Gravesend lead coach Paul Hathaway was philosophical after seeing his squad hit by a second serious injury in the space of a week.

Full-back Dave Dorton suffered a broken leg in the club’s 43-8 win at Westcliff two weeks ago while 21-year-old back Adam Bishop sustained a similar injury in training just days later ahead of Saturday’s 19-7 home win over Staines.

To make matters worse, versatile full-back or fly-half Gary Gray – who usually deputises for Dorton’s goal-kicking – was ruled out with a thigh injury.

Hathaway said: "We didn’t really sustain any serious injuries last year or the year before. Rugby is a physical game and we’ve been fortunate in the past and it would seem now the Gods have conspired against us."

Dorton – the leading points scorer in National 3 London & South East last season – sustained a dislocated ankle, in addition to a spiral fracture of his tibia in a tackle.

Hathaway said: "It was just one of those unfortunate things that happen in rugby. He broke through the line and was tackled and as he came down, he sort of went over the top of it.

"Adam’s was similar. We are still waiting to find out the full extent of his injury.

"He’s having a final review at the clinic this week, so we won’t have any idea of how long he’ll be out until after that but I don’t think we’ll be seeing Dave until at least Janaury."