As a new delivery arrived from Stephens recently, your roving reporter has returned with a modest account of a victory for Grosvenor, which confirmed beyond doubt, Grosvenor's status in Championship 1 next season.
In very poor conditions, the home side did well to score a 4 try bonus point win. The pitch was surprisingly firm but a cold biting wind was very difficult to contend with. As it blew directly towards the houses, no side gained much advantage. Kickers however had a difficult day both off the tee and out of hand. Grosvenor got off to a flying start when full back Matthew Fitzimmons scored an opportunistic try. The difficult conversion was missed. 5-0 to Grosvenor. Portadown had a decent amount of possession but were unable to penetrate a good home defence. Grosvenor had opportunities as well, mostly from counter attack but whilst the space was there, the ball didn't necessarily reach it. Conditions were as much to blame as Grosvenor's profligacy. However as half time beckoned, Peter Davison took one of these chances to score a try which he was unable to convert. Half time 10-0 to Grosvenor.
Portadown showed more urgency in the second half but despite decent phase play, they could not get over the home line. A pass went astray in their backline and home centre Ben Coard scorched 70 metres for a great try, converted by Peter Davison, 17-0 to the home side. Portadown's game effort was extinguished when their hitherto decent defence crumbled as a rampant Matthew Cahoon left a fair few of them in his wake with a trademark try. The try was unconverted and the final score was 22-0 to the home side. Unfortunately, Grosvenor lost both Timmy Emerson and Matthew Fitzsimmons to serious injury and it remains to be seen if they are available for the rest of the season. Also a skirmish under the Portadown posts ended with a home player receiving a red card, to compound the situation.
This was a workmanlike performance from Grosvenor. Their defence was excellent, shutting out the visitors. It was a forward dominated game and the MOM was sure to come from this area. Sam Purdon had an excellent first half, but overall the energy and dynamism of Matthew Elliott was worthy of my choice as MOM.
IG
