PAN DOWN SCREEN FOR OLDER REPORTS
Sheffield came out at a pace in the opening moments of this Notts, Lincs & Derbs. League Cup Final game, pressurising the Blues from the kick-off and causing handling errors amongst the Grimsby backs. An attempted clearance kick under extreme pressure on his own 5-metre line by full back Charlie Studd was charged down by the Sheffield right wing, who had only to dive on the ball over the opposition try-line to score with no more than a minute of play gone. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but this was a nightmare start for the Blues. From the restart the Blues mounted an attack and eventually a penalty was awarded for a Sheffield infringement, but the kick for posts from centre Jordan Hill went wide. Moments later Sheffield were awarded a penalty when a Grimsby player was judged to have handled the ball in a ruck. The kick for posts was on target and Sheffield found themselves 8 0 ahead within 10 minutes of the start of the game.
Although Grimsby had the advantage of the sloping pitch in the first half, they failed to use it to any great extent and repeatedly their attempts to create scoring opportunities by running with ball in hand were thwarted by strong tackling from the opposition and apparently more aggression and greater desire in the ensuing mauls. With a few minutes of the fist half remaining the Sheffield openside flanker was yellow-carded by the referee following repeated infringements from his team, but even against 14 men Grimsby were still unable to find their way over the opposition try-line, and the teams turned round with Sheffield still leading 8 0.
For the second half Grimsby brought Alan Oliver on in the centre in place of scrum half Jim Ladds and reshuffled the back line with Darren Spreadbury moving to scrum half and Hill taking Spreadbury's place at fly half. Oliver was soon making some incisive runs along with his centre partner Edward Studd who seemed to be through to score before being pulled back by the referee for a knock on, signalled by radio communication by a touch judge. Unfortunately for Grimsby this turned out to have been a knock on by a Sheffield player and advantage could have been played. It is of course such defining moments that win and lose Cup Finals. Following the resulting scrum, however, Grimsby won possession and began to make steady progress upfield. The ball eventually reached Blues lock Marc Burke on the right wing and, showing a remarkable turn of pace for such a large man, he outstripped a number of Sheffield defenders before off-loading the ball in a tackle to Hill, who in turn made ground. Hill then got away an excellent pass to Grimsby 's right wing Michael Pennington who powered over the opposition line to score a try out wide. The conversion kick was a difficult one but Hill slotted it over and Grimsby were now back in the game, just one point behind.
Spurred on by that score Grimsby continued to dominate the game in terms of both territory and possession, and Blues' lock Calvin Sangster had his usual exceptional game in the lineout, but neither side could gain the overall advantage to get into a scoring position. Then Oliver received a yellow card for overenthusiastically tackling an opponent before retiring 10 metres at a penalty and Grimsby were down to 14 players, although they managed to prevent Sheffield getting into anything like a scoring position during his absence. Even after Oliver's return, and despite the best efforts of the whole team, Grimsby just could not find a way to achieve the score they needed to win the game. In the dying minutes of the game Sheffield were awarded a penalty a kickable distance from the posts, but failed to turn that advantage into further points. With two minutes to time Grimsby threw everything they had into trying to get out of their own half and back towards the opposition try-line, but without success. The game was halted for a knock on and the referee blew the final whistle.
Grimsby Colts' narrow loss was a major disappointment for the players, coaches and many supporters who travelled the 100 or so miles to Ilkeston to cheer the team on, but everyone was philosophical after the game and gave credit to Sheffield for their considerable effort and, through resolute defence, success in stopping Grimsby playing their usual game. It was in any event a massive achievement for this young team to have reached the Final in the manner in which they did and to lose out on the winners' trophy by such a small margin.
Grimsby Colts were expecting a tough match in their friendly fixture against this strong Leicestershire club whose first team currently top the Midlands Three East (North) senior league, and, for the first half of the game at least, they were not disappointed. The Blues were somewhat groggy in their pre-match warm up and it took them the best part of 20 minutes to start to play some decent rugby. Grimsby got themselves into a reasonable attacking position early on and were awarded a penalty when a Melton player infringed at a maul. The decision was made to kick for posts, despite a fairly strong wind, which unfortunately got the better of the attempt from inside centre Jordan Hill. From the ensuing 22-metre drop out the home side made steady progress up field. Taking the ball into contact and recycling it well, Melton found the opportunity to spin the ball wide and although Grimsby had man on man cover the defence was fooled by a dummy and the Melton inside centre went through without a hand being laid on him to score a try and open the score for the home side. The conversion attempt was not successful.
Grimsby seemed unable to raise their game and some poor handling and communication soon gifted another try to Melton from an intercepted pass, and the same Melton centre ran in another try, under the posts. This time the kick went over making the score 12 0 to the home side. Lesser teams may have started to panic, but finally realising the need to step up a gear, the Blues gradually eased their way back into the game. A series of penalties was conceded by Melton close to their line and although they defended heroically a number of charges from Grimsby number eight Tim Mellors and open-side flanker and team captain Matt Leitch, eventually Leitch found a way through, driving over to score a try and open the scoring for the Blues. The conversion attempt from outside centre Ed Studd, who had taken over the kicking duties after Hill had received a kick to the face, was unsuccessful. Melton continued to try to use the wind to their advantage by kicking long, but soon one such kick was taken well by Grimsby full back Charlie Studd who went on the counter-attack and following some skilful interplay in the backs the ball reached Ed Studd who then outstripped the opposition to score a try, which again was not converted. A short time after the referee blew for half time with Melton leading 12 10.
