CS, who were without more than a match day squad through injury, work, social, domestic and illness scored the first try but never posed a realistic threat of an away win.
Like last week CS conceded early penalties and had difficulties with the opposition kicks. Gravesend kicked off, and after just 90 seconds the first penalty, thirty metres in front of the posts, set up the Gravesend fly-half Dave Dorton to put the hosts into a 3-0 lead. Just two minutes later another penalty and although it was a few degrees more difficult than the first penalty kick the result was the same 6-0.
A few minutes later Gravesend tried the long kick but found full back Houstoun who took the ball deep into Gravesend territory and when held up the forwards provided quick ball with hooker Forrester crossing the line, and with Jones converting, CS were in the lead 6-7.
CS had another couple of opportunities which were not converted before Gravesend managed to clear their lines, and although CS had the put in at a scrum near their own line, it was not one they could win or even defend and Gravesend scored their first try and after the conversion were in front again 13-7, a lead they were not to cede. Following another successful penalty, on 30 minutes Gravesend had a couple of five metre scrums, both resulting in penalty infringements but during advantage on the second they flicked the ball to their left wing who crossed in the corner 21-7. Before the half finished CS were awarded two penalties and the second provided an opportunity for a five metre line out but the kick was too long. During the final play of the match Houstoun was injured and limped into the second half but was immediately replaced. Perhaps due the enforced changes, on twelve and seventeen minutes the Gravesend right wing scored tries both of which were converted 35-7 and a four try bonus point was bagged. CS then received a front row yellow card but did not concede any points during the period when they were down to fourteen; however there remained ten minutes to score three tries and earn themselves a bonus point. On 32 minutes Toby Guyatt went on a jinking run, beat a couple of defenders to score which was quickly converted. Late in the match CS again scored down the left wing, but they could not get the fourth try and a bonus point; nothing more than they deserved
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Next week CS are at home to a fast improving Chiswick and the match now takes on extra significance CS having lost their last two league matches.