A poor start proved costly as Gravesend lost 22-17 at Guernsey on Saturday.

Handling errors led to a hat-trick of tries for the Channel Islanders’ Chris Wood during the first half of the National 3 London & South East clash.

Chris Meddings kicked Gs’ only points of the half with the visitors 22-3 down at the break.

Gravesend improved in the second half and Tony Nolan scored a try, converted by Meddings.

Leading scorer Jamie Forsyth (pictured above) forced his way over for Gs’ second try.

Meddings’ conversion cut the gap to five points but Gravesend missed out and remain 11th.