Maidstone suffered a 25-3 defeat against Gravesend in London 2 South.

The first score came from a lineout position in the home side’s 22. The ball was fed to fly-half Gray, who picked out flanker Stevens to slice through the Maidstone backs to score near the posts. With Gray adding the conversion, Gravesend posted a 7-0 lead after 10 minutes.

Maidstone were next on the scoreboard with Whitehead converting a penalty when Gravesend were guilty of holding on to the ball after a tackle in their 22.

But from the restart Maidstone conceded two quick penalties and, from the second, Gray re-established Gravesend’s seven point lead.

The decisive play of the half came on 35 minutes when Gravesend won the ball on their own ten-metre line after a break by Tommy King had been halted. The chip ahead was not dealt with by Maidstone and Gravesend’s centre, Rocket, regained the ball and with good inter-passing with his wing partner, outwitted the Maidstone cover to score in the corner.

After the break Gravesend began a spell of pressure on the Maidstone line. With moves flowing both ways, Maidstone’s defence was ultimately breached out wide and Gravesend added to their lead.

The final nail in Maidstone’s coffin happened with the last play of the game, when right wing Nolan was fed the ball on his own ten-metre line and, against a tiring Maidstone defence, ran through two tackles to score in the corner.