The second half was like a different game. With the wind and the eighty-mile journey now behind them, Grimsby started to play with greater control and flare. The Blues built an attack from the half way line, producing quick ball from the rucks and passing the ball swiftly and accurately through many pairs of hands. Although Melton defended vigorously eventually Charlie Studd received the ball out on the left wing and powered over to score a try in the corner. Although his elder brother was unable to gain the extra two points from the conversion, Grimsby led for the first time in the game. It was not long before right wing MichaelPennington had the opportunity to show his turn of pace, receiving the ball in the opposition half and splitting the opposition defence before going over for a try, which Ed Studd then converted. Within minutes, after some excellent work from the Grimsby forwards, who had now started to dominate the opposition pack, the elder Studd brother received the ball in midfield, side stepped two would-be tacklers and then sped over the Melton line to score his second try, which he successfully converted. Minutes later Pennington ran in a second try after a superb run from inside his own half, cutting some excellent angles as he scythed through the Melton defence
With Grimsby Lock Calvin Sangster making some excellent charging runs and the remainder of the Blues' forward pack supporting well, Melton were struggling to contend. The intense pressure resulted in a fumbled attempt to catch the ball after Hill chipped through, and Studd chasing the kick ahead seized the ball as it bounced on the half way line, then outstripped the opposition's defence to score a try and achieve his hat-trick, but was unsuccessful with the conversion attempt. Although the game was by now out of reach for Melton they came back at their opposition with vigour, but some excellent defensive work from the Blues and in particular replacement flanker Ben Stowe who tackled like a demon, the home team could find no way through. The game was then stopped as Grimsby 's replacement number eight Adam MacKenzie received attention after a reoccurrence of an ankle injury and the referee blew the final whistle.
With their squad heavily depleted by injury and illness, Grimsby Colts had just enough players to put out a team for this friendly fixture and had to dig deep to secure a win over their local rivals. The Blues started with the advantage of the slope and wind, but it was the home side that took the upper hand. Sustained pressure over the first quarter of the game eventually paid off for Rasen when the ball was won in a ruck and their wing forward broke through and, thanks to some weak and missed tackles round the fringes, went over for a try to open the scoring. The conversion kick fell short. Rasen continued to pressurise the visitors but Grimsby coped with it well, with wing Chris Langford, returning from long-term injury, putting in an excellent performance. Eventually Grimsby succeeded in reversing the trend of Rasen possession and territory with a clever kick from fly half Daz Spreadbury. A Rasen winger got into a good position under the high ball and seemed to take it well but spilt it backwards over his try line. Grimsby centre Michael Pennington, who had chased the kick at considerable speed, then dived on the ball to score his team's first try, which Spreadbury converted. The teams turned round at 7-5 to the visitors.
Rasen came out strongly again after the break and used the slope and wind well to keep Grimsby pinned in their 22-metre area for lengthy periods, with only the occasional counter-attack to contend with. Grimsby defended well, however, with storming performances from flanker Ben Stowe and (in his first game in the unfamiliar position) lock Luke Thornton in particular. Rasen were eventually able to create an overlap and their fly half seemed certain to score in the corner, but Grimsby captain number 8 Matt Leitch, as usual leading by example, prevented the score with a superb tackle, forcing his opponent into the corner flag, resulting in a 22 drop out to the Blues. Although Rasen kept up the pressure they could find no way through the determined Grimsby defence and then from a Grimsby scrum in their own 22-metre area, scrum half Jim Ladds switched the ball to centre Ed Studd, who crossed the gain line and fed Pennington, who then sped off through a gap in the Rasen defence, outstripping their full back to score a superb breakaway try under the posts. The conversion kick hit the upright but soon afterwards the final whistle was blown for a well-deserved Grimsby win.
A superb first half performance at the neutral venue of Sleaford RUFC's ground enabled Grimsby Colts to book a place in the Notts, Lincs & Derbs. Cup Final. They got the dream start when the Newark stand off fluffed the kick-off, which landed near, then bounced into the hands of, Grimsby centre Jordan Hill. Hill saw some space ahead and sped off towards the opposition try line, sidestepping the Newark full back to go over for a try under the posts, which he converted. Grimsby kept on the pressure following the restart and soon Newark conceded a penalty close to the half way line. Grimsby fly half Darren Spreadbury, who had an excellent game throughout, kicked long to touch. From the ensuing lineout, hooker Matt Pettiford, who was hitting his target with regularity, found lock Calvin Sangster who secured the ball and the Blues' pack then drove the maul on towards the Newark line. Lock Marc Burke then emerged with the ball and with a combination of strong hand-offs and powerful driving barged his way over for a try, again converted by Hill.
