Gravesend pushed London 2 leaders Basingstoke all the way with a spirited, skilful display at Down Grange on Saturday before losing 21-12.

The performance probably deserved better reward as they came close to recording a win double, having beaten the Hampshire side 11-6 on the opening day of the season last September.

They trailed 11-0 at one stage, but tries, either side of half-time by fly-half Gary Gray, and full-back Ashley Moorey put them one point ahead, before the home side clinched victory..

Centre Matt Weighman made the opening score setting up Gray to go over between the posts, adding the conversion himself, with Moorey starting and finishing the move that led to the second.

He caught the ball deep in his own half, and produced a high up-and-under. The ball was gathered by a home player, but Moorey charged down his kick, won the chase for the loose ball and scored out wide, Gray missing the conversion.

However the lead didn’t last long as Basingstoke scored again, before Gees had Jamie Forsyth yellow carded.

The home side completed the scoring with another penalty, but it was they who seemed happier to hear the final whistle.

More rugby in this week's Gravesend Messenger