Sutton Coldfield 2nd XV
Matches
Sat 16 Jan 2016
Sutton Coldfield RFC
Sutton Coldfield 2nd XV
26
7
Longton
SCRFC Development side match report

SCRFC Development side match report

Ken Sims10 Aug 2019 - 10:06
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SCRFC Development side 26 pts v Longton RFC 2nd XV 7 pts.

David Daniels
1st XV Team Manager

Unfortunately, the 1st XV National 3 league fixture at Longton was called off due to the severe weather conditions on Saturday morning and so fittingly, the rugby focus turned to the 2nd XV fixture at Sutton Coldfield, where the pitches were playable and the Sutton 2nd XV/development side took centre stage as they produced an excellent 26-7 victory to cheer the hardy souls, who braved the chill air to witness an enjoyable contest as Sutton triumphed over a Longton 2nd XV, who made a late dash to Sutton once it was confirmed that the game could go ahead.

With good overhead conditions and wet but very playable pitch conditions under foot, Longton kicked off to start a very entertaining and important league fixture, which Sutton eventually won with a convincing score line to secure an all important 5 league points... but along the way there was a keen contest between two well matched sides and Sutton showed strength and maturity to overcome the challenging Longton side, which combined a strong and experienced pack with a young and ambitious back division, who were dangerous on the break testing the Sutton defence and resolve but the home side stayed strong and took their chances with precision.

The essentially young Sutton development side matched their opponents in the scrums and lineouts producing good ball for their eager backs to exploit as they outscored the visitors by 4 tries to 1, with the backs claiming 3 tries but the forwards led the way when skipper for the day, no8 Dean Harper showed his first team credentials as he drove over from close range for the first score after 30 minutes of exciting play. Fullback Danny Bancroft added the conversion to give Sutton a deserved 7-0 lead to put the final flourish to the outstanding teamwork by Sutton in the build up to an excellent, well worked try. The score was just reward for the Sutton effort in the opening 30 minutes, which was mainly dominated by Sutton's presence in the Longton 22 punctuated by the occasional breakout threat by the Longton backs but neither side were able to break the deadlock in the first 25 minutes, although Longton did came close against the run of play when only a dramatic last ditch tackle by a Sutton defender forced the wingers foot into touch as he completed the run to the try line but the flying Longton winger was called back for the lineout.

With halftime approaching Sutton continued to apply sustained pressure and 5 minutes before the break their persistence paid off. Following a 5 metre scrum Sutton extended their lead to 12-0 when scrum half Chris Duckworth picked up from the base of the advancing Sutton scrum and the wily scrum half squirmed over to claim a well taken try.

Unfortunately the conversion drifted wide but Sutton took a deserved 12-0 lead into the break, however the visitors made a positive start to the second period and it was their turn to apply pressure in the Sutton half. 10 minutes into the second half Longton kicked a penalty deep into the Sutton 22 and although Sutton stole the throw by tapping the ball back it was Longton who reacted quickest to reclaim the ball on the floor to set up a charge to the line by their big no5, who crossed under the posts for an easy conversion closing the deficit to 12-7 with 30 minutes to play.

The score acted as a wakeup call for Sutton and they stepped up their play but they missed chances to make the game safe until the 68th minute when centre Joe Gregory took the ball on from a 5 metre scrum to the left of the posts and the centre crossed smartly for a well taken try before repeating the act with an almost identical try on the stroke of fulltime and with fullback Danny Bancroft adding both conversions Sutton closed the game at 26-7.

Match details

Match date

Sat 16 Jan 2016

Kickoff

14:15
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities - Sponsorship at SCRFC
Main Partner & Club Sponsor - Ansons Solicitors
Key Sponsor  - EHSmith Buillders Merchants
Sponsor - Thermaset Ltd
Sponsor  - Sewell & Wood Network
Sponsor - Hat Box Ltd
Official  Kit Supplier  - Vulcan Sports