An error strewn performance saw Grosvenor gain their first point of their league season. However it could and should have been a 4 point haul. Grosvenor's errors started with the first kick off going out on the full and a decent period of defence saw Carrick take the lead with a straightforward penalty from their full back. Playing into a stiff breeze, the visiting backs looked dangerous with good ground being made by Davison, Breen and Johnston. However a decision by the refereee was questioned and the resultant penalty was goaled by the Carrick no 15. Another unavoidable situation was punished. 6-0 Carrick. Grosvenor rallied and strong pressure on the Carrick line saw centre Davison crash over under the posts, leaving a simple conversion for Skelton. 7-6 Grosvenor. Immediately from the kick off an overoptimistic offload gave Carrick possession and a lucky bounce saw the Carrick right wing score in the corner, for a try which was brilliantly converted by the full back. 13-7 Carrick. Playing with the strong breeze, Grosvenor may have been happy with this scoreline but an early infringement saw a further penalty for Carrick, increasing their lead to 16-7.
Grosvenor attacked the Carrick line for a long period, the only benefit being a Skelton penalty to bring the score to 16-10. Grosvenor failed to find touch from a penalty and the home team surged forward from their own 22 and with Grosvenor's defence letting them down, Carrick scored another try, this time unconverted, 21-10. A comedy of errors from the home team gifted Grosvenor a try by Farquar, conversion by Skelton. 21-17. The visitors were within a try of victory but the consistent kicking of the Carrick full back increased their lead with another penalty, 24-17. An ugly brawl saw two players yellow carded and the resultant penalty was missed by Skelton. Final score 24-17 to Carrick.
The coaches will look back on this game as the one that got away. It is frustrating to see a result dominated by unavoidable errors. Points are at a premium in this league, which is both top heavy and bottom heavy. If these errors can be minimized, surely our first victory is just round the corner.
IG
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