One more victory and Old Gs record will end: played 16, won 16, lost none

Powergen Rugby Leagues Kent 2

OLD Gravesendians travelled to neighbouring rivals Vigo on the back of invigorating displays of exciting rugby and a hatful of points, writes John Oxtoby.

But any hope this rich vein of form would continue was soon shattered as Vigo proved tough and uncompromising opponents.

After a good start Old G fell away and in the end were relieved to escape with their unbeaten record and their pride intact.

Both teams were missing players but Old Gs did not help their cause by playing for half an hour with 14 men after three players were sin binned at various times for "technical" offences.

There was little of interest in the opening phase as both sides tried to settle and develop some rhythm.

The deadlock was finally broken after 15 minutes when Vigo's backs were caught offside and Richard Oxtoby slotted the penalty between the posts.

On the half hour quality play from the backs lit up the game the Old Gs forwards delivered quick ball to their backs and the elusive Marcus D'Cunha raced half the length of the pitch to score.

The try put Old Gs 8-0 up and they were immediately presented with a great opportunity to extend their lead.

Vigo's kick-off reached Oxtoby, who returned the kick into space behind the oncoming Vigo pack.

Winger Luke Comer was quick off the mark and was on top of the wickedly bouncing ball.

However he snatched at it and knocked on with the line at his mercy.

From the resulting scrum Old Gs drove the Vigo eight back with some force and the ball and a fumbling Vigo hand allowed D'Cunha to touch down for the try and a 13-0 lead.

The game became fractious and the referee was forced to ask the teams to put their handbags away and obey the laws of the game.

Old Gs lost their first player, captain Alex Cave, to the sin bin as a mostly forgettable first half came to an end.

Vigo started the second period with renewed energy to make their extra man count.

A sloppy return kick from Old Gs allowed the Vigo full-back to run into space and launch Tom Emmitt on a run from his own half.

He wrong-footed the Old G defence before chipping ahead.

Tracking D'Cunha looked to have the danger covered but the bounce defeated him and Emmitt touched down for a good individual score. Bob Fitton converted.

Cave returned to the action only for Mark Thompson to replace him in the sin bin for retaliation and the Old Gs defence was under constant pressure.

Vigo's Emmitt, showing great awareness, ran from open to blind to link up with Dan Norton, who forced his way over in the corner.

Old Gs were only one point behind with the conversion to come and the conversion was a small drama itself.

Fitton's kick bounced on the crossbar and took an age to descend to earth with anxious Old G's eyes following it all the way.

To their relief it came back infield.

Old Gs lost Andrew Oxtoby to the sin bin for a technical offence at the breakdown leaving them with 14 players for the remainder of the match.

Despite Vigo's final efforts, Old Gs managed to keep the ball downfield to see the game out and in the final minutes Richard Oxtoby kicked a simple penalty.