Newark tried hard to fight back but could find no way through the strong Grimsby defence, with their back three of wingers Michael Pennington and Danny Waterman and full back Charlie Studd getting in some super tackles and blindside flanker James Shuttleworth frequently snaffling the ball following the tackle. Burke received the ball after a turnover and charged ahead. The ball was then released to Spreadbury whose long miss-pass reached outside centre Ed Studd on the halfway line. Almost replicating Hill's earlier try, Studd took off and outstripped the Newark defence to score a try under the posts. The conversion kick from Hill was successful. Continued pressure from Grimsby kept Newark pinned in their half and a kick ahead from Spreadbury could have resulted in a try but the ball was grounded by the opposition full back. From the subsequent 22 drop-out the ball was taken well by Spreadbury who fed Pennington, who in turn passed to scrum half Jim Ladds. Ladds offloaded to openside flanker and team captain Matt Leitch who split the Newark defence with a speedy jinking run. Hill then cut a superb angle, receiving the ball at pace and powering over for a try, which again he converted. Grimsby were by now buzzing and continued to keep their momentum. Eventually a driving maul saw Grimsby advance a good 20 metres towards the Newark try line and then Leitch broke away to dive over for another try for the Blues. This time the conversion kick went wide and, soon after, the whistle went for half time with Grimsby a comfortable 33 0 in front.
After the break Grimsby emerged with prop Luke Thornton having replaced David Dormer as a precautionary measure due to some discomfort in his neck. Newark came out fired up and Grimsby had to fight to stay in control. A few minutes in, Pennington turned an ankle and was replaced by Allan Oliver who went to full back with Studd moving to the wing. Eventually play reached the Newark 22-metre area and Grimsby's pack led by prop Ashley Doherty and number 8 Tim Mellors drove the maul on. The ball emerged and was shipped out to Ed Studd on the left wing. Studd took the ball on and was tackled. Grimsby produced quick ball from the ruck and Burke received it with much to do. In a carbon copy of his first try Burke handed off a number of would be tacklers and charged over to score his second try. The wind took Hill's conversion kick wide.
To their credit Newark didn't give in, although only a miracle would have seen them turn round a 38 0 deficit, but they were clearly becoming increasingly frustrated. That frustration ultimately boiled over when one of the Newark locks punched Waterman for no apparent reason and deservedly received a red card. Andrew Potter replaced Waterman, now sporting a large lump to the right of his eye. This seemed to kick-start the Newark players into concerted action and they constantly threatened the Grimsby try line. Grimsby held out for a while but conceded a number of penalties in the process, which Newark chose to run. Thornton then killed the ball in a ruck and the referee selected him to be made an example of and sent him to the sin bin for 10 minutes. With Adam MacKenzie and Ben Stowe now on for Burke and Shuttleworth, Grimsby still managed to avert a Newark score until just prior to Thornton being allowed to return to the fray, when Newark were awarded another penalty 5 metres out and drove over for a consolation try, which they converted. Grimsby had to reshuffle following injuries to Oliver and MacKenzie but conceded no further score. Delighted by this achievement Grimsby Colts now look forward to the Cup Final on 23 rd April against Sheffield who beat Paviors in the corresponding semi final at Sleaford 23 15.
Grimsby Colts surrendered this season's unbeaten record in this top of the table clash with their NLD Cup League rivals at Nottingham. Both teams finish on equal points but Paviors top the league on points scored
Paviors started strongly and Grimsby soon conceded a penalty, but the kick was unsuccessful. The Blues then turned the tables and pinned Paviors in their own half. The pressure eventually told and the home side conceded a penalty. Grimsby fly half Jordan Hill was unlucky with the subsequent kick at posts, which just fell short. The sides were clearly evenly matched and neither seemed to gain the upper hand until the home side were awarded a scrum on the visitors' 22-metre line. The Blues failed to defend the blind side adequately, enabling the Paviors' right wing to run in a try virtually unopposed. The conversion kick was missed but Paviors' defence remained solid for the rest of the half and the sides turned round with the home side 5 0 ahead.
With the advantage of the slope now with them, Grimsby needed to start the second half strongly, but they faltered again, conceding a penalty for holding on in the tackle. Paviors kicked for posts and this time the kick was on target, edging the home side in front by a further 3 points and necessitating two scores from Grimsby to draw level. Blues' captain Matt Leitch rallied his team and then led from the front with two charges at the opposition try line, which were repelled. Undeterred, Leitch seized the opportunity of a penalty to take a quick tap and powered his way over the line to score a try. The conversion attempt was a difficult one but Hill struck the ball well and it sailed through the uprights, reducing the deficit to just one point. Grimsby then seemed to relax a little and this was fatal against such strong opposition. Virtually from the restart the home side attacked strongly and created an overlap from which their right wing was able to run in a try in the far corner. The conversion kick did not succeed. Grimsby then rang the changes bringing on Luke Thornton in the front row for David Dormer and Adam MacKenzie and Ben Stowe in the back row. A minute later Thornton returned to the sidelines having received a yellow card for retaliation. That necessitated Stowe leaving the pitch whilst Dormer returned to the fray to continue his sterling efforts. This fiasco seemed to galvanise the visitors who attacked the opposition try line strongly. Paviors conceded penalty after penalty but the referee allowed them to retain a full set and 14-man Grimsby could find no way through. A further penalty was then conceded five metres out and again Leitch took the quick one. From the ensuing maul, scrum half Jim Ladds received quick ball and flung it out wide to second row Tim Mellors who had taken up an excellent position. Mellors dived under the defensive cover to score a try. The conversion unfortunately went wide, but the score had been narrowed to 13-12 to the home side.
