Today saw the highly anticipated Oxfordshire County Cup Semi Final between Grove RFC and Wallingford RFC. With the sun shining and the pitches in good condition the teams were looking forward to facing off against each other.

The 2 teams played previously this season with Wallingford coming out on top and all previous fixtures have been close affairs.

1st Half:
Unlike the fixture earlier this season Grove started fast with Captain Jacob Luker leading from the front and going over after some good work from the forwards. Grove went from defence to attack with speed and control and were clinical in finishing the try. A slip by Logan on the subsequent conversion saw the ball go agonisingly close but ultimately fell short.

Grove RFC 5 - 0 Wallingford RFC

Wallingford looked to hit back immediately but the Grove defence stayed strong and shut the door. A turn over in the centre of the field saw space open up in front of Captain Jacob and he did not disappoint, running half the pitch and fending off a number of challenges as he went over for his and Grove's second try of the match. Logan again just falling short on the conversion.

Grove RFC 10 - 0 Wallingford RFC

Wallingford could have easily gone into their shells but showed great character and were rewarded straight from kick off, a turnover ball set the centre away and he finished nicely between the posts, the kick was converted and the game was coming to life.

Grove RFC 10 - 7 Wallingford RFC

Both teams were battling hard all over the pitch with some fierce counter rucks and a number of well earned turnovers. It was Wallingford who struck next with a try right on the stroke of half time, a missed kicked didn't stop them from entering half time in the lead

Half Time: Grove RFC 10 - 12 Wallingford RFC

Both teams knew they were in a game as the second half commenced and it was Grove that rose to the occasion and seized the advantage just after half time. A try from no.9 Logan and a successful conversion from the same player saw Grove re-establish the lead that they had lost on the stroke of half time.

Grove RFC 17 - 12 Wallingford RFC

Wallingford threw everything at Grove for the next 10 minutes with the Grove defence standing firm and preventing anymore scores. A breakaway from Grove saw Jacob Luker cross the line for his hattrick and Logan converted to see the game out.

Full Time: Grove RFC 24 - 12 Wallingford RFC

A fantastic game of rugby was witnessed by a bumper crowd and both teams can be proud of their performances, no doubt that this rivalry will continue to grow.

The majority of the Grove team now head to Kingsholm on Wednesday to represent the school in the u14s final with tickets still available.

Grove RFC move on to the final on 21st April where they will meet Gosford All Blacks at Oxford RFC. It would be great to see as many Grove members there to support the lads as possible. Timings and details to follow once released.