League victory over Omagh
On a day more suited to cricket Grosvenor commenced its league campaign against Omagh who always present a significant challenge. Much to the confusion of the spectators who had enjoyed the club’s first lunch of the season the kick off was delayed as the referee felt the two kits were too similar however while Roly Coey raced off home to get a replacement he changed his mind and both teams played in the original kits!
Omagh came out of the blocks well and after 5 minutes scored from a clean outside break following a ruck thirty yards out. Successful conversion; 0-7. Omagh controlled the game for the next period but stout defence disrupted Omagh’s driving game and they were unable to extend their lead. After 12 minutes Gareth Montgomery cross kicked towards the left touch line inside the Omagh 22. Ever alert to a chance Davy Egner had chased up and, as is the way with the rugby ball, got the bounce he deserved. The ball fell into his hands, Davy sidestepped the Omagh full back and scored under the posts. 7-7. For the next 15 minutes Grosvenor dominated the play but like Omagh earlier were unable to turn this into points. During this period Daniel Bowden left the field with a hamstring injury leaving Grosvenor contemplating over 50 minutes with 14 men. Almost immediately after Dbo had gone off the Grosvenor pack was penalised for standing up in a scrum. Omagh converted the penalty; 7-10.
Despite being down to 14 men Grosvenor continued to play good rugby and almost on the half hour the Grosvenor backs spread the ball left from a ruck, Ben Coard made a clear outside break 40 metres out, drew the winger and fed Stephen Kirk who scored his first try for the club in the left corner. A lovely try showing the danger our backs present to any defence. 12-10.
Spirits were lifted in 32 minutes when Dbo returned to the pitch. Although obviously considerably hampered by his injured hamstring he deserves particular mention for playing the rest of the match. Right on half time Omagh scored a try following a break in the centre. Half time 12-17.
Shortly after the restart Jamie Ball slotted over a penalty for Grosvenor to narrow the gap. 15-17. Matthew Cahoon then eclipsed his brilliant run of the previous week by racing down the left touch line and outstripping the defence to score in the left corner. 22-17. The match then went into a period when both teams had possession but neither could force the breakthrough. On 55 minutes Omagh was awarded a free kick for an early push in a scrum. The free kick was awarded 20 metres from the Grosvenor line and near the left touchline. To Grosvenor’s surprise the referee allowed Omagh to immediately take a tap kick and the left winger sprinted into the corner. 22-22.
Grosvenor missed a penalty near Omagh’s left touchline following obstruction in a line out but converted one in front of the posts for offside after 32 minutes. 25-22.
Ben Coard, Peter Dawson and Pearce Jamison all stood out today but Matty Cahoon gets the nod for man of the match for some rampaging back row play about the park and finishing off his try superbly.
