An improved second-half showing was not enough for Gravesend, who lost 22-17 at Staines in National League 3 London & South East.

The home side opened their account with an early drop goal, and increased their advantage with two penalties.

Gravesend hit back when they won possession from an opposition throw and drove towards the line where Staines were caught offside. With the ball recycled through several moves, scrum-half Jon Clement finished the phase with a well-taken try by the posts which Sam Hall converted for 9-7.

The two-point deficit became nine when Staines added a converted try to their tally, and two more penalties gave the hosts a 22-7 lead.

Tom Goss started the fightback when he raced over the line and Scott Curley kicked the conversion. Josh Smith then proved accurate with Gs’ first kickable penalty chance of the game to leave the visitors within a converted try of the lead. Staines, however, absorbed the pressure to hold on for the points.