The weather was wet, cold and very blustery and Larne opted to play with the wind advantage in the first half. Grosvenor initially soaked up the early pressure and then worked their way upfield with some great forward charges from Stoopsy, Kells and Pearce and great support from the rest of the pack. After fifteen minutes Grosvenor forced a penalty which Matty Little converted from 40 metres out with a superb low ‘penalty kick’ style strike into the gale. However the lead was short lived as they fluffed gathering the re-start and Larne were awarded a penalty which they gratefully accepted. 3-3. Grosvenor continued to work hard and to their credit most of the play was in the Larne half despite the elements favouring the home side. Andrew McConville almost scored a try following a clever chip over the onrushing Larne defence which he regathered but was dispossed in the tackle. DJ Jackson also made a neat break up the left wing but was hauled down by the last line of defence. A special mention for the excellent handling of Grosvenor’s back three who gathered a succession of high kicks beautifully without a single knock-on and gained yards when running or kicking in return. Unfortunately Grosvenor lost Mattly Little with a hip injury just before half-time and once again were destined to finish a game without the full compliment. Larne slotted over another penalty in the dying minutes to earn a 6-3 half-time advantage.
Grosvenor started the second half strongly and used the wind advantage intelligently by kicking the ball long and forcing Larne into making mistakes deep in their half. As the pressure built up Larne gave away a series of penalties, three of which Andrew McConville converted to give Grosvenor a six point lead. The Grosvenor pack were beginning to dominate with Peter Dawson lordng the lines-out and Phil, Cartmill and Culby all grafting hard in the close contact areas. They were unfortunate not to score a try following a series of attacks close to the Larne line when they made the hard yards but then opted to move the ball out the backs instead of keeping it tight for the last push. As the physical exertion took it’s toll Cat the Grosvenor Physio was kept busy but she managed to keep the remaining 14 Grosvenor men on the park, which was a feat in itself. Grosvenor were elated when the final whistle went and can be very satisfied with a job well done. The set-pieces and defence were 100% today and in the second half they used the conditions wisely, playing the rugby deep in the opposition half rather than in our half as had been the case in weeks gone by.
There were a few contenders for man-of-the-match this week and despite great performances from Tree, Cartmill, Kells and Fra it is Peter Dawson who gets the nod.
Jug Watch – great hospitality from the Larne men today both for the alicadoos before the match and the players afterwards. 10/10
Nail Varnish Watch – In a new feature I can confirm that Cat the Physio’s nail varnish this week was ‘Dusty Pink’
Pantomime Watch – In another new and festive feature I can reveal that three of todays team are unavailable next week as they are on Pantomime duty at Stranmillis. “Oh no they’re not” the selectors cried but regrettably “Oh yes they are”.
