Match report - 16th Oct 2016

David Daniels
SCRFC 1st XV Team Manager

Match report - 16th Oct 2016

Sutton Coldfield 28 pts v Broadstreet RFC 55 pts

Warwickshire Cup Semi-final played at Barkers Butt RFC

The photograph shows Sutton's proud 1st XV debutants, who made their debut in the 2016 Warwickshire Cup Semi-final: from left to right; Jack Wells (18), Chris Duckworth (22), Tom Foulsham.

Last weekend Sutton Coldfield faced National 3 league side Broadstreet in the Warwickshire Cup Semi-final and although they were stepping up a league, Sutton showed confidence in their younger players and fielded a young squad of 22 players, with 11 members of the squad aged 25 years or younger, including two teenagers... and the whole team rose to the occasion taking a full part in a highly entertaining and competitive Cup Semi-final.

After a mixed start to the game Sutton trailed 31-18 at the break but they made a bright start to the second half and 15 minutes into the second period a resurgent Sutton recovered to 31-28 threatening a shock result but Broadstreet had a strong bench and key substitutions by the National 3 side turned the game back in their favour with two quick converted tries extending their lead to 45-28 midway through the final period before closing the game out with two further tries to secure a 55-28 victory and a place in the Warwickshire Cup final on 13th Nov 2016.

In a highly entertaining game Sutton competed well throughout the hard fought contest and made their higher league opponents work hard for their victory. Sutton trailed 31-18 at the break with the Sutton points coming from tries by centre Tom McNamee, with a trade mark powerful charge to the line and 17 year old fly half Laurie Harries, who showed great maturity and calm composure as he made his first start for Sutton 1st XV in the key role of playmaker providing excellent distribution throughout the game and the youngster capped an impressive game by scoring an excellent try with a fine dummy to open up the NL3 defence as he crossed to score by the posts. Ben Morgan, who moved from fly half to scrum half for this game also made an impressive debut in his new role, added a conversion and two penalties, one from the 22 but the second was a full 45 metre special, which kept Sutton in the hunt.. Sutton roared out of the blocks at the start of the 2nd half and with 15 minutes played they brought the score back to 31-28 with a well worked try by George Ord on 3 minutes converted by Ben Morgan, who also contributed another long range 35 metre penalty to increase the pressure on the East Coventry side.

However, under increasing pressure Broadstreet turned to their strong bench and brought on fresh legs, which saw the National 3 side pull away in the final quarter to record a somewhat flattering 55-28 final score line. Congratulations go to Jack Wells, Chris Duckworth and Tom Foulsham, who all made excellent contributions to an outstanding team effort on their 1st XV debut.

Also to be congratulated is player/coach Alan Keylock, who made his first appearance of recent seasons to reprise his action man role from Sutton's most successful seasons dating back to 2010 and 2011, with Sutton winning the Warwickshire cup in consecutive seasons.

In the new look team the inspirational flanker/hooker appeared at blindside flanker and his presence and dynamic play lifted the Sutton pack, who matched their illustrious opponents in the forward exchanges to make for a highly entertaining and competitive contest.

With all the young players and debutants acquitting themselves with distinction in a testing game, special mention must be made of Chris Duckworth, who at 22 years has just joined SCRFC for his first taste of competitive rugby after playing soccer throughout his youth but in a short time the talented convert has proved himself to be a valuable addition to the Sutton 1st XV squad. Playing on the left wing Chris showed sound defence with strong tackles and a brilliant try saving tap tackle on his opposite number to prevent a certain try. The new wing also demonstrated good attacking play when let loose and he was solid under the high ball with the ability to provide long clearance kicks to relieve pressure in the Sutton 22, when required.

Encouraged by their excellent performance in the Cup, Sutton return to M1W league action this weekend with the visit of old and respected rivals Stratford upon Avon to the RSG, Walmley Road to resume their league campaign, hopefully on a winning note. KO 3pm.

Sutton other team results:

Unfortunately the Sutton 2nd XV (Development side) and also the 3rd XV found themselves without a game last Saturday but Sunday saw the Sutton Colts take to the field against Bromsgrove Colts;

Underlining once again the strength in depth at the Sutton club a totally dominant Sutton Colts side captained by Harry Moxon produced an impressive 62-0 victory away at Bromsgrove. In a great overall team performance, the try scorers were Dan Carruthers(3), Harry Moxon, Mitchell Brindley(2), Jonah Falconer, Adam Collingwood, Mitch Barker and Rosharn Robinson with 6 of the tries converted by Dan Carruthers to round off a superb performance.