1st XV Match report - 4th March 2023

David Daniels 1st XV Manager

Match report - 4th March 2023

Melbourne RFC 17 pts v Sutton Coldfield 17 pts

Regional 2 North Midlands

Misfortune struck in the Sutton 1st XV's 20th league game of the season when with 50 minutes played and the teams level on 17-17, the Melbourne no 7 Devon Iliffe, their best player on the day, suffered a horrific injury to his leg dislocating his knee and breaking two bones in his ankle in an innocent but serious collision in a tackle around the halfway line.

The game was stopped immediately and medical assistance called for; which resulted in first a paramedic estate car racing to the ground, then an air ambulance followed by a full ambulance. The medics treated the injured player on the pitch to reset his knee and support the broken ankle for the journey to hospital, which was made by air ambulance and the player was conscious and in remarkably good spirits as the Sutton representatives wished him well for a full recovery.

Given the circumstances the referee consulted with the two team captains and it was agreed between them that the players from both teams had no appetite to continue with the game, so by mutual consent the game was abandoned and declared a draw. A decision accepted by the RFU League Secretary when the facts were put to him later in the evening and it was agreed that at this stage in the season a replay on the 25th March would serve no purpose except to prolong the season.

The drawn game gave each side two points allowing Moseley Oak, who won their game to leapfrog both teams into 3rd place putting Sutton down to 5th place, with Melbourne one place above in 4th place with just two games left to play to the end of the season.

The shortened game kicked off at 3 pm in overcast conditions but on a firm playable pitch, with a much-changed Sutton team taking to the field due to injuries and availability. The late changes saw lively all-rounder Curtis Wellington brought back into the starting front row as replacement hooker and Jamie James made his first appearance of the season at blind side flanker and the ever-reliable Tom Foulsham responded to a late call-up starting at openside flanker. The Sutton coaches were also grateful to all the players on the Sutton subs bench, who also responded to last minute calls to populate an empty bench, with prop Lamar McIntosh, back row Rhoss Price, who was a regular in the starting XV a few seasons ago and winger Luke Fleming, who all responded to the call and made their first 1st XV appearance of the season - thanks and well done all.

Sutton received the kick-off and there followed a period of even play with both sides settling into their stride before on 10 minutes the home side made the initial breakthrough after a period of sustained pressure in the Sutton half, winger Josh Pearch found space on the left wing to race in for the opening try to the left of the posts and then for good measure he converted his own try to give Melbourne the perfect start and a 7-0 lead.

Sutton responded well to the score against them and led by skipper George Ord they fought back, applying their own period of pressure in the Mel's 22 earning them a penalty in front of the posts from which, leading by example George Ord took a quick tap and charged for the try line gathering support as he was driven over for a quick thinking try to the left of the posts. Sutton centre Henry Nevitt stepped up to land an excellent conversion levelling the score at 7-7 with 16 minutes played then winger/kicker Josh Pearch landed a penalty to put the home side back in the lead 10-7, 10 minutes before the break. With halftime approaching Melbourne extended their lead to 17-7 when outside centre Sam Smith burst through to score by the posts, benefitting from a missed tackle in the Sutton 22 earlier in the build-up and Josh Pearch was accurate again with the conversion but with just minutes left on the clock before the break Sutton stepped up their game at the restart and another tap penalty in the Melbourne 22 was run to their right and at the breakdown Sutton replacement Luke Fleming recovered the ball driving over for a debut try in the right corner. Unfortunately the difficult conversion attempt drifted wide but Sutton had moved to within 5 points at the break and were very much in the game with all to play for in the second half.

Sutton's opposition were proving to be a tenacious team both in defence and attack but Sutton were developing into the game and matching their opponents as the new look Sutton side settled to their game plan and the visitors were starting to get on top as they won a lineout on the left wing deep in the Melbourne 22 and then drove for the line but as the drive was stopped short the ball was fed left and hooker Curtis Wellington squeezed over for a well worked try 50 minutes into the game.

Unfortunately, the conversion attempt drifted across the face of the posts and the scores remained level at 17-17, as following the restart came the heavy tackle in mid-field and the serious injury to Devon Iliffe, which brought the came to premature end and the result accepted as an honourable draw.

Everyone at Sutton wishes Devon a full and expedient recovery and a positive return to the game he is clearly very good at judging by his performance in the game before his unfortunate injury. Good luck & best wishes to Devon and thanks to Melbourne for the kindness and hospitality provided during our visit.

This week Sutton prepare for their penultimate league game of the season away to Belgrave with the hope that more players are available for selection early in the week avoiding the scramble on Friday and Saturday morning to fill the positions. Let's work towards ending the season on a high with all travelling support welcome. KO 3 pm.

Other team results:

Match Summary - 5th March 2023

Sutton Ladies 10 pts v Hitchin Ladies 5 pts

Womens Championship 2 Midlands

An untidy game by all accounts but another win under the belt for the Sutton Ladies and their new coaching team of Ryan Stewart and Tom Foulsham, with 2 out of 2, as they beat Hitchin Ladies 10-5 at home on Sunday 5th March 2023 - well done all!