Panthers 1st XV take 4 well earned points away at Grimsby

Panthers grind out a well earned win in Grimsby.

After a two week break Chesterfield made the long journey to Grimsby and in very foggy conditions took a well earned 4 points.

Further injuries had disrupted Panthers continuity forcing coach Derrick Sherlock to reshuffle the line-up.

Grimsby came smartly out the blocks putting several tidy phases of play together, however stout panthers defence forced errors with early hits from prop Paul Jones & No.8 Chris Windle.

Panthers enjoyed a period of possession in the Grimsby half only for Grimsby to kill Chesterfield's ball illegally. Captain, Chris Ward was able to pin Grimsby deep in their own half. From a scrummage Chris Windle picked up and was able to off-load to scrum half Eric Wright who handed off two defenders and touched down in the corner. Chris Ward was unable to add the extras.

Both sides battled for possession with errors slowing the game considerably. Grimsby went close with a well worked counter attack only for Wright to cover superbly to prevent a score.

Half time brought encouraging words from coach Derrick Sherlock and Chesterfield began the second half well pushing Grimsby back into their own half only for tidy work at the breakdown from Grimsby was able to turn ball over.

After pinning Panthers back in their own half Wright & Ward were able to exit through well placed clearance kicks.

Grimsby enjoyed the majority of possession however it was Chesterfield who put in an outstanding display of defence with massive hits from Chris Windle and Rob Davison putting Panthers back on the front foot. Jamie Barnett put in a superb performance in the line-out stealing ball & disrupting Grimsby's ball throughout. Glenn Grayson at full-back & centre Tye Rose were also able to pressure Grimsby into errors saving certain tries.

With Chesterfield defending their 22 the match was ended on a poignant moment as Grimsby made another unforced error.

Full time Panthers 5 Grimsby 0

Jamie Barnett was selected as man of the match after showing such dominance at the line out.

Panthers move into 5th, 2 points shy of Kesteven who they play at home next week. 2.15 KO.

Try: Eric Wright

Panthers: Paul Jones, Rob Davison, Steve Allen, Jamie Barnett, Patrick Doyle, Chris Brailsford, James Kennedy, Chris Windle, Eric Wright, Chris Ward (c), Jordan Grayson, Ben Bunting, Tye Rose, Phil Cawthorne, Glenn Grayson

Subs: Grant Teagle, Lee Whitmore