Paviors were determined not to surrender their lead and again came back strongly, pushing Grimsby back towards their line. The ball was chipped over the visitors' back line but taken well by full back Charlie Studd, who eventually grounded the ball giving a scrum to Paviors on the Grimsby 5-metre line. The Paviors' number eight broke from the back of the scrum, but was held up by the Grimsby defence. The ball was recycled twice before a Paviors forward finally found a way through to score a try. The conversion kick failed but Paviors managed to hold on to their lead for the remainder of the game. This was always going to be a difficult match for the Blues, but until the final whistle was blown it looked as if they would get the score they needed, but which ultimately eluded them.
The final scoreline does not reflect the amount of effort Grimsby Colts had to put in to defeat their opposition in this Notts, Lincs & Derbs Cup U19s League game. Loughborough had a strong pack and a fly half with a good boot and the two teams seemed fairly well matched, at least for the first quarter of the game. The first score from the home side came after some good work from the forwards, and 2 nd row Joe Black and prop Ashley Doherty in particular, when they secured quick ball and scrum half James Shuttleworth passed on to centre Ed Studd. Studd made a break and his centre partner Michael Pennington was on his shoulder. Studd offloaded to Pennington who ran in to score a try, which was ably converted by fly half Jordan Hill.
After 20 mins the visitors' right wing was penalised for holding on in the tackle and, because of the persistent offending of his team, was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Grimsby seemed unable to capitalise on that advantage until lock Calvin Sangster won good ball from an excellent throw into the lineout from hooker Matt Pettiford and the home pack rolled the maul, forcing Loughborough to retreat rapidly towards their try-line. Grimsby No 8 Daz Spreadbury broke away with the ball and, drawing the defence, timed his pass to Hill to perfection. Hill ran in his team's second try and was again successful with the conversion kick. Despite their efforts, Loughborough could not break down the home side's defence, with their back three of Danny Waterman, Charlie Studd and Luke Chaplin working well together. The teams turned round at half time with Grimsby leading 14 0.
Grimsby came out strongly in the second half, and, within minutes, open-side flanker and team captain Matt Leitch went over for a try after he had supported closely when Ed Studd made a good break from just inside the opposition half. Hill was unlucky with the conversion kick, which hit the upright. A few minutes later Pennington made a strong run up the wing, but was tackled about 15 metres out. The Blues forwards rucked the ball well and Spreadbury emerged with it, taking it on before offloading to Shuttleworth, who then found Pennington in support. Pennington used his strength to power his way through to score his second try. The conversion kick was a difficult one, but Hill made it look easy, adding another 2 points to the home side's tally. For the last 20 minutes Tim Mellors, who had been enjoying himself in the loose play in particular, moved in to the second row and Spreadbury went to scrum half as Grimsby rang the changes with Adam MacKenzie and Ben Stowe coming on in the back row and Luke Thornton replacing Dave Dormer at tight head. The home side then continued to subject the opposition to considerable pressure in their half and they were eventually penalised for off-side at the maul. The referee marched Loughborough back a further 10 metres for dissent and Spreadbury seized the opportunity to tap and run, powering over for a try. Hill converted again. Loughborough threw everything in to the last few minutes of the game and built a good attack passing the ball out to the wing. There was no way past Waterman, however, and as the Loughborough centre attempted to offload in the tackle, his pass was intercepted by Ed Studd on his 10 metre line and he sped off, outstripping the opposition cover to score under the posts. Hill converted the try to seal the game.
A few more grey hairs were noticed on the heads of the Grimsby U19s' coaching team at the end of this match, as once again the Colts overturned a significant deficit to achieve victory in this NLD Cup League game, despite being depleted through injury to certain key players. The home side were slow out of the starting blocks and Derby caught them on the hop with an early try when their forwards drove over the line following a 5-metre scrum, which they were unable to convert. This seemed to be a wake-up call for the Blues who came back strongly after the restart and subjected their opposition to a period of sustained attack which culminated in lock Marc Burke storming over for his trademark' try. The conversion attempt was not successful.
The home side then went back to sleep and allowed Derby to exert pressure in areas in which Grimsby have been dominant so far this season. The visitors soon scored another try when they easily created an overlap for their speedy left wing and this time successfully converted to go back into the lead at 12 5. Still apparently lethargic, the Blues conceded another score after Derby again successfully created an overlap, this time on their right wing, resulting in a converted try. The home side then lost their full back Chris Langford with the reoccurrence of a hamstring injury and Andrew Potter took his place.
