SCRFC Women's Match Report - 13th Oct 2019

Photo: Rachel Graham scores for Sutton
Photo Credit: Joe Allwood

Charlie ByrneSutton Coldfield Women RFC

Drybrook Ladies 0 Sutton Coldfield RFC Women 78

On Sunday Sutton Coldfield Women 1st XV extended their lead at the top of the table with a superb 78-0 bonus point win against the very physical Drybrook Ladies, scoring 12 tries and 9 conversions in the process.

All the recent rain meant an early morning pitch inspection but thankfully the go-ahead was given and the kick off was greeted by bright sunshine with underfoot conditions heavy in part but essentially good and conducive to Sutton’s fluent running game.

The tone of the game was set early doors with Tara Wheeldon and Roisin McBrien pairing up with some magnificent offloads and McBrien crashing over the line after just one minute. The pair continued their partnership with number eight Roisín McBrien, registering a hat-trick inside the first 20 minutes, that's nine tries for the season for the North Midlands county captain in just four games.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Sutton, with Drybrook showing their dominance in the scrum, putting Sutton on the back foot and forcing the backs to make some superb cover tackles. It wasn’t long before Connie Bradshaw ran through Drybrook’s defence after some excellent running by forwards Liz Fletcher and Vicky Sullivan. Before the break, Jada Bailey also scored a lovely try with fantastic feet, making easy way around Drybrook’s defence with the immaculate Alison Livermore converting all 5 scores.

The hosts came out with all guns blazing as the 2nd period got underway but their efforts were repelled by resolute defence, a hallmark of this fine Sutton side and within 2 minutes Livermore exploited a gap to cross for her 2nd try of the season. However, Drybrook kept going and gave the forwards hell in the set piece. A series of lost line outs and repetitive scrums meant Sutton’s forward had to dig deep and work hard around the field.

Nevertheless, six further tries were to follow with the elusive ‘back of the match’ Bailey showing her class with three more scores to add to her first half effort and Bradshaw added to her first half score with her 9th try of the campaign after an opportunistic chase from halfway.

After moving to prop, the outstanding Tara Wheeldon found her way over once again after linking up with Natalie Hall as she stepped onto the field as fly half. Two minutes later, Rachaell Graham scored her first try for the Club after a lung-busting run from inside her own half. Livermore added three 2nd half conversions to make it 21 points for the afternoon with sealing the deal KerrieAnne Melsom knocking over one to make the final score 78-0.

Despite what the scoreline might suggest this was no ‘walk in the park’ as the hosts really put it up to the league leaders particularly at scrum time with the much lighter Sutton pack seriously challenged; such was the effort put in by these girls that as a combination they were awarded the accolade of ‘forward of the match’. The tackling by back row trio Candice Grayson, Liz Fletcher and Roisin McBrien was second to none with locks Charlie George and Natalie Kennett making easy work to clear out the rucks meant that 10 turnovers were won by Sutton with Tara Wheeldon leading the charge with her tackles at the breakdown.

For the 2nd week running the Sutton girls ran in 12 tries which is great on the eye and the ‘points for’ bank balance but perhaps even more pleasing has been the concession of just one try (and that an interception on halfway) in four games.

The 1st XV now have a two week break before nearest challengers Cannock Lionesses visit Walmley Road on 3rd November for what promises to be an intriguing clash with both sides unbeaten to date.