Match report - 4th Oct 2014

Sutton 1st XV bounced back from defeat at Old Halesonians the previous weekend with a comfortable 38-20 home win over a strong Burton side, whose size and ability is belied by their lowly league position but although the highly energised visitors took an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter of a testing contest, after a slow start Sutton stepped up their game to condemn last seasons National 2 team to a fifth consecutive defeat in 5 National 3 league games.

Burton kicked off and drove play deep into the Sutton 22 desperate to make amends for their early season problems and their pressure brought its reward with a penalty for winger Darryl Banton, who struck the ball between the posts from 20 metres for a 3-0 lead after 3 minutes of play. Sutton responded well keeping play in the Burton half following the restart but against the run of play it was the Burton scrum half Eddie Nicholls who moved the score on with a snipping run to the line from broken play on the Sutton 22 and with Banton adding the conversion Sutton found themselves trailing 10-0 midway through the first half.

However, Sutton gathered themselves and stepped up their play during the second quarter. Their increased pressure forced the besieged visitors into errors and desperate defence but the game would not run for Sutton with a penalty attempt bouncing back off the upright and then as the ball was carried over the line for a try, it was adjudged to have bounced forward and the try was disallowed. Disappointed but undeterred Sutton maintained their constant pressure resulting in a series of penalties and a yellow card against their beleaguered opposition. Following the yellow card penalty Sutton kicked into the corner and then drove for the try line from the resulting line out but as the drive was halted short, the ball was spun out to inside centre Alex White, who strode over and then converted his own try to close to 7-10 with 26 minutes played. From the restart Sutton returned play to the Burton 22 and again forward pressure following a quickly taken tap penalty created an opening for winger Ben Toft, who squeezed over in the left corner to take the lead and with Alex White adding the touchline conversion, Sutton led 14-10, 9 minutes before the break. Again following the restart Sutton continued their relentless pressure and a half break by right wing Nathan Burchell on the halfway line was supported by 2nd row Max Heppner, who burst through a gap and heroically raced a full 40 metres to score a superb try extending Sutton's lead to 19-10 on the stroke of half time.

At the start of the second half, Sutton continued scoring with a try for fellow 2nd row Adam Bennett following a catch and drive from a lineout on the Sutton right wing after just 5 minutes, which was quickly followed by a try for Sutton scrum half Mark Rayner, who spotted a gap in the Burton defence on the visitors 10m line and the multi-talented player raced 40 metre to score a spectacular solo try under the posts. Alex White duly added the simple conversion to stretch the Sutton lead to 31-10. There then followed a 20 minute period of intense but neutral play before the next score, which fell to right wing Nathan Burchell, who stole over in the corner following another forward drive by the Sutton pack and with Alex White adding the tricky conversion Sutton led 38-10 with 10 minutes to play... but to their full credit and as testimony to their fighting spirit Burton fought back in the closing period to score consolation tries by prop Matt Tivey from close range wide on the right and then fullback Nick Oxley, who scored on the overlap wide on the left, on the stroke of fulltime, to close the game at 38-20.

This was a good performance by the Sutton side, who are still suffering from injury problems with inspirational skipper Fraser Tait side lined after taking a knock in the previous game but on the plus side the trusted Simon Millard made an excellent replacement at no8 and hooker Jamie Scott came through a late fitness test to star in the scrum and at the lineout with great throwing in. New boy Max Heppner continued his impressive start with the team by scoring an excellent try showing his grit and determination with a brave 40 metre dash to the line and Chris Hanley came off the bench into the front row to replace prop Sean Harrison, who was suffering a hip injury. Also in the pack, Jack Woodcock continued his welcome return to the team with a place on the bench followed by a strong cameo performance replacing Max Heppner in the second row during the closing period and young flankers Marcus Harewood and Luke Stewart impressed again with their attacking flair and strong defence against powerful opposition.

In the Sutton back line, continuing injuries to key players again propelled the young Ben Morgan into the starting line up. This time the promising fly half was thrust into the unfamiliar position of full back but the talented 20 year old performed well and proved to be a safe backstop, whilst Josh Groom took the fly half role in his last game before departing for a 12 month sabbatical in Australia.

All the players and club members wish Josh 'bon voyage' and we all wish him well in his adventures in the land of the kangaroo, sun kissed beaches and pretty girls. He is a very committed and talented player and we thank him for his excellent service to the Sutton cause over many seasons.

This weekend Sutton travel to Peterbough to face promoted league newcomers Peterbough Lions. KO 3pm