Old Grovians 35, Skipton 0

Old Grovians reaped the benefit of having of having a full squad to choose from for the first time this season, also keeping their first clean sheet of the campaign in SSE Yorkshire Division Three.

Anthony Griffin, Aaron Magee and Jack Baker were among the try-scorers, the latter having represented Cambridge University in the varsity match at Twickenham last month.

“The first text he sent after that match was to us, telling us on what dates he would be available for the rest of the season!” said Grovians’ director of rugby Martin Whitcombe.

“Jack should be available for two or three more matches. Another player who deserves a mention is Joe Harrison, whose stature defies the modern game.

“He has played at centre, No 8 and scrum half in the three games he has played for us so far this season, and Joe’s commitment is excellent. He epitomises the spirit at the club.”

The win took Grovians on to 30 league points, with Whitcombe adding: “Never say never, but 23 points was the cut-off for relegation last season, and Bramley Phoenix only have eight points and Skipton have 16.

“The division has now split into three – the bottom group of teams, the middle, which includes us, and the top four, who have broken away. Our aim for the rest of the season is to finish at the top of that middle group.”