In early September, these two sides played a midweek game at Carrick where the home side were relieved to get the ball off the pitch at the end to register a 27-21 victory. The return fixture at Orangefield was another victory for Carrick 2s by the more substantial score of 39-14. This scoreline greatly flatters the visitors who looked anything but 25 points better than a game Grosvenor side. What it did show however, was a side who actually train together as a team and who may make few enough chances but have a high completion rate of those chances.
The Grosvenor scrum was exceptional throughout and dominated a heavier and more experienced Carrick 8. Had it not been for a very accomplished number 8 for Carrick, they would have been in greater trouble.
Grosvenor made many clean breaks but were unable to convert these into points. Carrick opened the scoring when their BSF coasted in under the posts when our post defence went to sleep. Their kicker added the extras for a 7-0 lead, soon to be 10-0 when dissent marched Grosvenor back 10 metres and thie kicker added the penalty. Constant Grosvenor pressure was met with resolute defence until after the battering ram failed, Jack Kennedy glided in under the oosts for a try which Jonny Allen converted 10-7. As Grosvenor's discipline relaxed a penalty was moved 10 metres closer and a kick went into the corner and from the resultant catch and drive, Carrick extended their lead to 15-7. Grosvenor struck the post with a very kickable penalty and the half time whistle left the visitors leading 15-7. Playing with the considerable slope, Carrick dominated the exchanges and as Grosvenor sat off them, they managed 2 more tries which were converted. , 29-7. Grosvenor were still making clean breaks but poor execution allowed the visitors to clear their lines. Surprisingly, with their bonus point achieved, Carrick kicked another penalty to increase their lead to 32-7. The home defence was pierced again and a converted try gave Carrick a 39-7 lead. Not to be outdone, Grosvenor showed great spirit to score a final try which was converted. final score 39-14 to Carrick. Coach Gibson was very disappointed at the 2s performance. However it was a score which greatly flattered our opponents. A dominant scrum, a healthy return from our lineout, but a desire to throw impossible passes or not to pass at all, were the main factors. Carrick looked like a side who trained together regularly. They had some excellent players but spurned chances and handed the game to Carrick.
IG