Grove produced a strong second half to grind down Newbury Stags. Here is the numbers' game. See Tuesday’s paper for full report.

Competition: Southern Counties North

Score: Grove 22, Newbury Stags 5

Grove player ratings:

15. Chris Clare 7 (a threatening runner)

14. Harry Carr 7 (took his try well)

13. Ashley Lane 6 (solid enough)

12. Joe Bellinger 7 (powerful presence)

11. Gareth Hudson 6 (some loose passing)

10. Nick Sevier 6 (went off injured)

9. Roger Sevier 7 (kicked well in the wind)

1. Jimmy Wallbridge 5 (lucky not to be sent off)

2. Jon North 7 (battled hard)

3. Tim Lane 7 (scrummaged well)

17. Stuart Sherwood 6 (did his job)

5. Paul Miles 6 (sin-binned late on)

6. James Kerr 8 (tireless effort)

19. Guy Nicholl 8 (STAR MAN, strong all-round effort)

8. John Chapman 7 (got stuck in)

Replacements used:

16. Steve Dixey 7 (added energy)

18. Jonny Simmonds 6 (filled in fine on debut)

4. Jamie Burns 8 (made real impact)

Referee: George Shield (East Midlands) – 6 (a little lenient, despite high penalty count)

Entertainment rating: 7.

Highlight: The move and finish for Guy Nicholl’s opening try.

Lowlight: Too many risky Grove passes.

Form guide: Grove are still very much in the promotion hunt.