OLD Gravesendians were handed another lesson in how to turn possession into points, this time from Sussex mid-table outfit Crowborough.

Two early tries which should not have been conceded had Old Gs chasing the game from an early stage, which is something they do not really need, especially when scoring points of their own is proving so difficult.

The first try conceded came when Old Gs were turned over near their own line after they turned down an opportunity to kick the ball clear.

Visiting fly-half Ed Atkins was the scorer, Emerson Wood converting.

This was followed by a try from Crowborough No 8 Geoff Marshall who touched down after his pack had driven 30 metres from a lineout.

Old Gs made a complete hash of defending the drive, which was admittedly aggressive and well-constructed.

Gravesendians were rattled by these early scores but they did manage to respond and drive the ball back upfield though Omar Wahab, Alex Rea and Mark Lockwood.

A penalty chance was secured and Richard Oxtoby converted to cut the lead to 12-3.

Old Gs’ defence then put in a manly performance and nearly held out until half-time.

Mark Fenton-Smith in the centre and back-rowers Matt Coomber and Matt Johnson were especially busy.

Adam Keenhan, Oxtoby and Rea were also effective in shutting the door on Crowborough.

Emerson Wood did convert a penalty in this period but then all the good defensive work was undone when Crowborough turned Old Gs over and, after adding pace to the ball, put Phil Price away to score in the corner.

Wood converted.

Old Gs almost scored an interception try when captain Michael Hodge broke clear.

He had a long way to go and unfortunately his hamstrings let him down.

There was, however, a penalty awarded and Oxtoby converted it well to provide some consolation and bring the score to 22-6 at half-time.

Any hopes Old Gs had of a second half recovery were dashed when Crowborough killed the game off early in the second half as the reliable Wood converted two penalties, both of which were needlessly conceded by Old Gs.

The game moved to and fro but it was the visitors who kept their discipline when Old Gs approached their line, whereas the home side infringed when their visitors came within range.

Old Gs kept their opponents on their toes for short periods, mixing their game and sometimes even threatening to score.

Hodge was unlucky with a cross kick which bounced away from the clutches of Old Gs’ winger Raj Mahon.

This was sandwiched by two Crowborough scores touched down by Price and Andy Walters, one converted by Wood.

This stretched the lead to a convincing 40-6, but Old Gs were persistent if nothing else and Keenhan made a great break that almost made the line.

Crowborough were penalised after tackling the Old Gs wing.

Ignoring an easy three points and showing good awareness, prop Steve Jarrett took a quick tap and dived over, Oxtoby converting to bring the score to 40-13.

A final try from Matt Logan completed a comprehensive win by Crowborough.

Old Gs did not drop their heads, scored a few points and could have scored more, but in the end made too many errors and did not make best use of their possession, while their opponents did.

Meanwhile, Old Gravesendians’ U17s booked their place in the final of the Kent Plate on Sunday after beating Ashford 22-12 away in the semi-final.

They will now face either Tonbridge Juddians or Old Elthamians in the final at Aylesford Bulls’ ground on February 28 (11am).