Blues Play with Purpose and Conviction - but Share the Points!

Grove and Newbury have both had an extensive injury list. There has however been a return of injured players and a debutant.

The rain overnight and early morning contributed to the standard of play but as we know, Newbury always show up well with wet weather conditions.

This match report won't be extremely detailed as I was filming and attempting to update the twitter. Proving multi-tasking isn't my strongest attribute. So apologies in advance.

Grove started off the more eager and faster paced which led to a try after a number of carries very early on. The conversion was missed.

Newbury's tackling which was noticed as a problem area by some in recent weeks didn't seem an issue. With some solid tackles from Jamie Futcher and Toby Thorne throughout the game.

On an unrelated note, Tom Erskine has found out how to throw some massive dummies... Expect to see more of this from the talismanic second rower, great haircut as well.

With 20 minutes gone Grove converted a penalty which was answered on the half hour mark with 2 converted penalty for Newbury by Jack Muggridge. The score coming into half time Grove 8-6 Newbury.

Grove should be more frustrated with themselves as their handling errors were preventing them taking advantage of thier possession. The Newbury defence looking strong but in all honesty, largely untested. The Grove team hadn'd used a set move at all. They seemed content on punching it up the middle, trying to get it out wide to their wingers. One of which was chucking in the cheeky forearm and knee when being tackled. Some great vocalisation from the ever reliable Dan Thorne as well as some controlled play. Jack Mugridge solid at number 10 as usual.

2nd half underway and a few Newbury set piece play carved up the midfield of Grove. Clearly unable to cope with the flat ball taken at pace.

This hard running and good phase play led to a Newbury try by Ed David which was deserve, however, both teams seemed reluctant to just go for it.

The score is Grove 8-13 following the Newbury convertion by Jack Muggdrige from straight under the posts. The referees performance beginning to come under real scrutiny as the yellow card comes out for Graham Stewart. Again I was unable to narrow down the reason why, but I wasn't the only one to be confused.

Grove taking advantage and slotting a penalty over. They should really have gone for the corner. Confidence clearly deserting them.
Score is Grove 11-13 Newbury.

The referee decided to even it up 15 minutes later. Grove player yellow carded. Not sure again. But why not.

Patient build up play from Newbury results in 3 Points.
5 minutes left Grove 11-16 Newbury. Grove not looking dangerous. Newbury looking like they would close it out.

It would be unfair to say that Newbury searching for the drop goal just to seal the win was a wrong decision because it would have put the game to rest. Grove through luck more than judgement found that their prop didn't feel like passing and the rush defence gifted him a gap. Trundles on for 10-15 yards. Turning circle if the titanic. Newbury did well to get back and hold up play of their own five to have 2-3 scrums of Groves repelled until the dying moments where grove snuck in at the far corner.

This was the biggest decision the ref had to make and unfortunately he didn't see the try it chose it sensible to give the try despite numerous factors not being taken into account. It appeared he called for the TMO as there was no immediate decision was made. Kick from touch line unsuccessful.

The underlining thought is that Newbury showed up and played with purpose and played with control and conviction which was nice to see.

My man of the match Toby Thorne. Damaging runs and very reliable. Always tackled with conviction.

Report courtesy of Eddie Cleal.