A full Kesteven squad travelled to Grimsby for their most recent NLD shield game. Handling was difficult in the cold and windy conditions, so Kesteven looked to play a tight game. A strong scrum allowed Jack Pirie time to pick-up and charge over for the opening try. The conversion was missed into the wind. Good defence in midfield led by Simpson and Parker forced Grimsby back and caused a number of handling errors. From a scrum Parker made good ground and some great rucking gave the backs quick ball. Archer was able to make a break and score the second try. Against the run of play the Grimsby 8 made a strong run and broke several tackles to score under the posts. This was converted to bring the score back to 10 – 7. After several phases of retained possession and some good forward play Kershaw scored Kesteven’s 3rd try before the break to leave the score 15 – 7.

Tom Addlesee, Norsworthy and Barretto replaced Shelbourn, Kershaw and Tupper at half-time. The wind continued to trouble both sides and lots of handling errors made for a very stop-start game. Following a series of penalties Grimsby scored in the corner to bring the game back to 15 – 12. The remaining Kesteven replacements Bacon, Thomas and Donnelly all came on, and a re-shuffle saw Simpson move into scrum-half. Following a tense final few minutes, the Grimsby 8 picked up from 8 and scored the winning try in the corner.

Kesteven now need to win their final pool game at home to Derby to progress through to the semi-finals.