The 2nd XV faced the daunting task of a visit to Ballymacairn Park to take on league leaders Hinch 3rds. Their cause was not helped when they lost flanker Jack Mahon with an ankle injury in the first minute. The home side had some strong runners and experienced players and they scored an early try. However Grosvenor bounced back and after some neat back play involving Dean Swift and Jack Kennedy, Jonny Allen slotted over a penalty. 7-3. Hinch responded with a try off a line out. 12-3. Again Grosvenor took the game to Hinch with Conor McCormick, James Simms and Keegan Odell making good inroads up front and following a scintillating Gareth Thompson break, which stopped when he was tackled illegally, Jonny Allen slotted over a second penalty 12-6. Grosvenor’s defence held firm until the final minute when Hinch carved out another try off a line out to lead 17-6 at the break.
The home side burst out of the blocks in the second half with two more quick tries but again this plucky young Grosvenor side fought back and Henry Ferris scored a great try following a line-out catch and drive. However that was to be our final score of the day and Hinch racked up a number of tries in the last quarter to run out worthy winners 44-13. Despite the scoreline this is a talented young Grosvenor side who obviously enjoy their rugby and the post match banter showed there is a healthy team spirit in the squad. In Henry Ferris they have a natural leader and there is some serious pace and talent throughout the team to give optimism for the future. Dean Swift, Jack Kennedy and Jonny Allen were all contenders but my Man of the Match was Ross Copeland who really fronted up to the big Hinch pack and showed some deft touches in the loose.
AE