With perfect playing conditions at Allen Park, Antrim hosted Grosvenor and a win would see them leap frog them in the league to 3rd spot.
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Antrim started with a bang with Darren Crooks leaping to snatch the ball away from the Grosvenor pack and retaining possession for the home side. Antrim quickly broke the Grosvenor defence and looked set to score within minutes of the kickoff, only for a handling error to spoil the show and give Grosvenor the chance to clear their line.
It wasn’t long until Antrim had their hands on the ball and, with pace in the backline, soon saw Antrim surging forward once more and a clever kick through, Antrim were just inside the visitors 22, with Grosvenor winning their lineout and clearing to Antrim 10 metre line. Antrim gathered the lineout and mauled their way up to the halfway line before Darren Crooks smashed through the Grosvenor defence beating 3 or more before he offload the ball the Andrew Cameron just outside the 22 who ran clear to just down under the posts, converted Antrim lead 7-0.
The restart was sent deep into Antrim’s half and a great catch a carry from Mark Perry, Antrim were soon back in the visitors half and looking dangerous on every attack. With great interlinking play between the forwards, Antrim had a solid base for a set move and saw winger Ben Siri slicing the Grosvenor backline to score a great solo try under the posts and converted by Richard Manson Antrim lead 14-0
With Antrim gathering the ball from the restart the forwards took their time a slowly work their way up the pitch working the ball from right to lift wearing the defence down and sucking in the Grosvenor players on the 10 meter line Antrim Shipped the ball wide and with a 3 on 2 overlap Neil Manson dummied his defender and raced home to score under the posts, converted Antrim lead was now 21-0 and a convincing lead going into the second half.
The second half started Quickly for Antrim setting up a ruck just over the Grosvenor’s 10 meter line with Antrim’s scrumhalf Ben Cathcart box kick over the Grosvenor backline a saw Craig McIvor racing through to catch and sprint clear to score within minutes of the restart converted extended the lead to 28-0
Antrim had the Grosvenor side in disarray and with every attack looked set to add to their tally. With the Antrim forwards in full flow it soon opened up again for the Antrim backline to capitalise and with quick hands to ball was ship to Craig McIvor and on full throttle steamed past the Grosvenor Defence to touch down for his second try and converted by R. Manson the lead was now 35-0.
Once again Antrim worked their way up field with Ricky Robb, Robert Nimmo and Ian Moxen breaking the gain line Antrim were in prime position to attack once more a great pick from Dave Sharp he forced his way into the Grosvenor 22 before he tried to offload to the Antrim support only for a Grosvenor hand to knock the ball Back into their position and kick clear but it fell into the hands of Craig McIvor who went on a solo run sidestepping his way through the Grosvenor side before touching down for a great try and a will deserved hat trick, converted Antrim lead 42-0
From the restart Antrim surge up the field once more and were on the Grosvenor 10 meter before the ball was shipped to the lift hand side creating a huge space for the Antrim backline to attack. The ball was quickly moved and once more saw Neil Manson weave his way through the defence and sprint clear to score unconverted Antrim lead 47-0
Before the kick Grosvenor opted to play for 5 more minutes and from the restart the ball was sifted wide and saw Neil Manson on another break and with a 2 on 1 passed the ball out to James Conway who ran in from the halfway line and score the final try, converted Antrim finished on 54-0.
With 25 minutes left to play Antrim were egger to play on before they face Ballyclare on Wednesday night who have been unbeaten so far this season.
It was a very positive performance from every player. Final score Antrim 54 Grosvenor 4s 0. Although every player gave it his all, Man of the Match was awarded to Craig McIvor
