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By Mark Bruce
Gravesend were denied the chance of a win against Battersea after late drama in their 40-35 Regional 2 South East defeat.
Playing at the unfamiliar location of Rosslyn Park with Battersea’s pitches unfit for action, Gs appeared to score with the last play of the game - but the referee was unsighted and could not give a try.
The match pitched two contrasting styles, with the brilliance at times of the Ironsides’ backline against the effectiveness of Gravesend’s driving maul. Each time a team got in the opposition 22, points were scored.
Battersea opened their account before young hooker Lewis White’s brace gave Gravesend the lead heading towards half-time. But tries either side of the break put Battersea 21-14 up with 55 minutes on the clock.
Gs’ Rocky Sims looked like he had capped a fine performance with a superb run, but a penalty try was awarded instead - and a yellow card for Battersea - for a high tackle.
Both sides then kept the scoreboard ticking over during the second half. Another Battersea try, this time from close range, made it 35-30 only for Gravesend to get down the other end with White making it 35-35 with five minutes to play. Battersea were not to be denied, though, and grabbed what looked like the winner.
As was the nature of this game, strong running by Ben Reece and Will Steiner saw Gravesend win a penalty and kick to the corner. With the maul racing towards the line a try looked inevitable but, unfortunately for Gravesend, the maul had split and the referee had followed the wrong half not seeing White ground the ball again.
Unable to keep control of the ball from the resulting scrum, the final whistle blew and Gravesend had to settle for another two losing bonus points.
Third bottom Gs return to league action on February 15 at home to Old Tiffinians on February 15 having moved out of the bottom two.