By Mark Bruce

For the third game in succession Gravesend suffered a one-point defeat - this time Sutton & Epsom taking the Regional 2 South East spoils 23-22.

Despite a bright start, Gravesend - back in action after a free weekend - could not address their flaw of failing to capitalise from perfect field position. This was compounded by their other weakness this season - giving away unnecessary penalties.

With the magnificent boot of the Sutton No.12 on display Gravesend should have been warned once he knocked over the first of five kicks. This was shortly followed by two mauling tries - the result of two penalties that were kicked into the corner and after just 20 minutes Gs were trailing 17-0.

Sutton received the first of two yellow cards and Gravesend managed to finish the half much stronger as they nullified most of the visitors’ attacks. Every time Sutton cleared their lines the magnificent Finley White on his home debut returned the ball with extras, while three points for the home team reduced the deficit slightly.

The second half was an altogether better performance by Gravesend, who grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck.

Firstly Zac Filmer timed his run perfectly to score under the posts, then Samraj Chahal went over from close in before Nathan Fouche stole the ball and outsprinted the Sutton defence for a 22-20 lead.

With the conversion sailing agonisingly past the post the game was finely balanced but ultimately ended in heartbreak when Freddie Bunting’s penalty gave Sutton the win.

Gravesend, in 11th, make the short trip to 10th-spot Old Colfeians this Saturday.