Tottonians had to dig deep in the closing stages of their clash at Gravesend but managed to hold on for another top victory in Kent.

Totts’ tactics paid dividends in the London 1 South match as they soaked up pressure from a determined home side and then punished their opponents when they had possession.

Stubborn Gravesend trailed by 26 points at one stage but made a real game of it before having to settle for two losing bonus points - Tottonians hanging on to win 32-29.

Second row Ali Ramus crashed over to put Totts ahead before Gravesend went on all-out attack for 20 minutes.

However the hosts had just three points to show for their efforts before a great break from Josh Andrews put captain Robbie Searle over in the corner and Totts went into the break 17-3 ahead - Pierre Alex Clark kicked a penalty to go with two previous conversions.

Andrews then put Tottonians further in front just before Richard Buck was given ten minutes on the sidelines. The weakened team from Hampshire still went on to increase their advantage when, after defending their line, Tommy Foster pounced on a spilt ball and raced the length of the field to touch down and put his side 29-3 up with half-an-hour to go.

Gravesend hit back with a converted try and then lost a player to a yellow card for tackling prop Nathan Burns in the air.

Clark slotted home the penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over but back came mid-table Gravesend as Totts lost Robbie Searle and Oli Northover to injury.

Mike Searle was on and off the pitch – first off injured, then back on to fill in for teammates and off again to a yellow card.

Gravesend had their tails up and got back to 32-22 behind but Totts kept a tight grip on the ball for four minutes.

The Kent team could have secured a losing bonus point by kicking a penalty late in the game but opted for a scrum which led to their fourth try and two well-earned points.

London 1 South leaders Sidcup kept their unbeaten record by beating Brighton 37-24, second-placed Havant won 33-18 at Dover and Gosport & Fareham were beaten again, 52-5 at Chobham.