NLD Plate Semi-Final Grimsby RUFC Colts 39 Long Eaton RUFC Colts 7

Grimsby started well from the kick off forcing Long Eaton to concede a penalty in the opening minute. Despite the strong cross wind this was calmly slotted over by centre Brad Watson. Grimsby continued to play some good attacking rugby often putting Long Eaton under pressure. Long Eaton played the ball back from a scrum and scrum half Ryan Gant was quick to react isolating the ball receiver into conceding another penalty for not releasing. From the penalty the ball was driven forward and flanker Huw Cowper went over to score. Second row Mike Vankampen then added another try with another drive to give the Blues a 13-0 half time lead.
In the second half Grimsby continued to pile on the pressure and from a scrum 5 metres out No.8 Gareth Roberts picked the ball up from the base of the scrum and smashed his way over to score. Watson added the conversion. The Grimsby backs began to pass the ball around and Watson set up fly half Lewis Dyson who cut inside to score another try. Another backs move saw the ball passed along the back line for winger Robbie Blunden to score. Watson again added the conversion. Prop Lloyd Roberts then sent an inside ball to second row Tom Morris who raced through a gap to score Grimsby’s sixth try. Watson again added the conversion. In the dying minutes of the match Long Eaton grabbed a converted consolation try to leave Grimsby 39-7 winners. The Blues now face Mansfield in the final to be held at Newark on the 21st April.
Team: Watson R., Mouncey, Walker, Morris, Vankampen, Cowper, Rendall-Tyrrell, Roberts G.; Gant, Dyson, Watson B., Austin-Thomas, Landymore, Blunden, Rothenburg. Subs: Roberts L., Russell, Fleming, Moore, Picking, Hudson.