By Mark Bruce

Despite a 21-7 defeat to Old Reigatian, results elsewhere mean Gravesend are safe from relegation in Regional 2 South East.

With two sides going down, Cobham’s 74-7 defeat to Old Alleynians leaves them 10 points from safety with just one game remaining. They drop out of the division along with London Cornish.

Gs were undone by some bad luck and the rub of the green against a Reigatians side looking to consolidate a top-four spot. Their problems began before kick-off when Harry Brooker suffered a hamstring issue and was replaced by Ed Moore, making his 1st XV debut.

Things got worse when the Gs lost scrum-half Ned Warren after only five minutes, which caused a reshuffling of the backline.

Making the most of this disruption, Reigatians came out all guns blazing and despite playing into a strong, biting wind scored with their first meaningful move.

A penalty was their reward from the next phase and Gravesend were 10-0 down.

Gradually the Black & Whites got a foothold and found themselves back in contention. Some strong running and outrageous handling from John Valetiri saw the visitors barge over for a converted try.

As the clocked clicked into the red and with Gravesend chasing the game Reigatians made the most of the space and kicked through to score in the corner.

Gravesend host title contenders Battersea Ironsides in their final league fixture of the season on April 6.