Annother fantastic result for SCRFC Women

After withstanding an early onslaught from the visitors, Sutton went on to dominate the rest of a half thanks to the efforts of the forwards who provided the platform for the dazzling backs to exploit. The front row of Rhian Etheridge, Tara Wheeldon and Vicky K Sullivan set the intensity of the defence, regaining possession and after some strong carries forcing the visiting side back into their own half. With Wolverhampton on the back foot Sutton’s second row capitalised, drives by Nicola Kington and Mollie Campbell saw Sutton gain further yards before flanker Natalie Kennett forced her way through a gap in the tiring defence to score Sutton’s first try with nine minutes gone. Converted by Charlie Byrne.

With half backs Molly Worthington and Alison Livermore directing operations it was the youthful midfield of 17 year old Roisín McBrien and 18 year old Katie Gregory who were to tear the visitors apart with their pace and lines of running and sure enough the floodgates duly opened with McBrien striking through Wolverhamptons defence for her first try of the game. The young Sutton star, assisted by Gregory, added two further tries to her tally before half time to make it 9 tries in her 3 starts, both converted by Byrne.

Half time score 31-0.

Think the visitors were relieved to see coach Nathan Burchell withdrawing McBrien at the break who sustained an ankle injury, but the strength of Sutton’s bench must be the envy of all their rivals when you can call on the likes of leading try scorer Jessica Nally and Sammi Allwood both returning to squad after HIA protocol had seen them miss the last 3 weeks.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first with both Nally and Wheeldon prominent in getting Sutton over the gain-line. Sutton capitalised on their possession, fly half Livermore finding Gregory on a short line to who powered through to add a further try to Sutton’s score line. Converted Byrne. Gregory soon has her second, fellow centre Byrne picked up a loose ball then breaking down the wing before managing to offload to the young centre who ran in for another Sutton try.

With a large home support the women continued to impress, this time with Sutton’s forwards contributing the mounting score. Wheeldon added two, the power of Sutton’s front row star proving too much for Wolverhampton’s defence as she powered over the line for two consecutive tries. Replacement Athena Jai also added her own individual try to the count. The second row player broke free from the 10 metre line before striding through for and outstanding try. Con Byrne.

Christine McEvoy was having a great game at full back and her selfless play allowed others to flourish including left wing Hope Southall who was cruelly denied a well-earned try by a last ditch tackle by Wolves fullback before being replaced by 17 year old junior Carla Malek on for her debut in senior rugby. The young winger was quick to impress, sharp play by Gregory saw the ball sent out wide to Malek who used her pace to beat to opposing players down the left touchline before crossing the whitewash in doing so recording Sutton’s eleventh try of the afternoon.