A repeat of last week; a game against the team one place below us in the league with 2 games in hand; a win was vital and denying Gravesend the bonus point was of real importance.

Edenbridge knew they had to play their open and wide running game, so effective as the Wallis – Edmonds partnership at 10 and 12 continues to grow. Tries were exchanged with Weaver going over for his 7th of the season and Edmonds adding the extras. With the score standing at 5 – 7 Edenbridge lost the first of their players with MacInnes having to leave the field with a strained muscle. Shortly after Berry dislocated his shoulder leaving Edenbridge with 13 players. To their credit, Edenbridge hung on and scored further tries through Penny, making his debut and Wallis. Gravesend scored another 1st half try but again missed their extras. The score stood at 10 – 19 to the visitors at half time.

Half time saw Edenbridge continue to play increasingly wide running rugby with quick breakdown ball. With the sun to their backs, Gravesend made good use of the high ball, pinning Edenbridge back in the bottom corner of the pitch time and time again. Undaunted though, the free style of rugby that has been a real feature of Edenbridge’s rugby this season saw the backline making good use of turnover ball won from the tiring home team. This steady supply and quickly taken penalties saw Wallis go in for his second and Edmonds add to his conversions with his own 5 pointer.

A late surge saw Edenbridge at risk of gifting Gravesend not only the bonus point but also the game. 2 more tries for the visitors went over the whitewash but wayward kicking cost them the extras. The full time whistle came with the score at 20 – 33. A man of the match performance from Ben MacGrath playing his first game at scrum half for the 1st XV.

Edenbridge:

Scorers:
Tries: Edmonds, Wallis (2), Weaver, Penny
Cons: Edmonds (5)
Pens

Team:
15. Allwood, D; 14. Penny, A; 13. Clarke, R; 12. Edmonds, J; 11. Weaver, B; 10. Wallis, D; 9. MacGrath, B; 1. Stevens, B; 2. MacInnes, A; 3. Berry, M; 4. Kennedy, W; 5. Barnes, T; 6. Mitchell, D (capt.) 7. Batchelor, S; 8. Briggs, M