Grove Colts battle MK amidst frost to bag League bonus point

Following last week's 5-point League walkover, after Aylesbury were unable to raise a side, Grove were keen to have some game time.

However, following heavy overnight frosts, this looked unlikely, until the game was switched to Abingdon School's 4G pitch at Tilsely Park. The conditions were perfect, the pitch was perfect, and both sides were looking forward to some good rugby.

Grove started well, with some strong ball carries from the back row, and Johann making some good yards. After a period of pressure and some good clean forward phases, the ball was moved out wide for Ethan to touch down. Grove seemed to take some confidence from the early score and continued to play the rugby in MK half. A set scrum saw Chris pick up from the base, breaking through some tackles, and with a long arm touched down to give Grove a deserved 10-0 lead.

However, for the next 20 minutes, the visitors seemed to gain some confidence, and, with help from some Grove ill discipline and some silly mistakes, at half time the game was tied up at 10-10, which led to a rather vocal half time team talk by the coaching team.

In the second half, an early penalty by Ali seemed to settle Grove, but MK also felt this game was there for the winning, and a break and some poor tackling saw MK take a deserved lead. Grove were now under pressure, but, thankfully, reverted back to feeding their strong ball carriers, which kept MK tied down in their own half and a charge-down from captain Max, which he also touched down, put Grove back into the lead.

Grove didn't look back and started to dominate the breakdown and some good forward link-up play with out backs led to Sam Thomas scoring in the corner. Grove were now playing with freedom, and, following a few rucks in the MK twenty-two, Olle sniped through to score under the posts and Ali converted for a final score 30-15.