A decent crowd turned up to watch Grosvenor 2s take on City of Armagh's 3s at Gibson Park. Despite the significantly cold weather, the spectators were treated to a fine game of open and running rughy. The visitors started off at a healthy pace and moved the ball from touchline to touchline but the decisive factor in this game was the Grosvenor defence, which was resolute throughout. After repelling another attack an errant pass was intercepted by home captain, Ben Coard who raced in from 80 odd metres for a try ably converted by Jonny Allen. Grosvenor scored 7 tries in this match and all were converted by the aforementioned Allen. A significant feat in itself. Armagh retaliated with a try from their no 5, which was also converted to level the scores at 7-7.
Following good pressure from the home team, Robbie Dugan scored to restore the home lead to 14-7. Grosvenor were growing into the game and another try followed after a disallowed one. 21-7. The Armagh right wing scored just before half time and the conversion hit the post and stayed out. 21-12 to Grosvenor. In an almost identical situation, skipper Ben Coard intercepted again to increase lead to 28-12.
The second half started with a try from Johhny McCoubrey stretching the lead to 35-12. In this roller coaster of a game, Armagh scored another try to make the score 35-19. With the result not yet a given, Connor McCormick supported well to score to increase the home lead to 42-17. This was necessary as Grosvenor defended stoutly if at some times, illegally and 2 yellow cards were issued to Grosvenor forwards. With spaces opening up and an unusual lapse in defence, the Armagh right wing raced in for a converted try but the scoring concluded when Harry Carroll scored Grosvenor's 7th try to leave the final score at 49-26 to the home side. There were many outstanding performances, especially from Jonny Allen 7/7 kicks, and Ben Coard with 2 lengthy run-ins, but the concensus in the clubhouse was that Michael Baird should be awarded this weeks MOM.
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