Grimsby 3 Oakham 13
Worried Blues aiming for a stronger 2006 Grimsby failed to break down a resolute Oakham defence as they slipped to another defeat at Springfield Road. They threatened only once in each half as the Blues lost 13-3 to stay bottom of the Midlands Three East (North) table.
For the first 20 minutes the home side were under enormous pressure. But tight defence and a few steals from the likes of number eight Mike Newman kept the black and yellow visitors at bay. Once they got territory, the Blues caused problems. A set move ended in a penalty, which Darren Daly struck sweetly. But they were the only blue points of the game.
Just after half-time, the play of the match nearly ended in a 'romantic' try for the Grimsby pack. After Newman took in a lineout nearly 40m from the line, the forwards took time to set up the maul. As it trundled slowly towards the line it rolled left and right, wearing the Oakham defence down. Creeping a couple of metres out, even the backs started to join in an attempt to push the mass of bodies over the line. Second row Marc Burke peeled off and dived for the line but was inches short. A couple of scrums later and Oakham had spoiled the attack and cleared their lines. Grimsby were penned back for much of the half. When they got on the front foot, ball was too frequently kicked away or spilled and surrendered. With 15 minutes to go the dagger blow was struck following a mistake from full-back Dan Evans. He had dealt with high balls and swept up grubber kicks all game, but chasing a kick from the Oakham scrum-half, he fumbled as he willed the ball over the try line.
Evans dived on it but it was kicked from his grasp and the Oakham fly-half picked up to score under the posts. The conversion made it 13-3 and Grimsby failed to breach the black and yellow line before time was up. After Christmas the Blues will need to start the season over - five wins could be enough to escape the trapdoor into Midlands Four. But they will have to take every chance and tip every balance - something the team has failed to do in 2005.