Gravesend, black and white, battle against Hertford. Picture: Andy Payton

Gravesend remain one place above the National 3 London & South East relegation zone after a 24-20 home defeat by Hertford on Saturday.

Chris Meddings cancelled out an early penalty before converting an Adam Bishop try as Gs opened up a 10-3 lead.

The visitors responded with a penalty and a try but another Meddings penalty gave the hosts a 13-11 lead at half-time.

A penalty early in the second half saw Hertford edge in front but Gs hit back with Stuart Douglas crossing the line and Dave McMurtrie converting for a 20-14 lead.

But Gravesend couldn’t hold on to their advantage and a converted try and a penalty saw Hertford earn the points.