SUTTON BROADSIDE THE STREET

A wise man once said "Teamwork is the beauty of our sport, where fifteen act as one". Some may see this as a schmaltzy analysis, while those of a romantic persuasion would believe it a great summary of our treasured sport.

Whatever your point of view, even the true blood philistine would find it tough to argue a more poignant summary for Saturdays clash between Sutton's Third army and Broadstreet's 3rd XV.

Coming into the game on the back of a frankly atrocious season thus far, with multiple thumpings sprinkled with only minor sunshine, the boys from Sutton couldn't be blamed if a slight air of doom and gloom had descended. Yet credit to the lads who, as always, were optimistic and eager as ever, leaving past results where they belonged - remembered only by the most ardent of 'rain man' anoraks. After a new and different way of warming up (a certain improvement needless to say) Sutton 3's were ready to rule rucks, smash some scrums, and target tantalising tries.

With an excellent pitch, soggy enough to benefit slogging forwards yet firm enough for backs to scamper about, there was only one thing left to say:

Let battle commence.

Receiving the kick, the boys in green wasted no time in asserting their desire for a coveted 'W' in the seasons statistics. Sutton's strong starting pack kept possession and inched their way forward (perhaps a tad understatement). Within minutes however what started as a forwards slugfest was turned on its head as No.9 Ian Evans shipped out to centre and former captain Mark McEvoy, who proceeded to go mental, charging, weaving and bashing a good 60m on his todd, creating a fine try directly behind the sticks (converted by Fly-half Pete Dale, 7-0).

Those of us with a decidedly 'half empty' view of life might now be predicting the inevitable collapse, what with Sutton 3s starting so strong, something which cannot be denied is uncommon. But no one told the boys on the pitch. From the restart the green and whites continued exerting pressure where they could. I say where they could, as the man with the whistle was forced far too frequently to stop the game, due to a mixture of mishaps (e.g knock ons) and far too many daft penalties (stats of which would not be flattering to Sutton).

Some solace could be found however at scrum time with the Sutton pack dominating nearly every set piece. One memorable moment came when hooker Steve Marshall gained the ball only for it to bounce back off a lock (whose name shall go, ahem, unmentioned) leg back to Broadstreet only for Sutton to reshove and regain (rewarded by a choice number of f's and 'sakes from a street player).

Finally during a rare break from restarts, Sutton linked up some lovely phases. With Tom Foulsham, Rab Cooper and Dominic Morphet each breaking the gain line, Captain (Field) Marshall gathered and bashed a further 10m only to be taken down just shy of the white wash. Quickly supported by Cooper and Flanker Vaughn Brown, the latter snaffled the odd shaped ball and slotted down all of 20cm for the second try of the game, later converted once more by Dale.

Sutton appeared to have caught Broadstreet napping. Yet you can never be blasé with sport and especially with the pride of a rugby team. Broadstreet thundered back from the restart, pushing Sutton firmly onto the back foot. Camping in the home sides 22, the 'street piled on the pressure, keeping possession from rucks and testing the fringes. The hosts started to crack, giving away penalties of both the stupid and numerous variety (not including lame backchat to the ref which was lucky did not result in a yellow). Frankly it was only due to excellent defence and some truly brave tackles (an area Sutton have lacked finesse recently) that kept the the 'street from scoring. Sadly the pressure was too much as yet another penalty resulted in a tap and bash, gaining the visitors their first and much deserved opening score (going unconverted).

Nearing half time, it would be fair to expect such a full-on game to result in both teams just running down the clock for a well earned break. Sutton were having none of that. Once more going hell for leather, Suttons backs stepped up for a top notch phase rally. After the forwards bashed their way into the opponents half, that man McEvoy gathered, passing on to Ian Evans who after a snazzy run returned the ball to Duckling. Off loading to Macca, the 12 added his second score of the afternoon (once more converted by P. Daley).

Half time blown, Sutton 21 Broadstreet 5.

At halftime Sutton were naturally buzzing. After an excellent pep-talk the existing team was then savaged, replacing nearly ten warriors with fresh legs a 'luxury' usually impossible to conceive of considering the issues with numbers the team has endured so far this season.

Anyway, for the lucky ones, Game on.

While the first half was exhilarating and even mildly one sided (if only in spirit) the second would prove to be a much more dogged affair. While Sutton held slightly more momentum, Broadstreet were giving nowt. Over twenty minutes, a yo-yo effect dictated play, sometimes in Sutton's half, sometimes Broadstreet's. The only noticeable moment came from Vaughn Brown acting as human velcro, falling and rolling off a 'street player only to emerge with the ball, much to the crowds delight and Vaughn's seeming surprise.

Soon after, Broadstreet were rewarded with a scrum 10m from the line. Unusual for the game, they won the ball and catching Sutton sleeping, quickly and seamlessly shifted the ball out wide dotting down in the corner to breach double figures (sadly going unconverted from such great play). 21-10.

Yo-yo effect back in play, it was once more Sutton's turn to push forward. Great progress was made until the last, as five meters from the line, and certain try, a dropped ball resulted in yet another scrum (while not counted, their frequency must have breached 30 all game). What followed was a play of utter joy. With 'street gaining their own ball, their No.9 gathered from their eight. Just as he was about to make a decision, his opposite number, Ian Evans, decided to try a cheeky rush, and what a decision that turned out to be. Truly spooking him, Ian managed the rip the ball silkily and saunter over for an easy try. Going unconverted the score became and stayed 26-10.

As the game was in its dying moments, once more you may have expected for either team to run down the clock. Yet the marvellous spirit that inspired the win was not done yet. Sutton pushed forward from the restart once more. Releasing the backs who utilised the tired and tested formula of a little bash bash with generous dollops of great hand work, Mark McEvoy fell over for his hat trick. Or would have been had it not been ruled held up, a decision that came as a surprise to both sides. The final shrill of the whistle brought to an end an excellent all round display of rugby.

Finally getting a taste of victory after such a topsy turvey season was sweet for Sutton on numerous levels. Just to win was good enough after earlier frustrations yet to do so with such style, pig headiness and sheer commitment to their fellow men in green and white added extra sweetener to an excellent afternoon. Not one man gave up, not one chap gave less than 100% of their ability. Perhaps we gave away too many penalties, maybe at times we were not as tight in defence as we could have been, but in the end none of that matters. We won against a well matched and determined opposition with neither side resorting to dirty play.

An all round great afternoon showcasing our sport in many positive ways.

Reporters man of the match:
Joint honours this week to Flanker Vaughn Brown and Scrum-half Ian Evans. The former for getting all around the park and being a pain in the arse so brilliantly for the opposition (as all great flankers do). Ian gets a nod for not just his sheer cheeky try but his all round game, keeping control of the squads tempo while adding his own sparkle.

Spirit of rugby: A special nod to Lamar Mcintosh, who selflessly agreed to fill in at tight head for Broadstreet after their No.3 had to come off with no replacement, and allowing a full contest which was enjoyed by all.