Ilkeston 64 Grimsby 5
Barring points reductions and a sporting miracle, Grimsby Rugby Football Club will be relegated. After defeat at high-flying Ilkeston the Blues are six points a drift of Belgrave with three Midlands Three East (North) games to play. They would need to win at home to Glossop, away to leaders Melton Mowbray and at home to Loughborough to be in with a glimmer of hope, while relying on their rivals for the drop to lose all their games and, ideally, get two points deducted. The squad had dwindled from mid-week for the Ilkeston game and Grimsby called up several Colts for the tough trip. Daniel Waterman made his first start for the 1st XV on the left wing, while Jordan Hill played at fly-half and had a good game under pressure.
The Blues started terribly, to allow the Ilkeston left wing to dive over for the opening score. Minutes later powder-puff attempts to stop Ilkeston's Kiwi fly-half saw him go over for a score. Two more followed before Grimsby got their hands on the ball at 28-0 down. After 25 minutes a lineout on the half-way line set the Blues in motion with a rolling maul. The forwards were driving low and made 30 metres before the home side could stop them by infringing. The penalty was kicked to touch for the lineout, which was won cleanly and shipped to the backs. With the Ilkeston defence fast approaching, Hill kicked through and chased, narrowly beating his opposite number to the ball for the score. A bloody nose was his other reward. The Blues enjoyed some more possession before half-time, but failed to enjoy the penetration of that first maul. And Ilkeston turned the screw by exploiting the blind side for several more scores.
Every bounce of the ball went to the home side in the second half, but Grimsby never gave up. A chip kick sat up perfectly for the Ilkeston centre who ran through to extend their lead. A dropped ball by Hill from behind his own line gave them another seven points and with the game out of sight the second-placed side stretched the game. The Blues' tackling improved and everyone gave their all but it was too late. Several more tries finished the job without the visitors threatening the Ilkeston line. It is doubtful they will have a tougher game this season, even with leaders Melton still to come, but the Blues showed they fear no-one.
The Pavilion, Springfield Road, Scartho, Grimsby, NE Lincs, DN33 3JF