Gravesend held up by Dorking on Saturday Picture: Andy Payton

A terrific first-half performance that saw Gravesend open up a sizeable lead went without reward as they lost 41-26 at home to high-flying Dorking on Saturday.

The visitors gave themselves hope with a converted try just before the break to reduce the deficit to 23-7 and were a different side in the second half, storming back to win comfortably and keep Gravesend in the National League 3 London and South East relegation zone.

Tries for Ross O'Loughlin, Jamie Forsyth and Adam Bishop plus eight points from the boot of Chris Meddings put Gravesend in charge at half-time.

Dorking narrowed the gap to four points within nine minutes of the restart before running through half-hearted tackles to pull clear.

Meddings, with a penalty, registered the hosts' only points of the second half.