Both teams were aware of the importance of the result of this fixture as they both were labouring in the bottom levels of Championship 1. The home side dominated possession and territory in the first half and despite many attempts, the Grosvenor defence held out. Special mention should go to Jack Breen for some try saving tackles. A Mitchell McComb break was the highlight of the half and Grosvenor turned around with the score 6-6, with returning out half, Adam Skelton kicking two penalties. Grosvenor will also have been happy with their scrummaging as they drove their opponents back relentlessly. It was a much improved display from Grosvenor in the second half with another returnee, Peter Davison adding his experience to the occasion. He replaced the injured Jack Breen. In complete contrast to the home side, Grosvenor took their chance when a drive near the Carrick line, resulted in Stuart Smyth driving over for the try. Skelton missed the conversion but had earlier hit another penalty to give the visitors a 14-6 lead. Grosvenor, with a strong breeze behind their backs took control of the game and extended their lead with another Skelton penalty,17-6. At this point, Carrick threw caution to the wind and after a succession of penalties, they scored under the Grosvenor posts. The rushed drop kick conversion brought the score to 17-13, but the referee blew the whistle for full time before any restart could be taken.
Grosvenor will be relieved to get their first league win. It was well deserved and in my opinion was due to an aggressive and well organised defensive effort. Championship 1 will be a tight league this year and every point will count. Our set piece functioned well today and will only get better. Well done to the coaches and the 17 players.
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