Grovians start New Year with bonus point win over Barnsley

Grovians got the New Year off to a winning start with a 32-18 try bonus point win over bottom placed Barnsley.

Barnsley had early pressure and missed a dropped goal attempt after a few minutes. However, Grovians struck first when flanker James Johnstone scored his first try of the season after a series of drives to the Barnsley line. In the absence of skipper Ben Brown, Alex Masterson took up the kicking duties and added the conversion.

Barnsley struck back on 15 minutes when Grovians lost a line out on their own throw inside their 22 and Barnsley moved the ball right to score in the corner.

Grovians were having very much the upper hand in the set scrums and were awarded a series of penalties mid-way through the half deep inside the Barnsley 22. In the end they settled for a penalty kick by Masterson who put them 10-5 up. From this penalty Barnsley lost a second row to a yellow card.

Grovians took full advantage of this and from the restart broke down field with good handling. A series of drives resulted in Cam Dennis scoring on the left wing. Masterson added the conversion. Again Grovians went back down field and prop Joe Garforth scored his first try for two years. Again Masterson converted and Grovians were in full command.

Right on half time Barnsley struck from a line out. A short line was passed to their very mobile prop who surged over. A reminder to Grovians that the game was over.

The early stages of the second half saw both sides exchange penalty kicks and the game ebbed and flowed before Garforth scored his second try(what do they says about London buses?!) after a dozen drives to the line were held up by the Barnsley defence. Debutant, Jack Popely made a great break up the middle of the field only appearing to be tackled by a blade of grass but showed his potential as did another debutant Josh Firth in the centre who showed a lot of good strong runs.

In the last minutes again Barnsley talisman prop burst through three tackles to score. The last attempt by George Butler saw him bounced nearly into the river.

A good start to the New Year for the Grovians

Coach, Andy Hinchliffe commented afterwards “All 18 players were outstanding today. Good decision making and game management throughout and the ability to react and adapt quickly when momentum swung against them. Ball security was impressive as was player’s willingness and flexibility to play in unfamiliar positions and still give maximum effort and commitment.
Great to have Josh Firth and Jack Popely on debut from Woodhouse 1st XV.
Ryan Lister at scrum half was excellent and grew in confidence as the game progressed to earn himself Man of the Match.
Credit must be given to Barnsley who are far better than their League position reflects; they will surprise a few teams over the coming months.
Congratulations to team captain Ben Brown and Lisa on the birth of their daughter on Friday.”

Team :- Butler, Neal, Griffin, Firth, Dennis, Masterson, Lister, Secker, Ryan, Johnstone, Elcock, Dodd, Garforth, Worrall, Pearson - Replacements:- Cockshott, Lawrence, Popely