Match report - Friday 1st Nov 2019

David Daniels
SCRFC 1st XV Team Manger

Sutton Coldfield 10pts v Stoke-on-Trent 22pts.

As a misfiring Sutton 1st XV faced third placed Stoke-on-Trent last Friday evening under the excellent floodlights on the International pitch at the RSG, the form book suggested that Sutton had a mountain to climb and with the visitors taking an 8-0 lead after 31 minutes of play with a penalty after 17 minutes followed by an unconverted try on 31 minutes, the mountain grew larger... However, it was the fleet footed highly rated Sutton back division which entertained and impressed the large Friday night crowd as the floodlights once again created a magic atmosphere and in spite of the steady drizzle the supporters from both camps were highly enthusiastic as the pace of the Sutton backs kept the Stoke defence under sustained pressure in the early exchanges and although denied a try twice in the first 15 minutes, first with a foot in touch and then a knock-on in the Stoke 22, Sutton took these set-backs on the chin and persevered with their attacking prowess. This approach was rewarded when they closed to 7-8 with a converted try on 34 minutes and then took the lead with a penalty on 38 minutes ending the first half on a high but unfortunately in the second half the Stoke play reverted to kind and proceedings were dominated by the Stoke pack, who snuffed out the Sutton threat resulting in a 22-10 defeat for the home side.

Sutton kicked off in light drizzle with their exciting new signing Liam White making his debut for the 1st XV on the right wing and in the opening 15 minutes the winger was quick to show the threat his pace provided, when centre Lewis Beaty launched a probing kick ahead from the Sutton 10 metre line up the Sutton right wing and into the Stoke 22. From his onside position the flying winger eased in front of the Stoke defender to prevent the ball rolling into touch with his foot, edging the ball in field and over the try line but as he went on to score it was judged that his foot was in touch as he played the ball in field. Then minutes later a similar well placed kick sent the fleet footed right wing racing after another opportunity gaining ground on the covering defenders but unfortunately under pressure as he tried to gather the ball in the 22, he was judged to have knocked on and another well worked chance came close but unfortunately not close enough, which has been the story of Sutton's season so far.

After the two near misses by Sutton Stoke took play back into the Sutton half with an effective counter attack and Sutton were caught offside in front of their posts just outside the Sutton 22 and fly half Ciaran Shone kicked the penalty to give the visitors a 3-0 lead after 17 minutes and the visitors followed this with a try by hooker Sam Yorke, who broke clear following a scrum in the Sutton right corner close to the try line to claim the opening try. The touchline conversion drifted wide but against the run of play Stoke moved into an 8-0 lead after 31 minutes of play.

Undaunted Sutton set about recovering the situation and their positive play brought its reward when Sutton drove play into the Stoke half and centre Lewis Beaty took the ball on, sweeping wide from mid-field taking play into the 22 towards the Sutton right looking to link with the Sutton right wing but he deftly turned infield and fed flanker Jacob Jones, who took the ball on the burst and crossed for an excellent try to the right of the posts giving fly half Ben Morgan a straight forward conversion bringing Sutton to within 1 point at 7-8 with 31 minutes played.

This was Sutton's best period of play and with halftime approaching the sustained Sutton pressure in the Stoke 22 led to a penalty 30 metres out and to the left of the posts giving Ben Morgan the chance to give Sutton the lead. The chance was duly taken and at the break Sutton held a narrow but deserved 10-8 lead.

Although fired up by their excellent play in the first half Sutton were unable to reproduce the same level of skill and commitment in the second half and as a consequence the Stoke pack took control and dominated the scoreboard with a try for 2nd row George Boughey, who forced his way over the try line after 56 minutes of play and Ciaran Shone added the conversion to stretch the lead 15-10, then Sutton were denied a losing bonus point on the stroke of fulltime when no8 Charlie Poole scrambled over the try line after a 22 drop out was gathered and carried back towards the Sutton line setting up a driving maul but as the maul was halted the burly no8 broke clear exploiting the blindside to score in the left corner and fly half Ciaran Shone landed an excellent touchline conversion to complete the scoring resulting in a 22-10 victory for the visiting team.

This weekend Sutton travel to Stourbridge Lions, who sit 11th in the league 5 points ahead of Sutton, with Sutton hoping their efforts will be better rewarded in the heart of the Black Country. KO 2.30 pm.

Match summary report - 1st Dec 2019

Yardley & District 12pts v Sutton Casuals 33pts

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Last Friday evening the Sutton Casuals team under their founder and key organiser Dave Bunn continued on their merry way with another convincing victory having travelled to Yardley & District for a sociable evening and an excellent floodlit game of rugby in which the impressive Sutton side defeated their opponents by 33-12.

Sutton made a good start taking a 19-5 lead into the break then going on to record an excellent victory thanks to tries scored by Will Baillon, who scored 2, Tim Caddick, who also scored a brace plus Dan Moran, who contributed a try and with Chris Hendley adding three conversions assisted by Mike Clarke, who added the final conversion to complete the score sheet for Sutton, on a great night for Sutton rugby.

Anyone, who can still run a bit and is looking for a little more exercise along with the comradery that goes with the game of rugby is invited to join the Sutton Casuals social side, who train on most Monday evenings at the RSG, Walmley Road.

Those who wish to join this happy band of social rugby players feel free to contact David Bunn for more details on mob: 07585 554998.