THE old Yarnbury curse struck again for Old Grovians as their old rivals snatched an 18-18 draw at the death on Saturday in Yorkshire Two.

Hosts Grovians dominated the first half, with the pack having control of the scrum set-piece, but with a gale-force wind blowing, the lineout was a lottery.

Grovians took an early lead when Jake Bentley kicked a penalty in front of the posts.

On 18 minutes, George Butler collected a Yarnbury clearance kick and counter attacked, putting Max Kennedy in for his 12th try of the season.

Five minutes later, Butler scored his own try after making an interception near halfway to run down the left wing to score. Bentley struck the post with his kick.

Yarnbury scored an opportunist try a few minutes later.

A penalty was awarded on the left-hand side of the Grovians half, but quick thinking by Yarnbury saw a cross-field kick brilliantly caught by their right winger to score.

Prop Joe Kvedas soon added to the Grovians lead when a Yarnbury lineout close to their own line was stolen.

A Yarnbury penalty kick just before half time made the score 18-8.

Grovians dominated the early stages of the second half, with the scrum winning a series of penalties.

However, the bonus point try didn’t come, with Kvedas crossing but the referee controversially bringing play back for a Grovians penalty.

Yarnbury scored a converted try on 60 minutes after a passage of play that can only be described as ‘harem scarem’.

With the clock ticking down, and just two minutes left on the clock, Yarnbury were awarded a penalty, which they converted to ensure the game ended 18-18.

The game was another learning curve for the young Grovians team, who have now only lost once in their last five matches.

Elsewhere in Yorkshire Two, Baildon won 24-5 at rock-bottom Thornensians.

Up in North One East, Cleckheaton enjoyed a fine 27-12 win at Moortown to stay in the title race.

Finally, in Yorkshire Three, lowly Wibsey superbly crushed fifth-placed Knottingley 31-0.