Bonus Point Win to Start the Season
In recent years Sutton & Epsom have earned the reputation of being perennial slow starters to a new season. Consecutive defeats in their three opening matches last term probably cost them a play-off opportunity as they finished only three points behind second placed Chobham.
However in contrast, Sutton opened their new London Division One (South) account at the first attempt on Saturday, thanks to a combative and dogged victory over an adventurous Twickenham side by a slender margin at South Road.
The match itself would have been ideal viewing for a neutral with plenty of open rugby and the hosts looking to attack through their threatening back line at every opportunity. Both sides equally shared eight tries, whilst the final result remained in doubt until the end with a last minute penalty attempt for Twickenham dropping short of the posts.
Twickenham had taken advantage of some sloppy Sutton tacking to open the scoring with two tries in the first 15 minutes of the match, neither were converted but it was obvious that the home team wanted to attack through their back line. Sam Hurley had slotted a penalty before Sutton enjoyed their best period of the match, with three tries in a 15 minute period.
Firstly, the combination of Dave Cook and Guy Stuckey-Clarke pierced the home defence for Stuckey-Clarke to score and then following sustained pressure from the Sutton pack Frankie Murray popped up on the right wing to cross the line from close range.
Murray also played a role in Sutton’s third try. With the benefit of a penalty advantage, Murray’s cross kick to the left hand corner fell to Nate Chapman who had the simple task of scoring. Hurley’s excellent touch line conversion proved to be the only difference between the sides at the end of the game.
The hosts responded with another try of their own before half time, when Sutton’s defensive frailties were exposed by the Twickenham back line leaving Sutton holding a 7 point lead; 22-15.
Twickenham took the attack to Sutton in the second half, and forced two penalties as the visitor’s defence struggled to keep the hosts at bay.
However, Sutton always looked dangerous on the counter attack, Sam Hurley added another penalty and then Ian Knott caught a wayward clearance kick by Twickenham. He stormed through four or five tackles in a 40 yard run and perfectly set up Stuckey-Clarke for his second try of the afternoon. With Hurley adding the conversion and a drop goal by Murray, Sutton seemed safe with a 9 point lead and 10 minutes remaining to play.
The hosts persevered and pummelled the Sutton line and it was inevitable that they eventually breached the Sutton defence for a converted try leaving the visitors with a small lead. Indiscipline by Sutton almost cost them dear.
In the dying minutes a penalty was conceded on the half way line, fortunately an ambitious kick at goal by Twickenham was missed and the bonus point victory was secured.
This was certainly a searching test for Sutton to open the season, although there was understandably a fair amount of early season rustiness. James Colclough had a promising debut in the back row and Ian White made a strong impression as a second half replacement on his return to the Sutton ranks.
utton will also face another stern examination next week when old friends and adversaries Sidcup are the visitors to Rugby Lane. Sutton have now won 9 consecutive league matches, the last team to beat them was Sidcup at Rugby Lane back in January.
Sidcup finished fourth behind Sutton last year and this fascinating fixture may well provide an early guide to the form teams for the new term, kick off is at 3pm.
Team: Ian Knott, Sam Hurley, Dave Cook, Guy Stuckey-Clarke, Nate Chapman, Frankie Murray, Steve Munford, Tariq Al Khaldi, Phil Williams, Craig Bellringer, Paul Parker, Matt Harwood, James Colclough, Joe Ridgley and Matt Whitaker. Replacements (all used): James Bennett, Raynn Bruce & Ian White.
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