Report written by Nelson:

With the senior debuts of 5 players and a total of 7 under 18s a well balanced mix of youth, exuberance, age and experience took to the field for Gosford.

A rapidly put together warm up, run through of lineouts and backs moves was quickly followed by an inspirational captains speech; “Go out there and enjoy it. Play with a smile, come off the pitch with a smile and the rest will take care of itself!” Never have truer words been spoken.
Having won the toss Gosford elected to kick. The initial play went well and Gosford began to establish territory in the Grove half. In an attempt to break the pressure Grove conceded a penalty in kickable range.
The decision for points was taken and up stepped Hippo who produced his only error of the game and pushed the kick wide.

Further pressure ensued from Gosford and another penalty was conceded. This time Jack Taylor confidently took the kicking duties and put the first points on the board. 3 – 0.

The restart was allowed to bounce by the Gosford team and they were quickly on the defensive. Never flustered the kept the numbers at the breakdown limited and defended well. When opportunity presented itself, fully committed counter rucking saw them steal the ball and make ground.
In the set pieces the forwards were more than holding their own and supplying the backs with good ball. The supply wasn’t let down and the backs made use of it, good handling and strong running from Ed Parker enabled them to drive up field and eventually turn possession and territory into points with David Hipkiss (age 41 and a bit) going over for the try. The afters were missed. 8 – 0.

The Grove restart was high but short, Nelson Ody went forward and jumped to take the ball and was promptly met with a clothes line from the Grove second row. The ref had no hesitation in showing a yellow card for the offence.

With a man advantage Gosford should have increased their lead but Grove defended compactly and with resolution to prevent any further scores.
With the sin-bin up and back to full strength Grove began to exert their own pressure and were rewarded with an unconverted score. 8 – 5
Half time was mercifully bestowed by the referee and both teams took the time to recharge and refocus.

A number of changes were made by Gosford (and continued to be made throughout the second half) as old legs ceased to function and young ones began to tire.

The pattern of the second half was much the same as the first, Gosford exerting pressure well and probing the Grove defence well, but when attacked themselves defending confidently and with organisation. Gosfords excellent handling and willingness to go wide was rewarded when they scored their second try in the corner by James Allen on the wing to lead 13 – 5.

At this point our intrepid reporter was called to the second team match to sub on for the fatally injured Tom Heydon. It turned out that he wasn’t fatally injured at all but had a bit of a nose bleed. Consequently Grove’s second try cannot be correctly reported upon. 13- 10.

The second half continued to have good rugby played. Highlights being the tap and go penalty that saw Nelson break deep into the Grove 22, the tackle by Ben Dunnill on the rather rapid Grove winger, Dan Jones actually jumping at the lineout and Kev Dawson’s awesome moustache.
As a spectacle this may not have been the fastest match played, but it was a competitive game between equally matched teams, who both played it in the right spirit.

All of the Gosford youngsters acquitted themselves admirably.
On the pitch they were committed, disciplined and conducted themselves with sportsmanship. After the game they were more than happy to serve food, collect the subs, collect the plates and take the shirts for washing. It was great to see them all smiling after the game, gentlemen, this is why we play rugby!

1. Mark Wittet
2. Nelson Ody (Captain)
3. Dave Eustice
4. Ollie Meadham
5. Paul Barker
6. Dan Jones
7. Nice lad whose name I forget (I blame the blow to the head!)
8. Kevin Dawson
9. Jack Taylor
10. David “Hippo” Hipkiss
11. Ben Dunnill
12. Jake Townsend
13. Ed Parker
14. James Allen
15. James Holburn
Subs
16. Andy Wilkins
17. Merlin Llewlyn-Pratt
18. Steve Longthorpe
19. Paul “PJ” Taylor
20. Alex Gabbidon

Man of the match - Everyone