Counties 1 Tribute Southern North League Match
Date: 4th November 2023
Kick Off: 14:00
Venue: Bicester RFC, Whitelands Farm Sports Ground, Whitelands Way, Bicester, OX26 1AJ

*Starting Squad*
1. Joe Cooper
2. Tom McCarthy
3. George Hook
4. Elliot Martin
5. Sam Cooper
6. Tom Wilson
7. Alex Harris
8. Mark Roberts (C)
9. Ollie Nicholl (VC)
10. Louis Richards
11. Matt Dunn
12. Charlie Roberts
13. Rob Tyreman
14. Will Nicol
15. Billy Haist

*Replacements*
16. Martyn Walsh
17. Brad Tailford
18. Lawrence Birkhead

First Half Overview
Grove made the trip over to the Whitelands Farm Sports Ground in Bicester, the pitch conditions were very wet as expected considering the recent rain fall. With the match official and both sides happy to play, the decision was made to play! Bicester started the stronger putting 12 points on the board without reply in the first 25 mins with 2 tries and 1 conversion. Grove then built themselves into the game and ended the stronger team in the first half. Rob Tyreman broke the Bicester defensive line at pace 10 meters out to run in and score with Ollie Nicholl adding the extras with the conversion. This was the last play and brought the half to a close.

HT Score: Bicester 1st XV 12-7 Grove RFC 1st XV

Second Half Overview:
After multiple high tackle penalties in the first half, 10m out from Bicester try line they gave away another and this resulted in a yellow card. Ollie Nicholl added the first points of the second half with a try off the base of a dominant 5m attacking scrum from Grove, he then again added the extras to put Grove into the lead. Mark Roberts was the next to add points from the base of another scrum, he went left towards the posts pushing the Bicester 9 and 10 out the way to go over, Ollie Nicholl again added the extras. Bicester put the pressure on late in the game with a sustained period inside Grove’s 10m. Grove gave away multiple penalties for offside resulting in Rob Tyreman being sent to the sin bin. Grove’s defensive line was constantly up quickly and stood strong against all that Bicester had the throw at them. Mark Roberts managed to get over the ruck and win the penalty for Grove with Bicester not releasing to bring the match to an end. Considering the conditions it was a good game of rugby with both sides leaving it all on the pitch and great result for Grove on the road.

FT Score: Bicester 1st XV 17-21 Grove RFC 1st XV

Tries: Rob Tyreman, Ollie Nicholl, Mark Roberts
Conv: Ollie Nicholl x3

Quarters:
20: 5-0
HT: 12-7
60: 12-21
FT: 17-21

Opponents:
Tries: 3
Conv: 1
Pens: 0

MOM: Tom Wilson - 6