PAN DOWN SCREEN FOR OLDER REPORTS
Spalding U13s 12 Grimsby U13s 42
Grimsby Rufc Under 13s travelled to rivals Spalding for the Lincolnshire county knockout quarter-final on a near perfect day for rugby. Spalding opened up the game, kicking to Grimsby, who fed the ball straight down the back line to winger Mike Nurse who, from inside his own half, danced through the opposition's defence to score a fine individual try, converted by Declan Clare. Grimsby continued with the early pressure and, working the ball through the forwards, released open side Max McKay to score a further individual try, again converted by Clare. A further score by Nurse put Grimsby in a commanding 21-0 lead after 12 minutes with Clare again converting. To Spalding's credit, they came back to score two tries against the run of play, which Grimsby partially cancelled out with a try from captain Will Ridgeway, again converted by Clare, giving a half-time score of 28-12.
The second half started with Spalding putting all the pressure on Grimsby and camping in their half for the best part of 15 minutes. Resolute defending by a Grimsby side determined to keep the home side out showed a new side to their game and credit must be given to every player for absolute commitment to the team. As Spalding tired, Grimsby scored a further two tries through flying winger Nurse, both converted by Steve Day. This was a fine team performance by a Grimsby side determined to play open rugby. Credit must be given to all 21 players who were involved and the supporters who travelled.