Strong Grove 2s eventually overpower valiant Gosford

GAB made the trip down to Grove to play freshly relegated Grove – who came down due to forfeits, not results. With the 1s also at home and a big party planned, they had a full squad, with plenty of players who’ve played Level 6 rugby and a Jamaican 7s international in the centres. As for GAB’s squad, a couple of dropouts on the day meant they had a smaller bench then they would have liked.

Gosford kicked off, and with scrummie Alfie Morton finding space, GAB were able to recover possession, and then after a high shot, Alife put the ball into the corner, and when the ball was released from the lineout Grove strayed offside and then with his 3rd kick in fewer minutes Alfie Morton put GAB ahead with the penalty. 0-3

Grove started to use their power players to make inroads in the GAB defence, and with some good pace out wide as well they managed to get behind GAB’s defence for an unconverted try (5-3). Play then remained between the 22s for a while as neither side was able to fashion a breakthrough. Eventually tho, Grove turned GAB over and spun the ball wide round the GAB backline and despite the unsighted efforts of Sam Durley (the break had been so quick the ref was still 20m away) the try was awarded and converted. 12-3.

GAB started to see more possession and following Grove getting caught out by the new tackle laws allowing Alfie Morton to add a further 3pts. 12-6

Sadly that was the last points GAB would score, not for lack of effort or passion. And despite their strong squad, Grove weren’t able to break through as much they may have expected – GAB fronted up across the board to force mistakes or drive Grove out of play. They did score once more in the first half, and added two more towards the end of the game, including with the final play.

The words in the post-match huddle were words of pride – heads could have dropped and the scoreline could have been much more one sided. Again, the pack stood up well with the scrum again being a source of strength. Rufus Kinsey making his rugby debut carried hard and put himself about. Harvey Scott also made his adult rugby debut from the bench and took to it like a duck to water.

Ed Clark carried and tackled well until his knee finally forced him off around the hour mark, and Sam Parsons was very apparent as well, whether on the wing, in the 2nd row or at 12 as he moved around the park to support his team’s needs – Sam was in the running for Man of the Match, which went to Alfie Morton, but got the other post match pint for a terrible choice of footwear.

The 2s go again on the 30th of Sept, with Littlemore coming to visit. It’s a double home game, so should be a good afternoon at The Brake!

Tap Social Man of the Match: Alfie Morton[

Scorers:
Alfie Morton – 2P