There were mixed emotions for Gravesend after their 43-8 win at Westcliff was marred by a suspected broken leg for full-back Dave Dorton.

Graves ran in seven tries to secure a useful bonus point and go into fifth place in National League 3 London & South East, but Dalton’s first-half injury, after he went to ground one metre from the try line, overshadowed the game.

Six minutes of stoppage time were needed as his leg was put in a splint before he was replaced by Tom Goss.

The home side got the only points of the first half through Chris Dudman’s penalty, but Graves took control in the second with Scott Curley (2), Adam Bishop (2), Josh Buller, Nathan Lines and Goss all scoring tries.

Gary Gray added four conversions while the hosts claimed a consolation score through Dudman.