2nd XV match report - 8th Feb 2015

Sutton's joy was unconfined last Sunday when, under the captaincy of Sam Harris and the guidance of coach Joe Gavin with the support of manager Andy Hawkins and the on field wisdom and strength of veteran prop Dave Smith, the Sutton Development Side celebrated a fine victory over a strong and powerful Earlsdon side, to be crowned Warwickshire Champions for a second year running to retain the trophy, which once again returns to the Sutton trophy cabinet for the third time in four seasons.

With a perfect combination of experience and youth Sutton faced a strong Earlsdon side with a big and experienced pack, who had the advantage in the scrums in the first half with their powerful scrumaging. But not to be overwhelmed the Sutton pack as a man stepped up to the mark and battled bravely through some difficult encounters, where clearly Sutton were at a disadvantage.

However, although under pressure Sutton did manage to salvage some ball from the set play's, which was used effectively by the half back partnership of Ollie Green and Tom Harris and with the lineout working well Sutton managed to stay on the front foot. Eventually the Sutton mobility and back play won the day with the Sutton pack coming back to boss the scrums towards the end of the game as their heavy opponents tired.

The first half of an entertaining contest saw an exchange of penalties, as first Sutton took a deserved 3-0 lead through the boot of centre Dan Bancroft but this was matched by an Earlsdon penalty for 3-3 before Bancroft eased Sutton into a 6-3 lead midway through the first half. Then on the stroke of halftime and somewhat against the run of play Earlsdon ran in a try which was converted for a 10-6 lead at the break.

Sutton started the second half strongly and good attacking play brought its reward when centre Danny Bancroft swept in for a try, which he converted himself to give Sutton a narrow 13-10 lead. Showing great discipline and self control, as the game developed through the final period Sutton defended their narrow 3 point lead with a maturity beyond their years, until an outstanding 50 metre break down the right touchline by flying winger Chevel Taylor was denied a try in the corner by an unsighted referee but Sutton quickly recycled the ball into midfield and second row Lewis Snowden powered over for a clinching try under the posts, which was converted by Bancroft to secure an excellent victory for a Sutton Development side, who are clearly a first team in waiting.

Amongst a team of star players centre Dan Bancroft shone brightest with 2 penalties, a try, and 2 conversion for a personal tally of 15 points.