Grimsby number 8 Daz Spreadbury then started to lead the side by example and made several charges, which put Derby on the back foot. The home side were awarded a 5-metre scrum and, following a successful strike from hooker Matt Pettiford, Spreadbury picked up at the base and drove over the line to score a try close to the touchline. Centre Ed Studd was unlucky with the conversion attempt as the ball hit the post and went wide. At this stage it seemed that the Blues were in the ascendance and were soon threatening their opposition's line again. Studd made a break and offloaded to right wing Luke Chaplin who passed on to Burke on the wing. Like a rampaging bullock, Burke tossed aside two would-be defenders and crashed over to score his second try of the match. Spreadbury took over the kicking duties for this conversion attempt and came close but the kick did not succeed, leaving the home side trailing 19 15. Shortly before the break, Grimsby were awarded a penalty in the opposition half. Spreadbury took the quick tap and made some ground, then off-loaded to Burke who drew a defender before passing on to Studd. The ball then reached outside centre Michael Pennington via Chaplin and Pennington used his strength to power over for a try. The conversion kick was short but Grimsby turned round 20 19 in front.
Derby recovered the lead early in the second half when the home side conceded a penalty following a kick ahead, which caused difficulties in defence for the Blues. The conversion was missed. Grimsby fought back again and eventually the ball reached Charlie Studd on the wing, who cut back inside and passed the ball to open side flanker Matt Leitch. Leitch kicked ahead and dived on the ball over the Derby try line to score. The kick at goal went wide. Grimsby continued to exert pressure and were dominating their tiring opposition who infringed when Grimsby seemed certain to score after a good forwards' drive, so the referee awarded a penalty try which Studd converted, leaving Derby needing to score twice to win. In the dying minutes of the game, Derby broke through and several missed tackles from Grimsby allowed a final score from the visitors, who converted the try with the last play of the game.
Aside from the importance of this match as a League game, Grimsby Colts were particularly keen to beat their opposition from Nottingham who had knocked them out of two U17s competitions in semi-finals last season. The Blues did not, however, get off to a good start. Their kick-off failed to travel the requisite 10 metres and Paviors opted for a scrum, which they won and they began to put the home side under significant pressure. Grimsby defended well, with wing Luke Chaplin in particular putting in some strong tackles, and began to build an attack, but then a Paviors forward hacked on a loose ball. This left Grimsby's full back James Shuttleworth (who once again accepted his coaches' request to play out of his preferred position in the back row due to injuries and who did an excellent job in this unfamiliar position) competing man on man with the Paviors winger. The Paviors player kicked ahead again and just beat Shuttleworth to the try line where he fell on the ball to open the scoring for the visitors. The conversion attempt was wide. As was anticipated, Paviors endeavoured with some success to prevent Grimsby getting the ball out to their backs by starving the Blues of quick ball from the rucks and mauls. In the process they gave away a number of penalties and on more than one occasion were marched back 10 metres for failing to retire quickly enough.
Grimsby then suffered another set-back when an infringement was punished by a penalty to the opposition which they elected to run and Fly-half Jordan Hill was apparently penalised for not retiring 10-metres and for the manner of his tackle of the advancing Paviors player. To the amazement of the home supporters he was sin-binned for 10 minutes.
Grimsby again sought to build an attack from their half and after some good work from scrum half Jim Ladds there was a chance to open up the game, but unfortunately in their enthusiasm there was some crossing in the backs and a penalty was conceded, which resulted in Paviors adding another 3 points to their tally with a successful kick at posts. They followed this with another try out wide but missed the conversion, leaving the score at 13 0 to the visitors. To their credit Grimsby did not give up the fight and progressed steadily up field and a successful rolling maul brought them close to the Paviors line. The ball was passed to lock Marc Burke on the blindside and he leapt over a would-be tackler and stormed his way over to score Grimsby 's first try of the game. The conversion kick was unsuccessful. Some excellent defensive work from wing Charlie Studd which he turned into a good attacking chip and chase put Paviors under pressure, and the crowd sensed that Grimsby were coming back into the game, but there was no further score before half time and Grimsby turned round 13 5 behind, with much to do in the second half.
The Blues were still confident at the break and resumed the second half with considerable enthusiasm. Unfortunately they were penalised again early on and Paviors took the 3 points on offer to extend their lead. At this stage of the game heads could easily have gone down, but there was none of that from Grimsby . Bolstered by fresh legs in the form of backs Andrew Potter and Danny Waterman and with the Grimsby players' superior fitness coming into play, it was Paviors who were now on the back foot.. Hooker Matt Pettiford threw in well to Lock Calvin Sangster who started to dominate the lineouts and Pettiford took a number of strikes in the scrum against the head. With Props Ashley Doherty and David Dormer working really hard and the back row of Tim Mellors, team captain Matt Leitch and Darren Spreadbury all over the park it was apparent that the home side would soon score. Grimsby were then awarded another penalty close to the opposition 22 and following an excellent charge from Burke the ball was passed to Leitch then Hill and on to Ed Studd who stretched the opposition defence and went over to score. An excellent conversion kick from Hill saw Grimsby draw closer at 13 16.
