In a repeat of last seasons first fixture Grove RFC u14s travelled to Reading Abbey full of optimism and caution in equal measures. A closely contested game last season was mirrored on Sunday with both teams showing respect for each other and the game that they play.

The introduction of the new tackle height rule saw a player from either side sin binned within the first 15 minutes of the game, something which definitely encouraged both teams to focus on this area.

A tight first half saw Reading Abbey take an early 5 point lead, with a well worked try catching Grove napping. This was perhaps the wake up that the team needed and they went on to compete hard in the contact zones eventually being rewarded with a penalty try shortly before half time. Walking off at the break Grove held a slender 2 point lead, Reading Abbey - 5 vs 7 - Grove RFC.

The second half started with both teams competing in an intense battle which had all the coaches trying to catch their breath! No points were scored however with the attack and defence of both teams cancelling each other out. With 7 minutes to go Reading broke the 2nd half deadlock with a try worked off a solid scrum, the conversion was missed and the score was 10 -7 with only minutes remaining.

Grove won possession shortly after the restart and centre Jack Rezek scored a fantastic solo try, running almost the full length of the pitch and touching down. With the conversion falling just short of the posts, Grove held a 2 point lead with 4 minutes remaining.

Reading Abbey threw everything they had at Grove only to come face to face with a brick wall defence, Grove saw out the game with a fantastic recovery tackle and subsequent turnover.

A great start to the season.