***SUTTON COLDFIELD RFC LADIES MATCH REPORT - 6th OCTOBER 2019***

On Sunday, league leaders Sutton Coldfield continued their impressive start to the new campaign scoring 12 tries and 3 conversions in an emphatic 66-0 win over an Old Leam’s side that only last season were playing in ‘Championship 2’ the league the Sutton girls aspire to be promoted to.
Sutton were dealt a blow before a whistle was even blown losing influential hooker Holly Wheeldon in the warm-up to an ankle injury; this was overcome by her sister Tara switching seamlessly from the 2nd row to hooker and the ever dependable Mollie Campbell coming in to bolster the pack.
The tone of the contest was set after only 2 minutes when Sutton’s outstanding prop forward Vicky Sullivan crashed over for her 2nd try of the season and further tries quickly followed thanks to former Worcester Valkyries flyer Jada Bailey, ‘back of the match’ playmaker Maria Crowfoot, full back Alison Livermore, Tara Wheeldon with two and inside centre Katie Gregory with her 3rd try of the season; Livermore added two conversions leaving the score 39-0 at the break.
Despite the best efforts of the gallant visitors five further tries were added in the 2nd half through wing KerrieAnne Melsom, captain Charlie Byrne with her 2nd of the campaign, ‘forward of the match’ Tara Wheeldon who completed her first ever senior hat-trick, #8 Roisín McBrien with her 6th score already of the season with the try fest completed by Jada Bailey who turned on the after burners before going under the posts for her 2nd of the afternoon in what was the student’s 1st XV debut; Livermore added a late conversion to leave the final score at 66-0.
Massive credit to Old Leam’s who were very physical and heroic in defence throughout despite it being in a losing cause and we wish them well till we meet them again at their place in the New Year.
Really good performance by the Sutton girls particularly in the 1st half and they’ll be in confident mood as they face a trip to deepest Gloucestershire next week to face Drybrook with the 2nd XV travelling to Leicestershire side Sileby Town.
Team: 1.Vicky Sullivan, 2.Tara Wheeldon, 3.Neve Tydeman, 4.Charlie George, 5.Mollie Campbell, 6.Candice Grayson, 7.Liz Fletcher, 8.Roisin McBrien (v/c), 9.Charlie Byrne(Capt), 10.Maria Crowfoot, 11.Jada Bailey, 12.Katie Gregory (v/c), 13.Connie Bradshaw, 14.Kerrie-Anne Melsom, 15.Alison Livermore. Reps(used): Rachael Graham, Amy Rollins, Elise Graham, Ella Friar, Carla Malek.

Gerry Shanahan
Team Manager
Sutton Coldfield RFC Women