Linfield, Grosvenor GS, Man Utd, Ulster, Ireland and Grosvenor RFC....... if Carlsberg did weekends ..... Games between CI and Grosvenor have been tightly fought over the last few years with the Belmont side coming out on top overall. This game was closely contested but the ghost of Allen McCluggage drifted over Belmont as CI looked for a late try which if converted would have given them victory 28-27. Held up over the line just beside the Grosvenor posts, the resulting penalty for back-chat took us out of our danger zone and shortly after an enthusiastic and vocal travelling support acknowledged their heroes as an invaluable 5 league points were added to the Grosvenor Championship 1 league total.
This was a gutsy performance from Grosvenor, defending stoutly and moving the ball into space when available. A healthy half time lead was cut down and CI sensed an opportunity but alas for them it was not to be. This young Grosvenor side showed that they can play winning rugby but maybe they play too much rugby in their own half, especially when they have run up a decent score against the opposition. Work will inevitably need to be done on kick off receipt but a win next week against Ballymoney would increase the divide and leave us in a sound mid table position. 4 tries were scored by Stuart Smyth, Hansen (2) and McNeight. 2 were converted by Ben Johnston who also hit a terrific penalty.
There were many candidates for MoM including Quinn, Coard, Johnston and Pollock but young Michael Baird gets my nod for an outstanding display in second row.
IG
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