Old Grovians 49, Ossett 3

Saturday was one of those rare occasions when everything fell into place for a team.

“It was our most complete performance of the season,” said a proud Old Grovians director of rugby Martin Whitcombe.

His promotion-chasing side not only notched their fourth successive bonus-point victory but also clawed a point back on SSE Yorkshire Division Four leaders Harrogate Pythons, who travel to Elm Tree Farm on Saturday, February 9.

And in addition the hosts absorbed what Whitcombe had been drumming into them at training.

He said: “We have been playing fine as individuals but this was about our key decision makers, and they took on board everything that I have been telling them, and that was what was so pleasing about this win.”

In recent meetings Ossett – with well organised with strong forwards and a disciplined, tight game-plan – have caused Old Grovians plenty of problems, with games often being decided by one score.

This time though, Old Grovians’ pack fronted up. Hooker Matt Worrall won at least five balls against the head and man of the match Jack Baker, at blindside flanker, was a tackling machine.

Ironically, Ossett put the first points on the board with a penalty but that would be their only score.

Centre Anthony Griffin set the ball rolling for Grovians with the opening, using a two-man overlap to his advantage by selling a dummy to cross, and the hosts extended their lead when Worrall turned over an Ossett scrum, winger Joe Sowden beating two men on his way to the line.

Two minutes before the break, Old Grovians got their third try, Griffin capitalising on an Ossett handling error to release pacy debutant winger Ryan Sharrocks.

Ahead 21-3 at the interval, further tries were added by Griffin (to secure the bonus point), fly half Adam Weaving (a collector’s item of an interception), replacement winger Kyle Hawkins and James Trenholme.