The last few minutes of the game were simply nail-biting and the home crowd became anxious as the clock ticked away whilst one after another Paviors player went down injured (there is no time added on in youth rugby matches). Then another strike against the head in the scrum by Pettiford gave Grimsby an attacking opportunity, which was spoiled by a Paviors infringement when a player went offside at the maul. Spreadbury took the kick quickly and off-loaded to Burke who made further ground, and then shipped the ball to Hill. Hill passed to Waterman, who put centre Michael Pennington in a little space. Pennington used his speed and strength to power over for the final try of the game, which Hill again skilfully converted, and Grimsby were now in the lead for the first time in the game. Shortly after the restart Grimsby were penalised again and with no time left to play Paviors opted to kick for goal from just inside Grimsby 's half. The kick was short and Spreadbury gathered the ball and sensibly kicked to touch. The referee blew for full time and Grimsby Colts remain unbeaten and top their NLD cup league. Their next game is at home against Derby on 5 th February.
Grimsby Colts had to really dig deep to maintain this Season's unbeaten record and secure this victory in the NLD Cup League. Heavily depleted due to injured players, a squad of only 16 travelled the 100-mile plus journey for this game. Captaining the team for this game Tim Mellors won the toss and secured Grimsby the advantage of the slope in the first half, but Loughborough put them under such pressure, pinning the away side in their own half for what seemed like an eternity, that it was hard to see how the first Blue score would come. Eventually, however, fly half Jordan Hill found sufficient space and time to kick long, and the Grimsby backs bore down on the opposition full back, with flanker turned right wing for the day, James Shuttleworth in the lead. Grimsby took possession of the ball, which was passed out to left wing Charlie Studd who powered over the line to score a try, which Hill successfully converted. Loughborough were not deterred and came back strongly, forcing the Blues to make errors on which the opposition capitalised. Pursuing a pick and drive tactic, Loughborough drew nearer and nearer to the Grimsby try line, but somehow the Blues held out. The ball was hoofed clear but a counter-attack down the wing resulted in a try for the home team, although those Grimsby players closest to the action were certain that there was a foot in touch which was ignored by the Loughborough touch-judge. The conversion kick was unsuccessful and Grimsby remained in the lead.
This score seemed to provoke Grimsby into raising their game for a period and they steadily progressed downfield towards the opposition try line. Loughborough then infringed and Hill kicked for touch from the penalty. A rolling maul from the ensuing lineout resulted in Mellors crashing over for a try out wide. The conversion kick was a difficult one but Hill struck the ball so sweetly that it cleanly dissected the uprights and left Grimsby 14-5 in the lead at half time.
As was anticipated, Loughborough tried to take full advantage of the slope in the second half, kicking long at every opportunity. Grimsby were coping with this tactic fairly well but eventually infringed and the resulting penalty kick went over to bring the score to 8 -14. A further period of sustained pressure from the home side resulted in a try, which was converted, putting Loughborough 1 point in the lead. To their credit the Grimsby players did not let their heads go down, but rather they fought back and with just a few minutes to the final whistle centre Edward Studd received the ball on his 10-metre line and sped off, outstripping the drifting opposition defence. With only the Loughborough full back left to cover, Studd sidestepped once and then again to beat the defender and run round to score under the posts. Hill converted the try to seal the game.
This was a strong team performance but lock Calvin Sangster warrants particular mention for his athleticism in the lineout, as does Super Sub Joe Black who slotted seamlessly into the 2 nd row as a blood replacement and then subsequently into the front row following another injury, enabling Grimsby to maintain their momentum on each occasion.
This hastily arranged friendly fixture following cancellation by Lincoln gave an ideal finish to the first half of the Season for Grimsby Colts. Team captain Matt Leitch opened the scoring after a steady build up of play, driving over from a maul. Fly half Jordan Hill, who had an excellent day with the boot, converted to put Grimsby 7-0 in the lead. Ilkeston fought back, however, and scored from a forward drive but the conversion kick went wide. Grimsby upped their performance for a spell and a grubber kick from Hill was followed by a chip and chase from wing Charlie Studd who dived on the ball in the opposition try area to score. Hill converted again. Ilkeston were not deterred and fought their way back into the game, eventually going over in the far corner for their second and final try of the game. The conversion was again unsuccessful leaving the score at half time a close 14-10 to the home side.
After some words of encouragement from the Grimsby Coach and a little reorganisation the Blues came out for the second half with renewed vigour. Soon replacement centre Ed Studd found some space and sped clear to score a try, which Hill converted. A few minutes later, after some good work from the Grimsby forwards, Studd took a short pass from Hill on the crash and broke through to score again and Hill again converted successfully. Next it was the turn of centre Mike Pennington who shrugged off a number of would-be tacklers before outstripping the remaining defenders to score a superb individual try out wide and Hill's subsequent attempt at goal only narrowly missed. Shortly after, Ed Studd seized the opportunity presented by an Ilkeston dropped pass to hack on and then pick the ball up to run in a try under the posts to complete his hat trick. The final try of the game came from Leitch who received the ball from the restart and sidestepped or shrugged off about half of the opposition to score under the posts. Hill converted to give Grimsby an emphatic win at 47-10.
