The sun was shining and conditions underfoot were perfect for running rugby in this season opener at Gibson Park.
Both sides started brightly and probed for openings in the first 10 minutes. It was Grosvenor who opened the scoring on 12 minutes with a try in the left hand corner, finished off superbly by young Jack Breen who was making his adult rugby debut. Conversion missed 5-0
Inst responded strongly but a series of knock-ons at key moments prevented them from getting on the scoreboard.
Grosvenor then lost the services of influential second row Conor McKee after 20 mins. Inst eventually turned pressure into points after 30 mins with a converted try following a series of rolling mauls. 5-7.
Paddy Hamill, Andrew Kelly and Sam Purdon were to the fore in the Grosvenor pack and the home side’s pacy backs always looked dangerous. A counter attack from deep in their own half, was taken on by Mitch McComb who released Jordan Brown up the wing for another great try. Conversion added, 12-7 at half-time.
Inst started the second half strongly and after a series of driving mauls were held up over the line. The resulting drop out was poorly defended by Grosvenor and Inst scored under the posts. 12-14.
Both sides continued to attack at every opportunity and on the hour mark Inst extended their lead with a try following a lineout catch and drive. 12-21.
Grosvenor responded superbly and following a series of tapped penalties in the red zone, Paddy Hamill crashed over for a try. 19-21. With only a few minutes remaining Grosvenor chased a winning score but it was Inst who pounced on a loose ball and despite desperate defence by Grosvenor they scored under the posts to put the result beyond doubt. 19-28.
A deserved win for Inst but full marks to this young Grosvenor side who played some scintillating rugby, never dropped their heads and almost snatched an unlikely looking victory at the end.
FinTrU Player of the Week goes to second row Paddy Hamill who capped an all action performance in defence and attack with a try. Match pics https://www.facebook.com/105643767579803/photos/a.390521559092021/390520982425412/?type=3