Tottonians battled back to beat Cobham following a minute’s pre-match silence in memory of ex-coach Alistair Gray, who died earlier this month.

The 41-31 London 1 South victory at Water Lane was a fitting tribute to the former Wasps player who helped to lay the foundations for Tottonians’ recent success.

Totts looked as if they would be heading for a home defeat as they trailed for much of the game.

Robbie Searle struck with a penalty in between a couple of early tries as Cobham made the brighter start. He also kicked a conversion as Ali Ramus kept Totts in touch by crashing over the line from five metres after good work from Mike Searle and Pierre Alex Clark.

Another converted try from the visitors was cancelled out just before the break when

Jack Owsley touched down from a catch-and-drive and Robbie Searle again converted.

The visitors registered their bonus point try to move 31-17 ahead as Tottonians continued to chase the game. However, as has happened several times this season, they refused to give in and chipped away at their opponents’ advantage.

First wing Tommy Forster went over in the corner, and, after great work from prop Nathan Burns, Josh Raqio, making his debut for the seniors, chipped over the defence and gathered to sprint over in the corner.

With the bonus point secured, Totts pushed on for the win and went into the lead when Forster got on the end of a delayed pass from Mike Searle to go over under the posts. With Robbie Searle converting the home side were in the lead for the first time at 34-31.

Forster was yellow carded with eight minutes remaining and there were still a few twists and turns to be played out.

Cobham turned down a kickable penalty which could have drawn the game and earned them three league points. They bravely decided to go for the win but the plan backfired when a touch-and-go was dropped and picked up by Robbie Searle who sprinted 60 metres, placed down and converted.

Totts have had their eye on a fourth spot finish but have edged closer towards third-placed Tunbridge Wells, who were surprisingly beaten 17-12 on their own patch by Brighton.

Skipper Robbie Searle said: “Credit to Cobham who started really strongly and we're on the front foot early on. We were really pleased with how well we came back into the game and some of our attacking play was great and produced some excellent tries.”

He added: “It’s exciting to see that third place is within reach and whilst they (Tonbridge) have games against the bottom sides in the league, it gives us another target to push for.”

There were smiles all round at Gosport Park after the home side registered their second win of the season – beating bottom side Dover 33-17 with two tries from Rory Penfold and Ben Roberts and one from Wayne Dugan, who also kicked four conversions.