Grimsby were up to the challenge putting Mansfield under pressure from the kick off.
As Mansfield struggled to contain the physical pack, they conceded a penalty for tackler not rolling away in their own 22, which allowed Grimsby to lead 0-3 in the 3rd minute.
Mansfield fought their way back into the game with great rucking and mauling technique.
Strong ball carrying from Alex Groves, Michael Wallis and Joseph Revill pushed Grimsby back into their 22.
Grimsby struggled to contain Mansfield forwards, committing offences at the breakdown.
Mansfield opted to tap and go twice from penalties, seeing Chester Scott break through going over after 14 minutes to give Mansfield the lead 5-3, Scott Mills unable to convert.
Both sides moved the ball well as possession changing hands as the backs were isolated through piercing runs with Mansfield coming out slightly better off territorially.
Grimsby’s defensive line was sliced open through strong running from Chester Scott offloading in the contact to Jack Parr who sprinted from the halfway mark extending Mansfield’s lead.
10-3 in the 18th minute, Will Limb failed to convert.
Mansfield had most of the possession but Grimsby defended well.
Mansfield pack recycling the ball through several phases, before feeding the backs Jack Parr, Ted Crowson and Scott Mills who ran good lines, but sure tackling from Grimsby held the score till 29th minute where Jack Gannon changed tack with a box kicked from the scrum at Grimsby’s 10 meter line and Adam Harrison picked up at 22 running through 3 tackles to score under the post.
Will Limb converted ending the first half 17-3.

Half time saw Tom Mee replace Jack Anson at hooker and Will Riddell, Richard Cawkill for Adam Ali and Adam Harrison on the wings.
From the kick Grimsby managed to soak up the pressure exerted on them from Mansfield as they played the majority of the second half in Grimsby’s half trying to find ways through the tight defensive line.
Grimsby’s rush defence, prevented Mansfield from using the full width of the pitch.
Jack Parr chose to chip the rush defence into the corner for Richard Cawkill to pick up, he timed his run inch perfect but knocked on.
This gave Grimsby the opportunity to clear their lines only for Liam Kirk to run the ball straight back at them.
Jack Gannon 44 minutes in, pressured Grimsby scrum half at their scrum, causing him to fumble the ball in his 22, allowing Jack Gannon to pick up and go over to stretch the lead 22-3 increased to 24-3 by WillLimb’s boot.
Grimsby regrouped and defended well turning over Mansfield ruck ball but still unable to escape their half preventing a strong Mansfield pack from penetrating their line.
Jack Gannon Box kicked again from outside Grimsby’s 22 where he chased with Liam Kirk, pressuring a miss judged mark call, where the bounce favoured Liam Kirk, allowing him to pick up and go over near the posts 29-3, converted to 31-3 by Will Limb.
Further changes to Mansfield squad gave fresh legs to maintain the pace of play.
Luke Bentley for Jack Gannon at scrum half, Oliver Brown and Sam Lyons replaced Alex Groves and Michael Wallis in the pack and Ryan jacob for Ted Crowson in the centre.
This was an excellent display of rugby from both sides Grimsby’s heavier pack made it very contested in the scrums and loose, both sides were able to take their own ball at scrums and line outs.
After Grimsby opened the score, it always looked to be Mansfield’s game but Grimsby made it hard work for them.
They travelled with 14 men and fought from whistle to whistle in good spirit
Well done both teams.

29th January 2012