Match report - 25th Jan 2014

With the Shropshire rugby ground subjected to dramatic thunder and lightning, followed by a sleet storm driven by a chilling wind just before kick-off, both teams were forced to suffer arctic conditions during a mud splattered game and Sutton suffered further discomfort when they just failed to overturn a 20-3 halftime deficit and in spite of a valiant effort in difficult playing conditions, which reduced the game to a lottery, they went down 20-17 to register another disappointing away day defeat.

However, credit goes to the home side, who sat one place above the relegation zone at the start of the match and they fought bravely for their league survival taking their chances well to score two tries by centre Chris Perry and fullback Toby Mann respectively plus two conversions and two well struck penalties by flyhalf Liam Holder to establish a solid 20-3 lead at halftime, having had the advantage of the significant slope and the wind in the first half.

Sutton's only score of the first half was a penalty by centre Alex White scored on 8 minutes after a bright start by the visitors but the home side showed good local knowledge and took full advantage of the distinctive slope to establish a daunting lead at the break, whilst Sutton struggled with the conditions giving away hard fought for possession with simple errors from hand and foot..

Showing their true fighting spirit, Sutton fought back strongly at the start of the second half gaining a penalty try 4 minutes after the restart following a powerful surge to the line by the Sutton pack. The try was converted by Alex White to close to 20-10 giving them the encouragement they needed to cope with the task ahead in very trying conditions with the pitch cutting up and getting muddier by the minute after the recent rains but in the final event, in spite of their best efforts, at times the ball just would not stick in cold hands and promising opportunities failed to develop into tries. With time ticking by Sutton's only other score came after 32 minutes when their all action flanker Luke Stewart darted home after another Sutton surge to the line was stopped short but the ball was kept alive and quickly switched in field for Josh Groom to send the flanker in for the try. The crucial try was converted by Alex White to bring Sutton to within 3 points but although Sutton camped in the Newport 22 for the remaining 8 minutes striving for a match winning try, Newport defended well and Sutton were denied.

Sutton did come close a number of times during the dramatic closing minutes. The best chance came following an excellent break in mid-field by flyhalf Josh Groom, who accelerated through a gap veering left to put a clever grubber kick into the corner for the sprightly Nathan Burchell to run onto. The winger made good ground but in a flurry of sliding arms and legs and the close attention of the desperate defenders the ball was judged to have been knocked on over the line and Sutton were denied a match winning try. Newport were awarded a 5 metre scrum from which they cleared their lines to ease the pressure. Although Sutton came again they just could not force the final score and the visitors and their frozen travelling support, who braved the winter weather had to settle for a losing bonus point, leaving them 8 points adrift of league leaders Broadstreet, slipping from 3rd to 4th place with 8 games to play!

Whilst Sutton drop a place at the top, a greatly relieved and deserving Newport side, who have lost a number of games this season at the death, gain a place at the bottom moving to 10th place, 2 places clear of the relegation zone. On a day which defied normal rugby skills Newport made the most of home advantage and the conditions, to play with a passion and desire, which denied their lowly league position and defined their determination to survive in this league. All credit to them and good luck in the remaining game but at the top end of the table Sutton kick on hoping for better weather and a chance to show off their attacking skills in the remaining games against stern opposition.

On the plus side the game saw the welcome return of long term injured players; with outside centre Jonathan Raistrick returning to first team action after a long absence, alongside long term absentee winger Andy Tovey, who made his return two ago and with Jon Ursell continuing at hooker having made his debut in the previous game Sutton are looking in good shape for the tough run in to the end of the season if only the weather will play its part and let the team play to their strengths.

This weekend Sutton take a break from league rugby as they turn their attention to the Warwickshire Cup with a semi-final match against near neighbours Spartans in a re-enactment of the 2011 final. The semi-final is to be played at Berkswell and Balsall RFC on Sunday 2nd Feb 2014. KO 2.15.

Sutton then resume their league campaign with the visit of 2nd place Nuneaton to Walmley Road for a must win top of the table clash on Sat 8th Feb 2014. KO 2.15.

All Sutton supporters and neutral spectators are welcome for what should be a keen contest at the RSG as Sutton are protecting their longstanding home record as well as seeking to improve their prospects in the race for the league title.