Old Otliensians7 Old Grovians 16

TABLE-topping Old Grovians came out on top in a close-fought contest played out at a foggy Chaffers Field.

It was clear from the early minutes that there was real intensity in both sides tackling and this forced a number of handling errors.

Otliensians looked to have created a chance to break the deadlock when speedy winger Declan Jackson was put into space after a strong drive by flanker Lee O'Donnell and good running by centre Luke Cowdell, but the Grovians' defence snubbed out the danger although they did conceded a penalty at the breakdown.

Otliensians kicked to the corner but their driving maul was disrupted by the visitors who were awarded a penalty which enabled them to clear their lines.

Both teams were kicking to gain territory but there was no scoring until the 27 minute. Grovians went ahead with a penalty from Adam weaving while Otliensians were down to 14 men due to a yellow card.

The home side were delighted to only concede three points while they were short handed and missed a penalty that would have levelled the scores, before producing the game's first try.

A string of Grovians penalties in midfield gave the home team good field position and with their line-out functioning well it was no surprise when Otliensians capitalised.

After winning clean ball the Otliensians pack organised an effective driving maul which resulted in a try for Cowdell which was converted by full back Kristian Keinhorst.

Grovians responded to the setback by regaining the lead just before the half-time whistle. Joe Harrison went over for a try for the visitors from a close-in scrum to establish an 8-7 lead.

Ross Nichols replaced Josh Dyson at prop while Zak Stead took over from Keinhorst at full back for the second half.

The greasy ball led to a number of handling errors so neither side was able to retain possession long enough to build sustained pressure.

Otliensians were made to pay dearly for killing the ball at a 50th minute ruck. Grovians opted for the scrum and pushed the home side back for No 8 Henry Cody Owen to score.

The home side didn’t let their heads drop and were back on the attack again. Wingers Prest and Jackson were both looking dangerous but the Grovians defence showed why they are top of the league with their resolute defence.

Stand-off Eaves and centre Luke Freer worked hard to try and fashion an opening but too many handling errors plus the concession of penalties at the breakdown, cost Otliensians dearly.

With time running out, Weaving kicked a penalty which denied Otliensians of a losing bonus point from a hard-fought game.