By Mark Bruce

Gravesend endured a torrid second half as Sidcup ran riot to inflict a 46-6 defeat upon their Regional 2 South East visitors.

The first period was finely balanced, however. Despite a nasty facial injury to Josh Smith in the first five minutes, Gravesend started brightly and played some entertaining rugby with a couple of George Bruce penalties keeping the score at 7-6.

Alfie Marks, making his full debut, was forever a threat and but for an unlucky bounce may have scored when chasing his own kick.

On the stroke of half-time, though, Sidcup scored their second try and with two early penalties in the second half Gravesend had a mountain to climb, particularly with injuries to Jamie Faultley, Marks and Harry Brooker keeping the replacements’ bench busy.

By the time the referee only showed a yellow card for a headshot on the Gravesend fly-half the game was already gone and the Sidcup side had capitalised on any mistake their visitors made. Ultimately the hosts - who were bigger and fitter on the day - wanted the game more.

Gravesend will look to bounce back this weekend at home to Medway, who won 29-12 at home to Dartfordians.