***SUTTON COLDFIELD RFC LADIES MATCH REPORT - 8TH SEPTEMBER 2019***

Defending champions, Sutton Coldfield Ladies, got the new campaign off to a winning start with a 38-7 bonus point win over a much improved Lionesses side on a gloriously sunny afternoon at the RSG.
Sutton led 14-0 at the interval thanks to tries by Katie Gregory and Chanelle Stankard both of which were converted by full back Alison Livermore.
The visitors reduced the deficit early in the 2nd half to 14-7 thanks to an interception try on halfway by Holly Harrison converted by Georgia Marks.
Despite their best efforts this was as good as it was to get for the Lionesses as the irrepressible Róisín McBrien, having switched from her usual back row position to outside centre, took over to run in four unanswered tries when they were most needed to secure the win as well as the valuable try bonus point; this was the 4th occasion the North Midlands county captain has scored four tries in league games making it 24 in just 11 appearances. Alison Livermore converted two of the 2nd half scores to leave the final score 38-7.
This was a stiff test for the Sutton girls at this early stage of the season against very determined opponents who certainly put it up to them but once again, like the champions they are, they came through with flying colours. Big shout out to Neve Tydeman, Candice Grayson and Connie Bradshaw who all made competitive debuts and to captain Charlie Byrne for a great performance in the unfamiliar scrum half jersey. Lock forward Charlie George put a huge shift in and was a popular choice as ’forward of the match’ with the aforementioned Róisín McBrien the pick for ‘back of the match’ for her match winning 2nd half show.
Next week the Ladies travel to Hereford to take on Greyhound Ladies whist the 2nd XV entertain Bournville Ladies.
Team: 1.Vicky Sullivan, 2.Tara Wheeldon, 3.Neve Tydeman, 4.Charlie George, 5.Natalie Kennettt, 6.Candice Grayson, 7.Liz Fletcher, 8.Roisin McBrien (v/c), 9.Charlie Byrne(Capt), 10.Maria Crowfoot, 11.Julia Gray, 12.Connie Bradshaw, 13.Katie Gregory (v/c), 14.Chanelle Stankard, 15.Alison Livermore. Reps(used): Holly Wheeldon, Emma Clueit (v/c).

Photo - Chanelle Stankard turning on the afterburners to register our 2nd try on Sunday against Rugby Lionesses, photos courtesy of Ian Worthington.

Gerry Shanahan
Team Manager
Sutton Coldfield RFC Women