Sutton Sink in Sludge and Mire!

Sutton welcomed Moseley Oak to headquarters on a filthy afternoon ,which seemed to be more prevalent in years gone but thankfully less so recently. In a predictably tough trudge through the mud Oak prevailed, just by 12 points to 7. Points were at a premium with Moseley taking their 2 chances and the home team not taking theirs. On such fine lines are games won and lost. With a strong wind at their back the home team made a powerful start and were unlucky that surging runs by Josh Pugh and Jonah Falconer didn’t result in points.
The scrum worked well as did the lineout. One such lineout made 15 metres and should’ve resulted in a penalty try as Moseley were penalised for collapsing the maul a metre short of the line. Oak were hardly seen as an attacking force but broke out to take a 5 point led as their winger brushed through several weak tackles to touch down in the corner.
Half time came with an increase to the wind and rain which was too much for the supporters and some of the replacements who fled for the warmth of the clubhouse! On the pitch frequent stoppages threatened the players with hypothermia. Oak made the stronger start to the half but certainly didn’t end in the ascendancy! They took a 12 point lead with a converted try as a powerful run was again met with little resistance on the way to the sticks. Good accurate kicking from Moseley pinned the home team back but gradually they wrested control through good determined running from Vaughan Brown and captain Steve Marshall. Man of the match Falconer ran for the full 80 minutes. The scrum was in total control and the last 15 minutes were spent virtually camped in the Oak 22 as Sutton would not let them out. However a few passes went to ground and despite a huge hit by no. 8 Scott Toy and a few attempts at push over tries blown up for infringements!!! Moseley hung on for the victory and the fastest rush for the changing rooms ever!! Sutton 7 Moseley Oak 7.