Head coach Craig Burrows admits Grove are missing the play-making ability of injured fly half Mike Martin, but he insists his side must start picking up points as soon as possible, writes Jack Johnson.

The south Oxfordshire club are on a five-match winless run in South West 1 East and suffered a 53-0 hammering at home to leaders Towcestrians on Saturday.

Grove have slipped to fifth from bottom after only picking up one victory since summer signing Martin, who could make a return to action next month, broke his leg against Swanage & Wareham on November 14.

Since then full back Graeme Crapper, along with centres Tom Clipsham and Nick Sevier, have filled the void at fly half.

However, Martin’s absence, as well as unavailability in the backs, including last year’s top points scorer Guy Nicholl, has led to an unsettled side.

Burrows said: “We miss just having someone to control the game.

“It is not all down to one player, but results took a downturn when Mike Martin got injured.”

He added: “It is just the direction of the backs and having that consistency.

“Mike had been a massive boost for us, but we have to manage with what we have got.

“If we don’t start picking up wins we could easily be dragged into a relegation fight which no one wants to be in.”