Match report - 22nd Jan 2022

David Daniels
SCRFC 1st XV Team Manager

Match report - 22nd Jan 2022

Sutton Coldfield 29pts v Old Halesonians 22pts

Midlands 1 West

The old Sutton sparkle returned to the RSG last weekend when the new look Sutton 1st XV, in just their second game under new coach Nathan Burchell returned to winning ways with a dramatic 29-22 victory over old rivals Old Halesonians, who Sat 8th in the league table at the start of play with Sutton languishing second from bottom in 13th place...but this well deserved win will give Sutton the boost they have been close to achieving over recent weeks to start the climb up the table to a respectable finish at the end of the season ahead of next season when the restructured leagues come into play.

The loyal supporters of both teams know that over many seasons and in different leagues, when their paths have crossed the contests between the two clubs have been epic battles, with the result generally in the balance down to the final play and this game was not short of the traditional drama.

However, unfortunately, this was not the case in the away game last Oct when Sutton lost the game 30-14, so the new look Sutton side came into this return leg knowing that they had some ground to make up and with 5 magical tries, resolute defence and showing strong character in the closing period of an entertaining game, the new Sutton stars shone brightly and brought together all their best qualities to secure a well deserved and uplifting victory celebrated by all the hard working players, coaches and supporters, who have been waiting patiently for this reawakening of the Sutton winning team spirit, which has been so close for so long.

In the game itself Sutton kicked off in dry, cool but clear conditions, perfect for rugby and Sutton immediately followed the ball into Old Hales territory applying the early pressure with a good morale boosting first scrum plus lineout play that was also going well but a long clearance by Old Hales took play back deep into the Sutton 22 and as the home side looked to clear their lines the clearance kick was charged down in midfield, then re-gathered by Old Hales centre and captain Carl Robinson, who strode over to give the visitors a shock try after just 3 minutes play.

Surprisingly the conversion was missed but against the run of play Sutton found themselves 5-0 down but undaunted, from the restart the home side stepped up the pressure and continued to press their opponents in their own half eventually winning a penalty just inside the opposition half. The ball was kicked to the right touchline and carried towards the Old Hales try line deep in the 22 following a well executed catch & drive by the Sutton pack from the lineout. As the drive was held up short of the try line the ball was spun left across the face of the posts before switching direction and coming right again via centre Laurie Harries, who marked his return to the Sutton side as he skilfully swept through a gap in the defensive line to score a fine debut try to the right of the posts.

Again the conversion was missed but Sutton had levelled the scores after 9 minutes of play. Sutton gathered the ball at the restart and moved the ball up field back into the opposition half then a confident break carried the ball towards the Old Hales 22 moving left then some skilful centre play by outside centre Clark Wells drew players in creating space for Sutton's will-of-the-wisp left wing George Creed to turn on the after burners and round the would be defenders to scorch home for a superb try in the left corner.

The difficult touchline conversion was missed but the score took Sutton into the lead at 10-5 after 13 minutes of play. During the next period of play the Sutton pack gave a great display at the scrums & lineouts and fullback Tom McNamee had an excellent game with strong tackles and a big boot to clear danger from the Sutton lines. Then on 24 minutes with the game evenly poised a loose lass by the visitors in midfield went to ground on the halfway line and Sutton's sprightly centre Clark Wells was first to react as he gathered the ball, shook off the first would be tackler and then confidently raced in between the posts from 40 metres to stretch the lead and give his fly half & vice captain Ben Morgan the easiest of conversions and Sutton a lead of 17-5.

But the fighting spirit of Old Hales awoke and in keeping with tradition they fought back with a series of strong drives on the Sutton try line and although Sutton defended strongly, the powerful Old Hales pack finally forced their way over the line for hooker Sam Jones to claim the try on 35 minutes and with winger Nick Adams adding the conversion followed by a penalty on 39 minutes the first half ended with the Sutton lead pegged back to 17-15 and everything to play for in the second half.

