Match report - 2nd Sept 2017

Sutton's victorious 1st XV after their winning start to the season away to Camp Hill. (photo courtesy of Gerard Shanahan)

David Daniels

SCRFC 1st XV Team Manager

After a well attended and successful summer training programme followed by a good pre-season preparation period the new look Sutton side, containing 6 new debutants, who are blending in alongside the established players from last season's team, which finished in a respectable mid table position, took to the field for their first competitive league game and successfully opened their 2017/18 league campaign with a hard fought 27-22 victory over newly promoted old rivals Camp Hill.

Camp Hill put in a strong performance but although their opponents appeared to have the height and size advantage Sutton had the skills, pace and determination to record an important opening day victory to set their new season underway, giving new Head Coach Joe Gavin and new club skipper Sean Harrison, reason to celebrate along with the 'Greens' loyal travelling support after a very entertaining game.

Having trailed 10-7 at the break, after a penalty by fly half Simon Edwards put the home side ahead on 16 minutes, Sutton responded with a well taken try by fullback Miles Gregory converted by Ben Morgan on 22 minutes but Sutton then suffered a yellow card and on 36 minutes Camp Hill fullback Jordon Oliver went over for a try converted by Simon Edwards; Sutton came back strongly at the start of the second half with an outstanding long range try by blindside flanker Anton Taylor to turn the game in Sutton's favour. The try was converted by fly half Ben Morgan to take a 14-10 lead just 2 minutes into the second half before Sutton extended their lead to 21-10, when centre Tom Harris crossed smartly for Sutton's third try, converted by Ben Morgan 10 minutes after the break but Camp Hill came back strongly to score a scrambled try by no8 Robin Hunt converted by Simon Edwards for 17-21 before two outstanding long range penalties both from 45 metres by Ben Morgan stretched Sutton's lead to 27-17 with 20 minutes to play.

Sutton had to dig deep in the final quarter of a dramatic match with the host team throwing everything they had into attack as they chased the game. Encouraged by their vocal home supporters their efforts were helped when Sutton suffered a yellow card for a high tackle and then the hosts were rewarded with a try by flanker Adam Pinfield, to bring them within 5 points of the Sutton score with 15 pulsating minutes left to play.

In the closing period the Sutton debutants suffered a baptism of fire but alongside their new teammates no one was found wanting and although Sutton suffered two more yellow cards during the frantic finish to the game with their opponents camped in the bottom right hand corner in their 22, depleted Sutton held firm to thwart the Camp Hill efforts and secure a key 27-22 victory.

On the plus side for Sutton contributing to the victory was the strong performance of the Sutton pack, which held up well in the scrums and lineouts against bigger and taller opponents but the Sutton tenacity held sway in the set play and the Sutton back row of Anton Taylor (6), Rhoss Price (7) and Luke Stewart (8) were outstanding in the open play. The backs performed well served from the base of the scrum by no9 Ollie Green, who punched well above his weight in the tackle area and provided good distribution to fly half Ben Morgan to set the backs running. The fly half kicked superbly from hand or the kicking tee throughout the game to keep the scoreboard ticking over and Sutton on the front foot in attack or to clear his line in defence. Fullback Miles Gregory made a major contribution with his penetrating runs from his own half to set up strong attacking positions deep in the Camp Hill territory.

Although disappointed not to snatch a draw or victory in the closing minutes Camp Hill graciously conceded that Sutton deserved the victory on the day and everyone at Sutton wish Camp Hill good luck in their coming games and we look forward to welcoming them back to the RSG Walmley Road for the last game of the season on the 21st April 2018.

After the opening games Sutton are placed 6th in the table of 14 teams and this weekend they welcome back to the RSG, Black Country rivals Dudley Kingswinford, who sit second in the table after an opening day victory of 45-12 against Stourbridge Lions. KO 3pm.

All supporters and spectators will receive a warm welcome on and off the pitch.

Sutton other team results summary:

In a full weekend of fixtures Sutton enjoyed mixed fortunes with the 2nd XV going down 7-33 at home to a strong Camp Hill 2nd team but the Sutton Colts beat Old Halesonians Colts by 5 tries to 4 in a pre-season friendly at home under the watchful eyes of coaches Dan Lockley and Sandy O'Hare and the Sutton Women continued their very promising form after a good pre-season workout to beat Hereford Greyhounds at the RSG, Walmley Road. Both the Colts and Women's matches were played on Sunday 3rd Sept.