Cobham coach Billy Davison has admitted their London Division One South promotion hopes are out of their hands after crashing 26-6 to league leaders Gravesend on Saturday.

Davison’s men - who started the day six points adrift of their rivals - twice led in the early stages through two Tim Green penalties, but the visitors rallied to lead 13-6 at the break before adding a try and two penalties to maintain their stranglehold on top spot.

Cobham’s frustrations were compounded when news of second-place Dover’s defeat to Wimbledon filtered through meaning they had passed up the chance to have closed in on a play-off place.

And the Fairmile Lane chief admits it will be an uphill task to put themselves in the mix.

“I’d love to put a positive spin on things, but because of the relative strengths of Gravesend that was probably our last chance in terms of looking at top spot,” he said.

“The disappointing thing is the Dover slipped up as well meaning a win could have closed the gap to one point, which would changed the nature of our run in.

“We need to change the demographic of our squad for next year, so now it is a case of balancing the need to blood youngsters with securing as strong a finishing position as possible.”

Cobham waved goodbye to influential hooker Heinrich Du Plessis, who has returned to South Africa, at the weekend and Davison admits the void he has left will be difficult to fill in the remaining six games.

“It is a significant blow for us and he is going to be hard to replace,” he added.

“Many players turn up with fantastic CVs but don’t quite live up to them. With Duppy that was never the case. He has been outstanding for us.”