Grosvenor grind out win at Glynn
Grosvenor went to Larne looking to get the league campaign back on track, following a number of faltering performances. The game started exactly as Grosvenor would not have wanted it to, with the Larne centre scything through the Grosvenor defensive line to score under the posts. Grosvenor’s morale was not dented and having begun to exert unbearable pressure at scrum time, Grosvenor were awarded a penalty try following repeated infringements on the Larne try line. Grosvenor’s unrivalled dominance in the scrum provided a sound platform to work off as Larne were unable to win any scrum ball. Grosvenor added another try before the break, when, following a powerful driving maul, the ball was moved wide by the backs and Jim Neill was able to canter in under the posts. Half time Larne 7 Grosvenor 12.
Grosvenor’s advantage was taken away by uncontested scrums due to a Larne prop having to retire injured. Grosvenor played sensible rugby and kept the ball very well, always looking dangerous following a number of phases. It was after a number of phases that Mark atkinson received the ball out-wide and following a grubber kick through he showed good pace to hunt the ball down and pounce on it in the try zone. 17-7 in Grosvenor’s favour. Grosvenor then came under sustained pressure on their own line following a charged down kick from the re-start. Larne spent 5-10 minutes camped on Grosvenor’s line. Resolute defence ensured that no score was forthcoming and with it the match all-but won. Grosvenor spent the remaining 15 minutes camped in the Larne half retaining posession seemingly perpetually. From a driving maul deep in the Larne 22 Junior Waf touched down for Grosvenor’s fourth and bonus point try. The Final Whistle blew, with a 24-7 win for Grosvenor.
It should be noted that due to a number of serious injuries, Larne finished the match with only 12 players, which did rather end the game as a contest. It is to their credit that they still fought tenaciously to the end.
The game was marred from a Grosvenor perspective by Jim Neill dislocating his shoulder Jim is leaving for new opportunities on the mainland,this is not the way he would have liked to have ended with Grosvenor. Everyone wishes Jim, who has been an excellent servant, a speedy recovery.
This was a decent, if not exactly vintage, performance from Grosvenor. Playing into a strong wind in the firts half Grosvenor played the conditions perfectly and made the most of their advantage in the second half. Grosvenor also had key personnel Matty Cahoon and Philip Stoops missing from the back-row and it was pleasing how seamlessy John Lutton and Matthew Dick fitted in as replacements. Tree had also come in at out-half and Matty Little had moved to full back and the new back line seemed to work well.
Man of the Match – Junior Waf had a decent game at hooker, making a number of powerful carries and Matty Dick scavanged a number of good turn-over balls. Man of the match goes to our soon to be gone asset Jim Neill. ‘Onewing’ played very well in the unusual position of centre and it is right that he is recognised for the three years he has given Grosvenor. Cheers Jimbo.
Jug Watch – Larne as usual were extremely hospitable hosts provided the Grosvenor men with ample beer to slake a well earned thirst. The alicadoos were also treated to another lunch to assist their ever increasing waist lines.
Physio watch – Imogen was sporting the much in Vogue; tracksuit with rugby boots and windswept hair look.
Twos take points at Portadown
Grosvenor second fifteen travelled to Portadown hoping to stay top of the table, but knowing a stern challenge lay ahead. President Eddie Briggs and his cargo of Captain Jack Adams and Dbo arrived late, having been inadvertently re-routed. Jack and Dbo took to the pitch just in time for kick off and the first fifteen minutes of the game consisted of aimless kicking by both sides and some gentle posturing in midfield. Portadown’s large forwards began to make good yards and exert pressure on Grosvenor’s defensive line. Portadown’s efforts were rewarded with a number of penalties. The attempts at goal were wayward. Grosvenor dominated the rest of the half. Good ball retention and high intensity ensured Grosvenor always looked like threatening Portadown’s defensive integrity. Each time Grosvenor surged forward and a try looked inevitable the last pass went to ground or someone attempted a speculative off-load. Eventually the continued strong running from Dbo and the incisive running of Simon Beattie proved too much for Portadown. Following a number of phases of strong forward carrying, with Dbo to the fore, the ball was switched to the blind side and centre Gavin Bell charged to the line to score a try despite the best efforts of some four defenders. The conversion was missed and the half time whistle blew. HT 5-0.
The second half started as the first had finished. Grosvenor notched up phase after phase and inexorably made for the Portadown line. Following continued pressure John Montgomery powered over for a try from 5 metres out. Within 2 minutes from the kick off Grosvenor once again had surged towards the Portadown line. Phase after phase was accompanied by swift hands and centre Dee Montgomery was able to cross the line. 15-0 in Grosvenor’s favour and the game appeared to be signed, sealed and delivered.
Portadown hadn’t read the script and came after Grosvenor like Jack Russels after rats. The men in blue competed for everything and the bulk of the second half was spent in the Grosvenor 22. Following continued pressure, Portadown crossed for a try to leave the score 15-5 with 15 minutes remaining. Portadown continued to bowl their burly forwards at the men in green and blue. The turning point in the game came 10 minutes from time, with Portadown camped on the Grosvenor line and exerting immense pressure. President Eddie Briggs opined that if Grosvenor capitulated the game would be lost. The President’s fear was ill founded as Grosvenor defended resolutely and effected a turn over on the line and cleared the ball up field. Portadown had another spell of pressure on the Grosvenor 22 and were again truned over. Jack Adams showed magnificent footballing skills following up on a loose ball. LIke a good centre half he threaded a delightful diagonal pass some 30 metres across the pitch to Matty Dick, who gathered and cantered up the line to seal the match. The conversion was failed and the final whistle blew with a 20-5 victory for Grosvenor.
Grosvenor will be delighted to stay top of Junior 2 with this win. A big and experienced Portadown pack along with atrocious conditions, proved a tough challenge but Grosvenor dealt with it admirably.
Man of the Match: Cartmill, John Montgomery and Gavin Bell all get notable mentions for their work rate and prominence in defence. For Man of the Match, toss a coin between Dbo who carried so strongly all day and Simon Beattie who looked a real threat anytime he received the ball on the wing.
