Skegness 1st XV 32-10 Grimsby 2nd XV

     Skegness travelled to Grimsby to play their east coast rivals. Captain Machin had a torrid time sorting players but could only manage fourteen to travel away. Luckily Grimsby gave the depleted Skegness team a winger and battle could truly commence.
Skegness struck first with a try from flanker Cummings whose quick thinking with a quick tap penalty saw him run in from ten metres out.
Grimsby scored a try in return after the ball was lost by Skegness in their twenty two. An open running expansive game of rugby began to develop as the Skegness team began to dominate. Line out specialist Spiers and Taylor not only won their own ball but stole numerous Grimsby lines. Their open field support and handling enabled the pack to beat their opposite numbers to the breakdown.
Hotchin regained the lead for Skegness as he kicked a penalty given for Grimsby off side play. Numerous rucks and phases of play ran the Grimsby defence ragged. Horner and Stevenson, to two props acted as extra back row players and secured possession. The loaned player from Grimsby, Josh, took great pleasure in finishing a great Skegness team try to make the score 13-5.
The half finished with another Skegness score as a fly half switch with Haigh saw the centre score under the posts. Hotchin converted and Skegness took much needed refreshment.
Skegness aimed to maintain their 20-5 lead and planned to add to their try tally. A pre-planned miss pass from Divilly found full back Cook running at full pelt. His jinking run out foxed the defence and he scored a skilful unconverted try.
Grimsby set up camp in the Skegness twenty two. A. Hill tackled well above his weight and was never far from his captain Machin in the thick of the action. Continued pressure from the Grimsby pack was rewarded with a converted try from their second row.
Kime’s running ability cut open the Grimsby defence and with Wood in close support from centre, they put the opposition under tremendous pressure.
The final score of the game came from more good work from the Skegness team. A scrum won against the head by T.Hill allowed Skegness to move into the opponents twenty two. With the Grimsby defence caught flat a chip over by the fly-half Divilly gave Haigh the chance to score. The kick was inch perfect and Haigh scored the final try. Hotchin converted and Skegness played out the rest of the game with confidence and style.
Next week Skegness entertains Ollerton, at home, in the league. They will home to avenge their away loss to this team earlier in the season.

Skegness 1st XV
Stevenson, T.Hill, Horner, A. Hill, Spiers, Cummings, Taylor, Machin,
Hotchin, Divilly, Kime, Haigh, Wood, Josh, Cook.