OLD Grovians marked their debut at Otley's Cross Green with a seven-try victory over Thornensians, winning the Yorkshire Two clash 43-5.

They couldn’t have hoped for a better start, racing into a 14-0 inside the first five minutes.

A clearance kick by Thornes was gathered by Ben Brown, who counter attacked.

He set Aaron Magee free, who beat two defenders to put Max Kennedy clean through.

Two minutes later, hooker Adam Crookes crossed when Kennedy put in him after good work from the forwards.

Brown converted both tries.

Thornes replied on 25 minutes when they crossed after a quickly taken penalty.

But on the stroke of half-time Crookes added his second. A penalty was kicked to the corner and from the resulting line out the Grovians pack drove Crookes over, meaning Grovians led 19-5 at the break.

On 55 minutes came a try of individual brilliance, when Magee picked the ball up just inside his own half and beat several defenders on halfway.

With the full back and winger covering across, a drop of the shoulder sent them that wrong way and he scored under the posts. Brown converted.

In the last ten minutes Grovians added three more tries.

Prop Joe Kvedas scored after a lineout from a penalty kick was driven to the line by several forward drives.

Kennedy added his second after Alex Masterson broke and set him free to score on the right and in the dying minutes a move on halfway set Kennedy free and his inside pass to Liam Harrison saw him in for the try.

Coach Andy Hinchcliffe commented: “It was a great day for the club both on and off the field.

“The players were excellent today and it was clear they really enjoyed the game. There were some very well worked tries and some individual brilliance.

“The only criticism I had was that they allowed themselves to get carried away and diverted from the game plan after the early two tries.

“Off the field, the facilities made for a much more enjoyable day for players and supporters.

“Thanks must go to Otley RUFC, who have been so helpful and welcoming. Also to Micky Peel for all his help and for running the line.

“Off the field for us, Matt Gaffney and John Hinchliffe have done a great job and should be very proud of their achievements and the progression the club has made in the last few years.”

Elsewhere in Yorkshire Two, there were good away wins for Keighley and Baildon, with the latter beating Wensleydale 27-13.

In Yorkshire Three, Wibsey's tough start continued, as they were thumped 45-7 at home to Barnsley.

In North One East, struggling Bradford & Bingley were beaten 26-18 at home to Durham City, while Cleckheaton also lost on their own patch, going down 30-16 to Old Brodleians.