UNBEATEN Grimsby RUFC Colts marched on with a 25-14 victory at Sleaford in the NLD Plate.
The Colts' pack played a big part in the win – they were stronger than their rivals and dominated the scrums.
The hosts didn't help their cause when they were reduced to 14 men in the opening five minutes following a dangerous tackle.
From the resulting penalty, the Colts capitalised. The forwards drove forward and, from a ruck, the ball was sent down the back line by scrum-half Robbie Gray.
Winger Evan Picking was the eventual recipient and he side-stepped his opponent to touch down.
Sleaford stirred to life, however, and took the lead following two tries. Both were converted.
Grimsby responded before half-time. A powerful drive from prop Josh Walker led to a ruck, from which second-row Mike Vankampen picked up and scored.
After some stern words at the break, the Colts upped a gear.
Number eight Gareth Roberts laid the ball off to Gray. Roberts then looped behind Gray to receive a return pass before smashing his way through the defence to score.
After a pick-up and drive from prop Richard Watson carried the Blues close to the line, Walker finished the move off by crossing the whitewash.
Sleaford began to concede penalties as the match swung Grimsby's way. Centre Kieran Austin-Thomas found touch with a long kick from one penalty and, from the resulting line-out, Roberts rose high to catch the ball before the forward pack piled forward. Close to the line, Roberts popped the ball out to Vankampen who went over for his second try of the day.