his foot over the touchline, the closest they came.

Gravesend face a tough final game before the Christmas break on Saturday when league leaders Dorking visit.