It was a miserable day at Gibson Park for this crunch match in Championship One. Both sides really needed victory and CI deservedly took a bonus point win. Grosvenor have displayed outstanding defensive qualities all season, despite their lowly position and with CI attacking for multi phases, the defence was again challenged. Despite early CI pressure on the home line, the defence held out and eventually broke upfield, with the returning Skelton knocking over a penalty to give Grosvenor a 3-0 lead.
From an up and under, Grosvenor winger Farquar collided with his opposite number and subsequently had to leave the field. He was replaced by Neil Adams. A strong CI scrum was rewarded with a penalty and CI managed to squeeze over for a try which was converted, 3-7. This was the half time score and Grosvenor turned round with a stiff breeze in their favour.
Grosvenor opened the second half with some great running and a half break from Ben Coard put left wing Ben Johnston in for a try which Skelton converted to give the home side a 10-7 lead. Grosvenor continued and quick defence allowed Peter Davidson to intercept and run in from 60 metres.
Unfortunately the easy conversion was missed but Grosvenor lead 15-7. From the subsequent kick off, a simple catch was knocked on, giving the visitors a scrum from which they eventually scored 15-12. From this point on, CI attacked incessantly and their heavy carriers pounded the Grosvenor line. To the delight of the vociferous support, the CI centre ran in a try which was converted to give them a lead of 19-15.
Grosvenor seemed to have expended all their energy and it was no surprise that their forwards trundled over for a converted bonus point try to finish the game at 24-15 The tackle count must have been immense and Grosvenor can be proud of holding CI out for long periods. However through absolutely no fault of their own, the CI power game won them the match. There were many creditable performances from the home side but Sam Purdon was immense and gets my vote for Grosvenor's MOM.
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