RUGBY: Royston Grimstead grabs five tries as Morganians rout Wiveliscombe

VETERAN forward Royston ‘Donk’ Grimstead scored five tries as top-of-the-table Morgs overcame a durable Wiveliscombe side, writes Phil Curd.

Morgs were 12-0 up inside 10 minutes, as Grimstead muscled over for the first two of his five tries.

The hosts then had to wait until the 25th minute for their third try, as Grimstead sealed his hat-trick to move Morgs into a 17-0 lead.

The returning Jordan Mein was on kicking duty, and he had a return of eight from 11 attempts during the match.

Morgs had most of the play and territory, but the resilient visitors were effective at the breakdown and secured turnovers when Morgs were in a number of good positions.

Will Hopkins, though, added a fourth try before half time and Morgs went into the break with a 24-0 lead.

SCRAMBLE: Wiveliscombe's brave defence was eventually worn down by the dominant Morganians side. Pic: Steve Richardson

The second half started with a bang, as Morgs immediately broke clear and Sam Bullion scored to make it 31-0.

Morgs’ powerful runners were proving to be the difference, and the efforts of Lewis Wood, Stef Pierce and Connor Weller were creating holes for Morgs’ backs to run into.

Out wide, Ryan Rossiter, Martyn Keep and Mein all looked dangerous but it was Mein who got the sixth try, with a carving run that wrong-footed the Wivey defence for 38-0, and that proved the try that ultimately broke the visitors’ resistance.

More tries followed for Grimstead (2), Jordan Cooper, Rory McGeown and Bullion, while a Wivey player found himself in the sin bin for dissent, as the match finished 71-0.

Next week Morgs have a difficult trip to Yeovil, and will look to build on their run of 15 consecutive league victories.

Morganians: Pierce, Luke, Modley, Grimstead, Weller, Wood, Croker, Cooper; McGeown, Hopkins, Williams, Bullion, Mein, Keep, Rossiter. Replacements: Richards, John, Armstrong, Criddle, Carter, McGeown, Winter.