Brockleians 13 v 16 Old Gravesendians

Rugby Union Kent Vase Second Round

Report by John Oxtoby

OLD Gravesendians needed all their resilience to avoid early eliminated in this season's Kent Vase.

After last week's heroics in nearly overturning a 21-point deficit, this week they only had to claw back a 10-point lead.

Brockleians surprised their guests with the pace of their early play.

Old Gs were turned over twice in quick succession to allow their hosts to storm up field and get an early score, with good support play proving crucial.

This was followed by a penalty to give Brocks an 8-0 platform.

Against a strong wind Old Gs managed to slowly work their way downfield to obtain a penalty of their own.

The kick hit the post, and the scramble for the rebound caused Brocks to dive off their feet into a ruck.

The resulting penalty was much closer to the posts and was duly converted by Michael Hodge.

Immediately from the restart Brocks added to their lead.

Old Gs were turned over again and the home side drove their way to the line to score and increase the lead to 13-3.

The hosts were somewhat taken aback, as they had comfortably beaten their hosts twice this season in the league, and did not expect to be chasing the game.

They finally shook off their lethargy, helped by inspiring attacking play from Hodge and Mark Fenton-Smith in the centres.

Both made long determined breaks, but neither could find their support.

However Old Gs were now doing all the attacking and further hard yards came from Dan D'Cunha, Omar Wahab and Phil Boyer.

Brocks defended well but were eventually forced to give away a penalty converted by Hodge for a 13-6 half time scoreline.

The second half was a bit scrappy and fractious, both sides getting frustrated at their lack of progress.

Old Gs continued to be turned over and Brocks continued giving away penalties.

One of the highlights of the half was a finely judged box kick from scrum half Dan D'Cunha.

It was snaffled by the flying Dave Boyer who almost made the line.

Finally Old Gs managed to manufacture the score that their pressure deserved.

After good runs by veteran lock Paul Mitchell and no 8 Mark Lockwood, the backs were quickly released. Hodge broke through his tackler and set up Phil Timewell to run in for a try under the posts. Hodge's conversion brought the scores level.

A final penalty from Hodge secured the win after Brockleians had lost a man to the sin bin for blocking.

In the final 20 minutes Old Gs managed to keep Brockleians carefully managed, and it was the visitors who looked the more likely to score.

The last play of the game was a penalty in front of the posts.

Hodge drop kicked the ball dead to seek the final whistle and passage into the next round against Kent 1 champions Whitstable.