By Mark Bruce

Gravesend succumbed for the second time this season to a large Sidcup team in Regional 2 South East, but the 32-22 scoreline did flatter the visitors somewhat.

This was a game that swung one way and then the other but was, ultimately, decided by four yellow cards received in the second half which meant Gs could not exert any concerted pressure on the visitors’ line.

Scores were traded early on, young Finlay White scooping up the ball, turning and dashing over the line for Gravesend. Sidcup were always a danger, though, and their lineout were on point after Gravesend were deemed to have committed an offence. From the resulting maul they took the ball over the whitewash.

The home side’s turn for mauling practice came next when they managed to drive the ball nearly 20 metres and, despite most of the team joining the maul, kept good control to score their second try, Matt Hewitt coming up with the ball. Rhys Betts, impressive with the boot all afternoon, converted the extras to give Gravesend a 15-12 half-time lead.

The second half began with a moment of controversy when what looked like a clear knock-on was waved away by the referee and Sidcup scored in the three-quarters. Gravesend were reduced to 13 players soon after which left them scampering to cover defence, while Sidcup looked at every opportunity to play the ball out wide.

It was then with some surprise that Gravesend made their way up field and, from a good position in the middle of the park, fly-half George Bruce dummied and cut back inside to score near the posts. With 20 minutes on the clock Gravesend had a three-point lead.

Penalties continued to hurt the hosts and the visitors made the most of them, scoring two tries as the clock ticked down. Gravesend were unable to exert any real pressure on the Sidcup line and it was no surprise when the visitors went over in what was the final play of the game.

Second-bottom Gravesend end 2024 with a trip to third-placed Medway this Saturday.