Grimsby Colts' next League game is away at Loughborough on 8 th January but before then many of the players will form part of an under 25s team who take on the Over 25s in a fun game at Springfield Road on Bank Holiday Monday 2 nd January kick off is at 12 noon and spectators are welcome.
Grimsby Colts got the second leg of their NLD Cup campaign off to a good start with this win despite the 2-hour, 100-mile journey there. Grimsby bagged an early try when the backs took the ball through several phases before wing Luke Chaplin was put clear and was able to run behind the defence to score. Ed Studd converted the try to put Grimsby ahead 7 0. Derby then started to play more consistently and tried to use the advantage of a much heavier pack to force their way to the visitors' try-line. The Blues defended well however, and despite giving away a number of penalties, putting themselves under additional pressure, managed to repel every wave of attack. Then the referee lost patience and with 10 minutes of the first half remaining sent No 8 Adam MacKenzie to the sin-bin for offside. With the one man advantage in the pack Derby seemed certain to score but could find no way through the determined Grimsby defence. Eventually, however, the Derby inside centre broke through leaving him one on one with Grimsby full back Danny Waterman. Waterman stood tall (which is not easy for a little chap) and did his duty, scything his opponent to the ground and preventing the score. Lock Calvin Sangster (who like his second row partner Marc Burke was having a stormer of a game) then charged out of defence, but the attempt to tackle him resulted in a Derby player being knocked unconscious and the referee blew the whistle for half time with Grimsby still 7 0 in the lead.
With MacKenzie restored to the fray Grimsby came out strongly in the second half and eventually, after the forwards secured some quick ball from a ruck, fly half Jordan Hill danced his way through the defence to score his team's second try, which Studd converted. A few minutes later another attacking position was established by the Grimsby forwards and scrum half Jim Ladds seized the ball from the back of a ruck and side-stepped several defenders before going over for a try which was again converted by Studd. At 21 0 in front Grimsby then took the foot off the pedal, which was not a wise thing to do against such powerful opposition as Derby , who proceeded to score two tries in fairly quick succession, one of which was converted narrowing the score to 12 21 to the visitors. There followed a period of 15 minutes when the game could have been turned over but Grimsby had other ideas. Eventually some excellent handling from the backs saw inside centre Studd run a loop and then offload the ball to his younger brother Charlie on the left wing. Studd junior still had much to do and first ran round a would-be tackler before powering his way past a second to go over for the try that sealed the game. Captain Matt Leitch deserves a special mention for his tremendous all-round performance, but particularly in the scrums where he stood in at loose-head prop rather than take his preferred position in the back row.
This was an excellent team performance in what was the first game of the NLD Cup League in which Grimsby also line up against Paviors from Nottingham and Loughborough whom they face away in the first game after the Christmas break on 8th January. The final game of the year is a friendly next Sunday at home against Lincoln
Market Rasen requested this match in place of the scheduled Colts fixture as preparation for their U17s NLD Cup League match the following Sunday at Mansfield, and Grimsby certainly gave them a good run-out. The final score belies the extent to which Rasen forced the home side to struggle to find a consistent pattern of play, and with the obvious talent in the Rasen side they will surely do well in their own age group League games. One of their tries resulted from some excellent forward work pressurising the home team in their 22-metre area before the pack drove over the line. The other came from some good individual skill from the Rasen right wing.
Many of the Blues' tries came from the opportunistic seizing of loose ball spilled by the Rasen team, but others followed some impressive individual performances from Grimsby backs. Grimsby 's try-scorers were Dan Waterman (3), Mike Pennington (3), Ed Studd, Luke Chaplin and Matt Leitch, with five successful conversion kicks from Studd.
As the score suggests this was a close fought game with a nail-biting finish!
The final game of the preliminary Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire (NLD) League saw Grimsby pitched against their old adversaries from Grantham. Many of the players from each Club have played together at County level and above and, although rivalry was intense, the game was played cleanly and in the right spirit.
Grimsby won the toss and chose to play with the strong wind behind them. It was important to use it to their advantage as it was bound to be a significant factor in the game. Kesteven initially pinned the home side in their own 22-metre area and threatened an early score but some good defensive work from the Blues allowed them to clear their lines. Grimsby gradually built an attack and eventually lock Marc Burke scored his trademark try by powering his way over the line to open the score for Grimsby . The conversion kick was a difficult one, far out near the touchline and with the wind swirling around the ground, but fly half Jordan Hill skilfully slotted the ball over the posts to put the Blues 7 0 in the lead. Because of the conditions, however, this proved to be the only successful conversion attempt of the game.
With both packs slogging it out for superiority and conditions not being ideal for the oft-seen fancy footwork of the Grimsby backs it was difficult to guess where the next score would come from. Then centre Ed Studd, who was returning to the side after representing NLD in the Midlands Festival, took possession of the ball just inside the opposition half. Spotting a gap he sped through it and managed to outpace the Kesteven defence to score.
