Title is next on the agenda for promoted Old Grovians

OLD Grovians, despite going 5-0 behind, clinched the victory and four-try bonus point that they needed to clinch promotion to SSE Yorkshire Two.

Facing a tenacious pack and speedy wingers, the home side knew they had to be on their mettle, and debutant Simon Holme scored the try that hauled them level, Adam Weaving's conversion making it 7-5.

He added a penalty and, as Grovians settled into their patterns, Jaskaran Deu scored their second try to culminate a series of pick and drives.

Holme then scored again from the same attacking mode, Weaving converting for a half-time lead of 22-5.

Anthony Griffin's try into the wind secured the crucial bonus-point, and Weaving turned the screw with the conversion and another penalty.

However, Old Otliensians bounced back with two tries – one from exploiting a rare gap in the backs and the other from a rolling maul – but elusive, speedy winger Dion Hendricks ensured that Old Grovians had the last word, Weaving adding the final conversion.

Bonus-point wins at Rotherham Phoenix on March 21 and at home to Stocksbridge on March 28 will give the Apperley Bridge club the championship.