Cobham slip to defeat in league opener against Gravesend

After the extraordinary exploits of the 2025/26 season ,Cobham First XV returned to level 6 rugby in the Regional 2 South East league last weekend (26 September 2026. Their opponents for the opening match of a delayed start to the season were Gravesend, who they had last entertained at the Memorial Grounds in September 2023 winning 44-22. You had to be called Ryan (Saunders and Aujla) to be in the starting line-up for this match and to have also played in that match.

Gravesend had finished the 2025/26 season in third place, so it was always going to be a tough opener for Billy Davison’s squad. However, Cobham dominated the early stages of the first half pinning Gravesend in their twenty-two for the opening 10 minutes but they were unable to break through a solid defence. Cobham also then lost scrum half Ryan Saunders to injury and he was replaced by Christian Disley-May.

When the visitors finally achieved their first scrum in the Cobham half they spun the ball wide. Number eight Falefateu made ground and the ball was passed back out down the line to winger Josh Barnes, who ran into space to touch down in the corner. Centre Rhys Betts converted (0-7), before two minutes later centre Ben Hope ran through to touch down under the posts to double the visitors advantage (0-14).

Cobham needed the next score and they didn’t waste any time with Bond and Davison making powerful runs. A tap penalty by Disley-May close to the visitors line provided the ball for number eight Jake McQuade, who never disappoints, to score, which Will Stephen converted (7-14).

Gravesend stormed back. They took advantage of only their second lineout of the match, as Gary Brett drove over to score (7-19). Cobham also responded from their next lineout. Another tap penalty, this time from McQuade, gave him and Cobham their second try, easily converted by Stephen (14-19). After thirty minutes, it was all to play for.

Ollie Horton had already had one break and now came his second bursting through the Gravesend defence, only to be held-up. Lineouts were now resembling London buses, with Harker and Davison delivering Disley-May. In turn Gravesend were collecting yellow cards as first Betts was sin binned for a tip tackle and then hooker Stan Dadson for a high tackle, meaning they were down to Rugby League numbers. Credit to them for withstanding the pressure and going in at half-time ahead.

With Cobham starting the second half with a numerical advantage, they literally scored from the kick-off. Davison collected, picked his moment to break through and where Dellapina was in support to touch down within twelve seconds of the restart. Stephen converted and Cobham went ahead for the first time before Stephen consolidated that lead with a penalty (24-19).

Gravesend were now back to Union numbers but Cobham were dominant as they had been in the first ten minutes of the half. However, from the pressure in their own twenty-two, Gravesend ran the length of the field and winger Cooke went over to tie the score, before Barnes added the extras (24-26). Within minutes, Barnes ran down his wing, kicked ahead and collected to touch down under the posts (24-33). The momentum had shifted dramatically and it was compounded when substitute centre Harvey Deane ran over for the visitors third try in five minutes (24-40).

Cobham stemmed the tide but a penalty kick for Barnes and a final try from Hope left the final score as 24-48.

It was Cobham's first league defeat since March 2025, when they lost to Trinity in the final game of the 2024/25 season. The team will no doubt reflect on their performance and bounce back for their away fixture to Horsham tomorrow (3 October).

The Second XV had a great win at home to Staines, 40-24.

Cobham 1st XV Squad:-

1. Chris Lippiatt (Capt.)

2. Andrew Murphy

3. Lewis Joyce

4. Luke Westgarth-Taylor

5. Joe Harker

6. Noah Joyce

7. Tom Davison

8. Jake McQuade

9. Ryan Saunders

10. Connor Dellapina

11. Tom Incledon

12. Will Stephen

13. Taylor Burnett

14. Ollie Horton

15. Jordan Bond

Substitutes:

16. Ryan Aujla

17. Korbyn Sherrington

18. Christian Disley-May

Scorers:

Tries: McQuade (2), Davison

Conversions: Stephen (3)

Penalty: Stephen