Match report - Sunday 8th April 2018

Report by Gerry Shanahan.

RFU National Junior Cup Final

On Sunday 8th April 2018 Sutton Ladies went down in a blaze of glory in the RFU National Junior Cup final in the superb setting of Henley (on Thames) RFC to an experienced Portsmouth Valkyries side whose outstanding defence denied what would have been a fairy tale ending for this fledgling Sutton side.

In a competition for NC League 2 and below clubs the challenge of facing a Portsmouth side top of NC League 1 (why weren’t they in the Intermediate Cup..??) was always going to be a daunting one given that Sutton are in their first season of competitive rugby albeit previously unbeaten in their NC 2 League and it was the south coast side who fired an early warning shot when the game’s outstanding player, full back Michaela Lewis, showed her pace and strength running in a stunning try from 45 metres after fly half Alison Livermore had exited well from her own 22.

However, leading point scorer Alison Livermore deservedly got the underdogs on the board when she knocked over a 9th minute penalty goal after a succession of offences by Portsmouth to reduce the deficit to 5-3. Then with hooker Tara Wheeldon to the fore Sutton took the game to Portsmouth but were continually frustrated by the defensive line-speed and tackling they were met with. Powerful Portsmouth left wing Bronwyn Jacobs then delivered two killer blows, running in tries after 20 and 34 minutes the latter of which was converted by Jordan Wiltshire to leave the half time score at 17-3 and Sutton with a mountain to climb.

This incredibly brave Sutton team were not going to go down without a fight though and led by their inspirational captain Charlie Byrne they staged a magnificent fightback only to be continually thwarted by the superb Portsmouth brick wall defence.

After 59 minutes the ever dangerous Michaela Lewis broke Sutton hearts when, totally against the run of play, she was given the ball in space which was all she needed to run round some despairing Sutton tacklers to go under the posts; although the conversion was missed Portsmouth led 22-3 going into the final quarter.

Despite the scoreline no Sutton heads dropped and they began to dominate in terms of possession and territory forcing errors from Portsmouth with some courageous tackling with bodies being defiantly put on the line.

Just when it looked like there was no way through flanker Natalie Kennett, who had been brilliant all afternoon, raised the Henley roof of the packed stand when she eventually drove over in the corner for her 2nd try of the season with 9 minutes to go for a score that was so very much deserved.

As the game played out Sutton continued to bravely press but were denied and the final score of 22-8 to Portsmouth was accepted with good grace by the beaten side from Walmley Road who will look back and applaud the match winners in the Portsmouth ranks who on the day proved the difference between the teams.

On reflection this was a great day out for the whole Sutton Coldfield club and all the girls who set foot on the field should feel rightly proud of themselves for the way they fronted up to a quality of opposition they have never faced before. So difficult to single girls out when they all did so well, a brilliant team effort.

Congratulations to Portsmouth who were deserved winners on the day and a great bunch of girls who we wish well for the future; one thing is certain though, they know they’ve been in a game as they were quick to concede afterwards.

Finally, it would be remiss not to thank all the travelling support who got behind the team brilliantly and made it a day to remember.

On Sunday 15th April, the Sutton girls entertain Cannock Ladies in a League title decider at Walmley Road and they need a similar level of support for that to get them over the line, kick off is at 2pm.

Team: Vicky K Sullivan, Tara Wheeldon, Abbie Buttery, Athena Jaii, Mollie Campbell, Liz Fletcher, Natalie Kennett, Emma Clueit, Christine McEvoy, Alison Livermore, Carla Malek, Charlie Byrne(Capt), Katie Gregory, Elise Graham, Kerrie-Kerrie-anne Melsom. Subs(used): Jessica Nally, Genna Pilling, Nicola Kington, Nafeesah Nabi Karen Adams, Rhian Etheridge.