Gravesend found out why Ampthill are in the top three in National League 3 London & South East after a 29-21 defeat there on Saturday.

Apart from the early stages, when they lead 6-3 thanks to two Dave Dorton penalties, Graves were always chasing the game and were outscored four tries to two.

Three of Ampthill’s scores were in the first half as they held a 22-9 advantage at the break, and that became 29-9 before the visitors went over twice through Harris and Jamie Forsyth.

They could not, however, close the gap and dropped down to eighth in the table, although they will hope to make amends when they welcome fellow mid-table side Staines on Saturday.