***SUTTON COLDFIELD RFC LADIES MATCH REPORT - 12th JANUARY 2020***

On Sunday unbeaten Sutton Coldfield Ladies 1st XV consolidated their position at the top of the league with a hard-fought 47-5 win over their visitors from the Forest of Dean scoring 9 tries and one conversion in the process.
Drybrook’s recent form was much improved from when Sutton won the reverse fixture 78-0 in Gloucestershire in October and with a number of frontline players unavailable this was always going to be a test of the strength in depth available to the selectors.
However, pre-match nerves were settled early on with new half back pairing of Karen Adams and Natalie Hall linked up well and provided a steady stream of ball for the exciting backline to use. After dominating possession and territory the first score arrived on 7 minutes with a flowing backs move ending with teenage wing Carla Malek going over in the corner to get the ball rolling with her first try of the season in the 1st XV although she heads the try scoring charts in the Development side.
Captain Charlie Byrne, playing at full back quickly added a 2nd try two minutes later following more good work by the backs and the lead was extended further still on 15 minutes when outside centre Jo Hart proved impossible to stop with her 5th try in just her 2nd start, Holly Wheeldon added the conversion to push the lead out to 17-0.
With the usual kicking options absent, inside centre Katie Gregory was pressed into action and she rose to the occasion superbly continually keeping the visitors pegged back and under pressure aided by good kick chases.
Drybrook brought a big, strong physical presence to the contest but the much smaller Sutton pack more than held their own dominating both the tight and loose exchanges and the pressure eventually told after 27 minutes when wing Jada Bailey crossed to extend the lead to 22-0.
Leading scorer Bailey was at it again as the break approached stealing the ball at a ruck before sprinting away for the bonus point try and her 14th of her first season in the green Sutton jersey.
Deep into added time Charlie Byrne, who had an immense game and looked dangerous every time she touched the ball, went over for her 2nd try of the afternoon and 6th of the campaign to leave the interval score at 32-0.
With a comfortable lead established coaches Nathan Burchell and George Ord began to ring the changes with Natalie Kennett and youngster Bella Timmins being introduced to the pack at the break and both subsequently turning in big performances particularly Kennett who, for once free from injury, played like a woman possessed carrying and tackling, nullifying the threat the visitors presented as they tried in vain to up their game. Big shout-out too to great team player, flanker Liz Fletcher, who looked very much at home after moving to loose head prop for the 2nd period.
A worrying moment saw irrepressible front row forward Tara Wheeldon being helped from the field with a knee injury but her replacement, 2nd XV captain Rhian Etheridge, was more than up for the challenge and the Sutton scrum continued to go forward.
Despite still dominating possession and territory it took till the 57th minute for Sutton to add the next score when, after a number of phases, lock forward Charlie George went over for her first ever try in the 1st XV, a fitting reward for an outstanding individual performance that was to later earn her the ‘forward of the match’ accolade.
Another fine passage of play after 70 minutes ended with hooker Candice Grayson, another who carried well and tackled her heart out, going over for her 2nd try of the season extending the lead to 42-0.
Sutton’s 9th and final try of the afternoon came thanks to a great finish after 78 minutes by replacement wing Kerrie-Anne Melsom, her 4th try of the season; but the final word belonged to the gallant Drybrook side who did their badge proud deep into injury time when Dorrie Gaylard forced her way over for a consolation try in the corner after a ruck on the Sutton line to leave final score 47-5.
In the absence of so many frontline players Sutton went into this game with a number of girls from the 2nd XV being asked to step up to the plate and without exception none were found wanting proving once again the strength in depth within the group and the value of the Development side and the game time it offers.
In their first starts of the season half backs Karen Adams, named ‘back of the match’ and Natalie Hall deserve great credit for guiding the ship as well as they did as do their replacements in the 2nd half Alex Webster and Connie Bradshaw; also pleasing to see #8 and vice-captain Emma Clueit, after an injury nightmare, back to her best with powerful carries and great control at the base of the scrum.
Overall, this was another good performance by the Sutton girls against a much improved Drybrook side and proved good preparation for the next big test when we visit our nearest challengers Cannock Lionesses in 3 weeks time.

Photo - Candice Grayson heading to the line for try number 8.

Gerry Shanahan
Team Manager
Sutton Coldfield RFC Women