Grimsby RUFC 2nd XV 44 Barton RUFC 0

On a miserable day Grimsby 2nds entertained local rivals Barton in a friendly on a pitch suited for forwards and not flowing rugby. Barton had the advantage of the driving rain and wind behind them in the first half but could not penetrate Grimsby’s rear guard. Barton often looked like scoring and for periods in the first half had Grimsby pegged in their own 22, but the Blues defended resolutely with strong tackles from second rows Scott Bouch, Duane Melin and flanker Jeff Lewsam, to keep the score at 0-0 at half time. The second half was a different story with Grimsby dominating and running in eight tries. The young Grimsby back line despite the unsuitable conditions passed the ball around freely and it wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken. Phil Gray quickly scored a hat-trick with the ball being passed down the back line in each move with scrum half Evan Picking, fly half Lewis Dyson and centre Phil Dann all being involved. Number 8 Tom Doherty Montague scored the only forwards try when he peeled off a maul and sprinted like a gazelle 30 yards to score leaving a wake of Barton defenders behind. Full back Brad Watson added the conversion. Another backs move saw the ball being passed along the back line from one side of the pitch to the other for winger Steve Melin to score in the corner. At this point with a crack of thunder and a flash of lightning the heavens opened and the ref and players ran for cover. Girls! After 10 minutes play resumed. Doherty-Montague then turned provider with a great inside ball to the advancing Picking who split the line to score under the posts. Watson added his second conversion. Steve Melin finished the match with a hat-trick scoring two more tries in the corner to give the Blues a 44-0 victory.