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Gravesendians book final spot
Old Gravesendians 16-10 Gillingham Anchorians
OLD Gravesendians booked their place in this year's Kent Vase final with this excellent win over Gillingham Anchorians, a team who had recently beaten Old Gs in a league match 24-3.
This will be Old Gs' fourth Vase final having appeared in three of the last four, finally winning the trophy last year against the same opponents they beat on Saturday.
There was plenty of support for both teams and this helped to give the game an extra edge and the feel of a real full-blooded cup tie.
It did not take long for Old Gs to impose themselves on their visitors.
After an initial aerial bombardment from both sides, the game settled down to some serious direct rugby.
The pressure was maintained for a full 15 minutes, but Anchorians' defence stayed firm as they had during the previous encounter when Old Gs failed to find a way over the line.
Anchorians were finally able to relieve the stranglehold and enter Old Gravesendians' half for the first time and, needless to say, they scored.
Old Gs' lineout ball was stolen and the Anchorians backs were released.
A missed tackle allowed fly-half Craig Webb to break the first line of defence and set up Anthony O'Brien for a very good opening try.
Mark Penny's conversion into the swirling wind was an added bonus.
Old Gs were briefly defending desperately to stop further scores, but the attacks faded away and the home side regained the initiative which they kept for the rest of the half.
Two Richard Oxtoby penalties closed the gap to 7-6 and with a sin-binning reducing their opponents to 14-men, Old Gs then struck with a well-worked try on the stroke of half-time.
Anchorians were turned over as they attacked down the slope.
The ball was moved very quickly to Old Gs' backs, who sped away against a disorganised defence.
Matt Holdstock took out two defenders coming in off his wing and set up Michael Hodge, who had a clear run into the line.
The visitors started the second half with such intent Gravesendians were forced onto the back foot, unable to get their hands on any ball.
Anchorians hit the bar and the post with two penalty attempts.
All other efforts, though, were resisted by some really resolute defending from the hosts, although it did seem from the touchline Anchorians must eventually score a try.
Anchorians had an attacking scrum under the Old Gravesendians' posts.
Somehow Old Gs managed to get a drive on against their much larger opponents and steal the ball.
Scrum half Dan D'Cunha had great presence of mind to hammer the ball down the pitch.
His brother Marcus, chasing after the ball from full-back, managed to snatch it from under the nose of his opposite number.
Although caught, Marcus managed to release the ball quickly to his support.
The movement through hands was too quick for Anchorians to contain and Michael Hodge finally completed the move, diving into the corner with some exuberance for his second try.
This score did not see off the visitors' challenge, however.
They slotted a penalty from Mark Penny and only needed a converted try to win.
But Anchorians could not break down the strong defensive wall erected in front of them and had to finally accept their fate.
Both sides had fully contributed to a good cup tie, appreciated by the crowd who gave generous applause at the final whistle in recognition of the efforts of all concerned.
If it is anything like last year, the Vase Final should be a great day out.
Old Gravesndians' opponents will be Medway and the match is scheduled to be played at Canterbury Rugby Club on May 11, kick-off at 2pm.
This Saturday sees Old Gravesendians play what is arguably the most important game in their history.
The prize is promotion to the London and SE area leagues in Division Four South East, a level Old Gs have never reached before.
Their opponents are the runners-up of Sussex 1, East Grinstead RFC.
Old Gs have home advantage and all support for this one off winner takes all game will be most welcome.
3:35pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008
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