After the hic-up at Hinckley the previous weekend, which cost the league leadership, Sutton 1st XV bounced back with a comprehensive 32-8 bonus point victory over a strong Longton side, who provided formidable opposition in an entertaining contest between two keen and competitive teams.

Sutton started strongly and in the opening 10 minutes they took an early 6-0 lead as their forward dominance forced Longton to concede 2 kickable penalties, which were converted by fly half Josh Rolls who had taken over the kicking duties for this game and the playmaker went on to convert 3 of the 4 Sutton tries for a personal tally of 12 points in a strong and effective performance.

Although Sutton made the early running Longton responded well and within 2 minutes of the second Sutton penalty the visitors claimed a penalty of their own, which was kicked by fullback Grant Hallam to close to 6-3. With the game in the balance Longton turned the tables and applied sustained pressure in the Sutton half with penetrating runs by their big backs but Sutton defended well and mid-way through the first half fullback and captain Dave Edwards aided by no 8 Fraser Tait tackled a powerful Hinckley runner as he crossed the Sutton try line. Crucially the timely tackle caused the ball to be knocked on over the try line saving a certain try which would have given the visitors the lead. Sutton cleared their lines following the scrum but for the next twenty minutes they came under sustained pressure and it was their strong defence and iron discipline during this critical period of the game that set the foundation for the final victory as Sutton first contained the Longton onslaught and then launched their own successful attacks.

Although Sutton did not score during this critical twenty minutes, this was their finest hour (i.e. one third hour) as they showed great character in standing firm against the onslaught that the visitors threw at them. Any score at this stage by Longton could have changed the game in their favour but they were denied by the excellent defence and discipline displayed by the Sutton backs and forwards working together to great effect, with open side flanker Marcus Harewood playing a major part and the new look centre pairing of Josh Groom and Tom Lucas outstanding and inspirational in defence and attack.

Having held firm against the best Longton could offer during this key period Sutton turned the tables and with half time approaching they attacked down their left wing sending a chip ahead rolling towards the Longton try line. Desperately the lone Longton defender side footed the ball into touch just metres out giving the home side an attacking lineout which Sutton won as 2nd row Tony Worthington, taking a break from his new domestic duties, rose high to claim the ball and set up a powerful driving maul. As the Sutton pack drove towards the try line, hard working flanker Simon Millard broke free to claim a well worked try on the stroke of halftime. Josh Rolls kicked the conversion to give Sutton a key 13-3 advantage at the break.

Sutton ended the first half well and seemed set fair for the second half... but against the most recent run of play it was Longton who made the better start to the second half with an outstanding try by left wing Chris Tennuci who scored in the left corner following a 40 metre solo break just 3 minutes after the restart to close the scoreline to 13-8.

However, the unexpected score served as an early second half wakeup call for Sutton and they responded with a fine solo effort by centre Tom Lucas who raced through the midfield defence to score under the posts from 35 metres out, giving Josh Rolls an easy conversion and stretching Sutton's lead to 20-8 after 10 minutes of play in the final period.

Sutton immediately stretched their lead further when Longton dropped the ball following the restart and Josh Rolls picked up smartly sending a probing kick into the Longton 22. Right wing Nathan Burchell gave chase and just beat the Longton fullback to nudge the ball over the line, then the flying winger followed up and dived to claim the try, which again was converted by Josh Rolls to give Sutton an impressive 27-8 lead with 30 minutes to play. Playing for the bonus point, Sutton continued to develop their play with the new second row powerhouse partnership comprising the returning Dean Harper and new recruit Matthew Black, both back row players by choice but proving very effective in a reshaped Sutton pack.

With the play going well Sutton were carving great inroads into Longton territory with fine attacking play by backs and forwards alike. The pressure finally told as Sutton developed play down the left touch line sending fullback Dave Edwards speeding down the left wing with winger Rob Watts in close support. As the Longton cover closed in, inspired back play led to the all important fourth try with a brilliant score for left wing Rob Watts who cut inside his fullback Dave Edwards to take the scoring pass and claim the bonus point with 15 minutes left to play. The game played out with plenty of action by both sides but without further score and Sutton were able to celebrate a deserved 32-8 victory over an impressive Longton side, which kept them in third place just 4 points behind Old Halesonians (1st) and Hinckley (2nd), the two only unbeaten sides in the NL3Midlands.

This weekend Sutton travel to Cheshire for a first visit to Lymm RFC looking to continue their return to winning ways and maintain their challenge for the league championship. KO 3 pm.

Sutton other team results:

Sutton's mixed age development side under the guidance and inspiration of Joe Gavin on the touchline and Dave Roberts on the field, excelled themselves with an incredible 81-0 victory over close neighbours Sparton 2nd XV in the Warwickshire 2nd Team Cup.

Unfortunately, Sutton's valued 3rd XV suffered a narrow 15-20 defeat in a close fought friendly match against Bournville 3rd XV.