Unfortunately for Sutton the visitors made the stronger start to the second half. 8 minutes into the second period Old Hales kicked a penalty into the corner and once again from the resulting lineout they cashed in on their trademark catch & drive party piece as hooker Sam Jones claimed his second (copycat) try of the afternoon and with Nick Adam's conversion Old Hales retook the lead 22-17 with 32 minutes left to play.

Again with their renewed confidence and self belief, Sutton stepped up to the plate and 5 minutes later they levelled the scores at 22-22 when Sutton no8 on the day Will Mitchell showed a centre's vision and pace as he broke downfield taking play deep into the Old Hales half before feeding the ball right eventually reaching right wing Zak Tyler who showed his pace, power and confidence as he raced past the would be defenders to score an excellent try in the right corner to level the scores and as Sutton's fourth try he gained them a valuable bonus point.

Not to be denied Sutton continued to play their expansive game and 25 minutes into the second half they mounted an attack down their right wing with newly introduced fullback Matt Smith joining the line wide on the right before launching a perfectly judged chip ahead into the visitors 22 for right wing Zak Tyler to smartly gather the ball and cross for his second try of the day to take Sutton into the lead 27-22 after some very skilful rugby by both players.

To add to the occasion Ben Morgan judged the conversion perfectly to stretch the Sutton lead to 29-22 with 15 minutes of tension left to survive for both teams and their supporters... and in the end Sutton defended their two score advantage, showing great courage and character as their noble opponents threw everything they had at the Sutton defensive wall but the Green wall stood strong and the Sutton nerve and discipline held up against the onslaught ,which was conducted in a fierce but sporting manner and those in green or supporting green were pleased to hear the final whistle as the start of long and deserved celebrations.

As well as a day to celebrate a deserved and long overdue 1st XV victory, the 22nd Jan 2022 also marked a number of other notable events at the Sutton Coldfield Rugby Football Club namely:

Fly half Ben Morgan played his 151st game for Sutton 1st XV last Saturday noting that his 150th game was played against Malvern on 8/1/22 but poor old Ben was overshadowed by burly Sean Harrision, who was celebrating his 200th game...So the 22/1/22 was Ben's day and well done say all at SCRFC; and then with Club Captain Dean Ginn on 97 games it won't be long before Dean is celebrating his 100th game and whilst celebrating the long serving players in the 1st XV squad it is pleasing to note that the new players, either returning to Sutton after playing elsewhere or converting from the junior ranks to the senior ranks are all strengthening the squad with players like 22 year old flanker Ollie Pegler, who made an excellent debut last weekend at no6 and the new centre pairing of 23 year old Laurie Harries and 19 year old former Sutton Colt Clark Wells, who both have, pace, vision and distribution skills slotting easily into the starting lineup with great anticipation for their future development, and then bringing the talented 17 year old Matt Smith into the reckoning after an excellent debut at fullback, as he came off the subs bench to be on the pitch to play in the same game as his father, long serving prop and club stalwart Dave Smith was a proud moment for father & son, mum & younger brother plus everyone at SCRFC - congratulations & thanks to the Smith family.

It is also worth recording that last weekend the Sutton team included three Oliver's; with scrum half Ollie Green, flanker Ollie Pegler and second row Ollie Gregory all playing key roles in the victory - so lets hear it for the lads, Ollie/Ollie/Ollie!!!

This weekend Sutton put their new found belief and optimism to a severe test when they travel to Stoke-on-Trent to face the leagues third place team chasing Lichfield and Kenilworth for a promotion place at the top of the table. After last weekend performance Sutton have nothing to fear - so watch this space. KO 2.15.

Match summary report - 22nd Jan 2022

Old Hales 2nd XV 8pts v Sutton 2nd XV 5pts.

Sutton travelled to Wassell Grove, Halesowen last Saturday and were unlucky to lose a close fought contest by 8-5 after a frustrating but entertaining contest for the neutral spectator. The loss was disappointing but just blip in a successful season so far.

The solitary Sutton try was scored by club stalwart and chief organiser of the 2nd XV Steve Marshall, who powered over from a rolling maul following a 5 metre lineout.