Gravesend take the game to Thurrock but their 53-45 win failed to stop their relegation. Picture: Andy Payton

Gravesend have been relegated from National 3 London & South East after three seasons in the fifth tier of English rugby.

An entertaining 53-45 win over Thurrock wasn’t enough to keep the Gs up, with Tring beating Westcliff to ensure their safety on the final day of the season.

Dave Dorton kicked four penalties in the first half and tries from Gary Gray, Charlie Cutting, Nathan Sawyer and Ziggy Stevens had them leading 34-26 at half-time.

They never relinquished control, with Ashley Moorey running in two tries after the restart and Nathan Moorey also going over.

Thurrock scored two late tries to close the gap but Gravesend held on to sign off with a win.

Next season the Gs return to London 1 South, the division they won in 2009-10.