Grovians draw friendly

Grovians drew their pre-season friendly with Cleckheaton Kestrels last night 17-17. It was a useful run out with both sides showing early season rustiness.
Kestrels scored the first try after a cross kick found the left winger in space. Grovians replied when Ben Brown took a tap penalty on the edge of the Kestrels 22 and put Alex Masterson through for a try. The Kestrels big centre was lucky to only be given a yellow card for a high tackle on Anthony Griffin and when he returned ten minutes later he crashed through the centre to set up the Kestrels second try. Grovians again went level when Martyn Mitchell was sent away on half way down the left wing. He showed good speed and sided stepped the full back, scoring under the posts for Ben Brown to convert to give Grovians a 12-10 lead at the break.
Kestrels again took the lead when the left wing scored again this time the try was converted but Grovians drew level when forward drives created a gap on the left and Matt Worrall sent in Mitchell for his second try.
A good work out - the forwards had very much the upper hand in the set scrum. The backs looked like they needed the run out and it will have done them good.
It was good to see some new faces with Patrick Elcock, George Butler and Kia RikaRaynor all impressing.