Grove RFC kicked off the 2024 season, firing the ball deep into the Oxford 22 where Sullivan gathered and ran with his usual vigour. His charging effort forced Grove to concede a penalty despite the home side’s ambition to be ‘Fearless’ they kicked for touch. The line out was taken but any advantage squandered as they dropped the ball. Nevertheless it was an entertaining and encouraging start to the game.

Grove play in the league above Oxford and have a culture of pre-season success. It was all new to Oxford but throughout the game they played well with glimpses of more to come once the forwards gained parity in the scrum and the backs began to hit their lines.

Before the game of 2 x 20 minute halves the two clubs joined together in a joint training session. Training against live opposition was a real positive of the night which benefited both clubs.

Oxford had their chances to score but the Grove line was just out of their grasp.Right wing Berry was bundled into touch, breaking the corner flag in the process and scrum half Lay was inches short but his offload could not be taken.

For their efforts Grove scored a brace of tries the first came as the Gove centre cut back and found a gap between the Oxford back row and fly half. This early season rustiness will surely be rectified come September. The try was converted.

The Grove second score followed a speculative kick deep into the Oxford 22, Berry claimed the ball but was hunted down by the kick chase. He looked inside for support before rucking to the ground. Grove counter rucked through the Oxford scrambling defence and picked up the ball and found a gap to score. This try was not converted.

Oxford can feel positive about their performance on a night when all the available players had a game and the supporting crowd were entertained.