Gravesend gave in-form Bishop’s Stortford a scare before losing 40-28 in National League 3 London & South East.

Stortford, chasing a 16th successive win, had their hands full when Gravesend led 16-14 after Adam Bishop’s try and further points from the boot of Dave Dorton (pictured). However, Gravesend could not keep the home side at bay despite further second-half tries from Sam Hall.

Dorton gave the visitors an early lead with a penalty and scored a second kick after a converted Stortford try as Gravesend trailed by a point at 7-6, but another converted home score increased that gap to eight.

A missed Dorton penalty was followed by a successful three-pointer, and, with an extra man after Stortford suffered a yellow card, Gravesend took advantage when Bishop scored after a successful lineout. Dorton converted to give the visitors their lead.

Stortford hit back from the restart with their own converted effort and from then on in Gravesend were chasing the game.

By the time Hall scored the first of his two tries they were 35-16 down, and the hosts quickly put an end to any slight hopes of a Gravesend comeback with another try, their sixth. Hall and Dorton combined to add another seven points, ensuring Gravesend had the last word, but they missed out on a bonus point as the home defence tightened up for the remainder of the game.