Mosborough 19, Old Grovians 23

Old Grovians survived a test of character at Mosborough yesterday in SSE Yorkshire Division Four.

After falling 19-0 down just before half-time and with the home team's scrum dominant, the maturing Old Grovians fought their way back into the game to eventually come away with a hard-fought win.

Straight from the start Mosborough gained the upper hand, Grovians failing secure the ball from the kick- off and Mosborough quickly pouncing to score an unconverted try.

Almost immediately, a smart box kick from the Mosborough scrum half was not claimed, which allowed their winger an easy run in under the posts to extend the lead to 12-0.

Gradually Grovians forced their way into the game but could not breach the home defence.

However, eventually the slope told, and Grovians had to play the most of the half defending.

This took its toll when the strong-running Mosborough 12 forced his way over under the posts after a well- worked midfield move.

This time last year, it could have been game over, but this year’s model seem to be made of sterner stuff.

Grovians forced their way up the pitch, with Tom Dalton and Mat Kelly making good inroads.

Mosborough infringed at the breakdown to allow Adam Weaving to convert a penalty, ensuring Grovians were on the scoreboard before half-time.

Grovians made the perfect start to the second half when a quickly-taken line-out from Joel Bradley allowed Dalton to walk over the tryline and Weaving converted to bring the scores back to 19-10.

The game was now in the balance. Again good play from Anthony Griffin took play deep into Mosborough territory and a further infringement allowed Weaving to slot the penalty.

It was all Grovians now, and only a last-ditch tackle from Mosborough prevented Liam Downes from scoring.

However, Grovians were not to be denied. Matt Worrall found himself in space out wide and made good yards before smartly passing inside for Weaving to steam over the try line and convert to give Grovians the lead with five minutes on the clock.

Grovians then showed good composure and gained another penalty, which was converted by Weaving to cap an impressive display.

The game was not over yet, and Grovians had to remain firm in defence before eventually turning the ball over and ending the game 23=19 winners.

Overall, Grovians know they will need to play better to challenge the top five teams in March, but this was a real test and they came through it.

Dalton and Griffin had impressive games but this was a real squad performance which they must take into the next game against Ossett.