Grimsby RUFC suffer more away day frustration

THERE was more frustration for Grimsby RUFC on the road as the Blues saw two potential match-winning tries ruled out at the death.

The Blues were beaten 14-9 at Nottingham Moderns in the Midlands 3 East (North) and suffered the agony of two late scores being ruled out by the officials.

DEBUT: Jordan Carr, above left with his dad Chris, also Grimsby RUFC, made his debut for the club's first team against Nottingham Moderns.

It was a familiar story following their 15-11 opening day defeat at Mellish.

And the Blues will hope to take out their frustration by beating Southwell at their Springfield Road home on Saturday.

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Mid-table Grimsby can take the positives, though, from a competitive performance in both defeats as the team continues to evolve in line with the philosophy of captain Ben Pharaoh and coach Dave Barnbrook.

Full-back Bradley Watson kicked the game's first points for the visitors after a strong run from Allan Oliver and tactical kicking from Pharaoh pressured the hosts into an infringement.

Good defending from the Moderns' full-back denied Grimsby winger Scott McCreath when he seemed certain to score from a chip and chase that followed a good run by prop Colin Matthews.

Persistent whistle-blowing from the referee disrupted the flow of the game for both teams amid blustery conditions – and a tight, stop-start first half ended on level terms after the hosts converted a penalty.

Playing against the wind after the break, the Blues knew they had to keep the ball in hand.

Youngster Jordan Carr was thrown into the fray alongside Jake Vickers and Jason Stead as the Blues regrouped in reaction to centre Alex Wilson being withdrawn through injury.

Persistent infringements from Moderns saw two more penalties converted from Watson as the Blues took control.

They almost notched a first try but a stray defensive hand cut out the danger.

And the Blues were left cursing their fortune moments later when an awkward bounce of the ball – which came when a hand in the ruck deflected scrum-half Ben Nutting's pass – handed the Moderns a breakaway try.

Grimsby responded, with soaring line-out catches from Chris Burke setting up catch and drives.

Twice the Blues grounded the ball – through Neil Corry, initially, and then Vickers – as the visitors thought they had bagged the victory.

But although the hosts reacted with devastation, they were elated moments later when on both occasions they realised the tries had not been given, decisions prompted by the positioning of the match officials.

The Blues battered the Moderns' try-line in the final minutes only to be denied by good defending from the hosts.

And, in an exciting finale, the Blues defence also performed admirably to thwart counter-attacks from the Moderns following turn-over balls.