DESPITE the final score, this was a much improved performance from Old Gravesendians, who gave a good account of themselves against a strong Medway team.

With Richard Oxtoby unavailable, Old Gs moved Adam Keenhan to fly-half and brought Sam Fenton in at scrum half. Both played well in a losing cause, with Keenhan’s defensive tackling especially impressive.

Mark Fenton-Smith and Dave Boyer made a welcome return from injury.

For the first 10 minutes or so, Old Gs were forced to defend in numbers as Medway tried to impose their authority early.

There was some stirring last-ditch defence, which finally made Medway seek solace in a drop goal.

Even this was defiantly charged down. It took a very good move to finally break Old Gs resolve and outflank their defence.

The ball was given width and, after some slick inter- inter-passing, home winger Luke Burns raced over.

Glen Wadsworth converted.

Unfortunately, after the first breach, another soon followed.

Almost from the kick-off Sam Brice took advantage of a temporary lack of concentration by Old Gs and the lead was extended to 12-0.

A Fenton tackle stopped yet another try out wide, and this was followed by a Medway player putting the ball down an inch from the line after being tackled.

Good positioning by the referee waved away the player’s protest that he had touched down on the line.

Medway need not have worried.

They took the ball against the head as Old Gs’ scrum crumbled.

This allowed Medway No 8 Roger Rhyneheart to pick up and stroll over.

Wadsworth added the conversion to stretch the lead to 19-0.

Conceding soft tries, which often follow periods of great concentration and concerted effort, are an Old G failing this season.

They are, however, capable of playing good rugby and they produced a spell to prove just that.

Gravesendians managed to move down the field and Alex Rea forced his way over under a pile of bodies, only for the referee to be unsighted.

Within a couple of minutes, a great break by Keenhan, with support from Rea, gave the latter a second chance and this time the big forward made no mistake.

Old Gs could not add to their effort but put in some great defensive work to thwart Medway adding to their score.

Matt Coomber, as usual, together with Keenhan, Fenton-Smith, Michael Hodge and others kept the orange and yellow tide at bay.

Matt Johnson showed great pace and commitment chasing down a Medway winger over half the length of the pitch when the winger seemed certain to score.

A late lapse gave Luke Burns a second try but it was pleasing to see that he and his mates had to work so hard for it.

Another pushover try extended the Medway lead, touched down by Rhyneheart.

Old Gs then produced some of their best rugby.

They protected the ball well and kept the ball moving towards the Medway line with the whole team involved.

A long rolling maul was a special feature of this period.

It was all wasted when the Medway defence forced a spill and the home team ran the length of the field for Ollie Cargill to score in the corner.

More good play followed from Old Gs, with the backs prominent in escaping from their own line.

Great lines of running by Keenhan, Dave Boyer and Johnson almost carved an opening.

Raj Mahon, in only his second full game for the first team, also showed some good touches.

Old Gs’ pack also stabilised and started to hold their own in the tight.

There was a rare appearance for James Whittington on the flank and lock Iain Potter also came on for the last quarter.

Both very much lack match fitness after long breaks.

Young substitute winger Ben Stanley had a 10 minute run out on his first team debut.

A final breakaway try from Cagill capped Medway’s day of plenty and added to Old Gs’ misery.