Kesteven redoubled their efforts and were soon attacking the Grimsby line. The home team then gave away a number of penalties, which moved the opposition eventually up to the home 5-metre line. They moved the ball out wide and an overlap resulted in the Kesteven left wing scoring in the corner. There then followed a period during which both sides appeared evenly matched and there was no further score before half time. The teams turned round with the Blues winning 12 5.
Grimsby initially coped well with the wind against them in the second half and with their front row of Ashley Doherty, Chris Langford and David Dormer in particular having an excellent game, Kesteven were unable to gain an advantage. Replacement No 8 Adam MacKenzie then made an excellent break towards the opposition line putting Kesteven on the back foot. The ball was quickly recycled from a ruck and after some excellent handling through the backs reached lock Calvin Sangster whose support work throughout the game was second to none. Sangster used his long stride to full advantage and crossed the Kesteven try line in the corner to score.
Kesteven continued to contest the game strongly, however, and within a few minutes had narrowed the score to just two points with tries in fairly quick succession as a result of some defensive errors by the home side. Hill then received a yellow card for an alleged professional infingement and Grimsby were down to 14 players. The home side dug in, however, and conceded no points during the 10-minute period they were without their fly half. Shortly after Hill returned to the fray, Studd seized another opportunity from a gap in the defence to run in the final try of the game.
Having topped their preliminary league, Grimsby now progress to the NLD Cup League and await with anticipation details of the other teams against which they will be competing. The first Cup League match will be played on 11 th December.
An excellent team performance saw Grimsby Colts triumph in what, due to matches being conceded or cancelled by other opposition teams, was only their second match of the Season. Grimsby were expecting their local rivals to field a strong heavy forward pack and were not disappointed in that respect. The visitors' pack set about their task with enthusiasm though and by consistently beating their opposition to the breakdown were able to gain some control of the game. Rasen were pinned in their own half for several minutes before conceding a penalty, but the attempt at goal was unsuccessful. Undeterred, Grimsby continued to exert pressure through their forwards until eventually the ball was spun out wide and winger Danny Waterman went over for the first try of the game. The conversion kick was off target. It was not long before Grimsby were again attacking the opposition line. The forwards took possession of the ball and drove on strongly, crossing the Rasen try line before No 8 Tim Mellors grounded the ball to score. Luke Chaplin successfully converted the try and Grimsby were 12-0 ahead. Rasen dug in, however, and there was no further score before half time. The home side came out strongly in the second half and, after some confusion in the Grimsby midfield, a large gap opened up for Rasen outside centre Peter Everton who needed no second invitation and shot through to score out wide. The conversion kick was missed but Rasen were now back in the game. To their credit the away team did not let this set-back depress their excellent spirit and after a further period of forward domination Mellors picked up from the back of a ruck and drove over to score his second try, which was not converted. Rasen came back strongly again and it was only through an excellent cover tackle from Grimsby full-back Allan Oliver, who was having a superb game both in attack and defence, that a further score from the home side was averted. Further tries from Grimsby centre Charlie Studd and lock Marc Burke sealed the game for the Blues however, and they now top their League with 9 points. The final games of the preliminary Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire grouping will see Grimsby take on Grantham area side Kesteven at home, while Market Rasen play Spalding away. The ultimate League position of the teams will determine the makeup of the Cup and Plate Leagues in which Grimsby and Rasen will face teams from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Grimsby Colts got their Season off to an encouraging start, despite the 75 mile journey to Wisbech and the 8.30 am departure! This was their first game in the Notts, Lincs & Derbs U19s League in which they are grouped with Wisbech, Kesteven, Spalding and Market Rasen. Due to the earlier persistent drizzle, conditions were not ideal for fast running rugby and the wet ball caused handling difficulties. Grimsby played to the conditions and after 10 minutes were awarded a penalty in the opposition half. Fly half Jordan Hill quickly chipped the ball over the unsuspecting defence and centre Ed Studd attacked the Wisbech full back at speed, causing him to knock on in front of his try-line. From the ensuing scrum the ball went out wide and good support from the forwards eventually placed Marc Burke in a scoring position. Burke powered his way over the line to open the scoring. The conversion kick went narrowly wide. Grimsby continued to keep the pressure on through their forwards and soon back-row player and team captain Matt Leitch forced his way over under the posts. Studd converted the try and the score at half time was 12 0 to the Blues. After the break Grimsby seemed to ease off a little and allow Wisbech to come back into the game. Eventually the home side scored a try from a clever chip over the defence into open space, which Grimsby could not cover in time. The conversion kick was unsuccessful. There followed a period when neither side could obtain an advantage and during which Grimsby made hard work for themselves by conceding a number of unnecessary penalties. Eventually, however, replacement wing Michael Pennington, who had come close to scoring on a number of occasions, used his speed and strength to score an impressive try and to seal the game. The team needs to work on the penalty count issue before the next League game at home against Spalding on 24 th September.