Old Grovians win Yorkshire Division Two thriller after kicking away possession in final minute

OLD Grovians gained a valuable win in a close-fought game which was in the balance until the last minute.

Barnsley started well and were leading 3-0 from a first-minute penalty but the hosts are in a better frame of mind these days, are quicker and can go through the phases with their forwards.

They forced the visitors into a hasty kick to touch, and capitalised by winning the line-out, gaining 15 yards from a drive before Joe Sowden picked out Tom Gough from a ruck, with the latter dummying hs way over for Ben Brown to convert.

Barnsley responded with a converted try but, although Grovians could not capitalise on good work by Sowden, Jamie Benashour and Jaskaran Deu, Brown did level the scores at 10-10 with a penalty.

A key moment came just before half-time when a Barnsley centre was sent off for throwing a punch, although Brown hit a post with the penalty attempt.

The home backs were used to good effect in the second half, and Anthony Griffin put the team in a good position for Alex Masterson to score a try which Brown converted.

However, a lack of concentration allowed Barnsley to level with a converted try from a tap-and-go penalty, although Brown's long penalty restored the Grovians' lead at 20-17.

Sowden's break then put Jack Hartley in for a converted try but back came the south Yorkshiremen with seven points of their own after the returning Danny Secker was yellow carded. 

Barnsley then levelled matters against tiring hosts with a long-range penalty but Brown's 40-yarder edged Old Grovians in front.

However, after needlessly kicking away possession in the final minute, the hosts needed a fine Griffin tackle to secure victory in a nail-biter.