GRIMSBY RUFC got their season back on track with a hard-fought home win against East Retford.
The Wilderness Boys' 22-14 victory at Springfield Road ended their run of three consecutive defeats in the Midlands 3 East (North) Division.
And the triumph was a timely one to raise morale ahead of a tough trip to league leaders West Bridgford on Saturday.
The Blues ran in four tries against East Retford to notch up a bonus point, and at times produced some very impressive rugby.
Number eight Sam Vickers, pictured, weighed in with a brace and further tries from full-back Ashley Waterman and winger Jono Norman secured maximum points.
The Blues' dominance up front afforded Vickers plenty of time and space to create havoc from the back of the scrum.
But his first try came from a very well-worked line-out move. He peeled off and crashed over the line. The conversion was narrowly missed, however.
Gaps opened up as Grimsby pushed for a second try, but stout defending from centre Stuart Saunders helped snuff out the East Retford opportunities.
The Blues scored again when, from a counter-attack, the ball found its way to centre and captain Ben Pharaoh. He fixed the last man to send Waterman over the whitewash.
From another big scrum, Grimsby's front five – Jason Stead, Matt Pettiford, Colin Matthews, Luke Chaplin and Jim Livermore – pressurised the visitors. And from a 'pick and go', Vickers crashed over for his second try.
East Retford battled back into the game, though, with two tries.
Their first came from their captain and centre side-stepping through the Grimsby pack.
The next came when a horrific bounce from a kick landed in the arms of the visitors' fast winger.
In reply, Grimsby were eager to bag a fourth try and secure a bonus point.
Numerous opportunities were spurned and it needed a wise head to get the score.
That came from Pharaoh, who side-stepped, shimmied and dummied his way just short of the line before offloading to Norman, who touched down.
Grimsby are now seventh in the Midlands 3 East (North) table, out of 12 teams. They have 17 points.
After taking on league leaders West Bridgford on Saturday, they face Kesteven – currently second – the following weekend.
