Monday 24 February 2025 11:08
Sutton Coldfield 41-17 Newport
Sutton Coldfield’s speed and fluidity in attack demonstrated why they are racing away at the top of the table. Newport, despite late changes to their already makeshift line-up, adapted eventually to compete toe-to-toe with Sutton, particularly in the second period. Within 25 minutes, Newport were four tries and a player down and without having provided any significant threat, looked as though they were facing a slaughtering. However, Newport’s Second XV responded, reorganised and set a watershed. Newport grew to withhold Sutton and focus on what they themselves could achieve.
Sutton’s slick set move from their right-wing ten-yard lineout after two minutes brought their first points and nine minutes later, were alert to pounce on Newport’s mishandle. Rob Taylor and Billy Parry making valiant tackles, but Sutton’s speed in transition too great for Newport to recover sufficiently. Another fast-passing set-piece from their halfway scrum, out to their right wing, saw Sutton add further misery. And deep in defence, Newport, losing a player to the sinbin, allowed Sutton to maul over from another attacking lineout, this time from their left wing.
Newport’s resolve gradually but visibly began to grow. A brace of Steve Sawden tackles eliminating Sutton’s fast-attacking moves from deep set the tone and suddenly Ben Turner’s and Alastair Heath’s carries began to disturb Sutton’s flow. Luke Kendall then finding Ed Udale to make rapid ground and as Newport’s attack threatened to breakthrough, Fergus Lamb’s pass was illegally intercepted as Sutton’s discipline crumbled; finding themselves with thirteen players by half-time.
With numerical advantage running down, Newport needed to reap points early and in a sustained attack kept Sutton pinned in their 22. Phase after phase, Sutton held out drives from Michael Woodhouse, Mark Lindsey and Llewellyn Evans amongst others, but it was Sawden who eventually made it count under the posts.
Sutton restored to full complement, but Newport were now ensconced into the game, mauling forward from a defensive position to clear Sutton’s threat, whilst Taylor and Sawden with energetic linespeed were now tackling Sutton’s fluid attack at the gainline. However, a harsh yellow for Newport handed Sutton a reprieve, who scored twice whilst Newport were down. Sutton’s first a short-distance drive from their five-yard penalty catching Newport off-guard. But their second was clearly down to space creation afforded with players over on the right wing. Newport had power-driven through Sutton’s scrum, but Sutton managed to retain possession allowing them to recycle quickly to the space out right.
If Sutton expected Newport to collapse having suffered such a set-back whilst having gotten back into the game, they were mistaken. Newport were determined with pride to play their own game and attacked with menace. First moving the ball quickly through the backs, Toby Egerton and Udale orchestrating fast-ball started to stretch Sutton. However, it was through a close range-scrum where Parry picked up and drove-over that Newport’s next points emerged; momentum had swung back to Newport.
Indeed, Newport continued to attack, electing scrums over penalties, driving hard and crafting openings. Newport’s lineout, ten yards out, caught Sutton unaware. Lamb’s short throw and overlap interchanged with Evans who piled over the tryline and Newport with only minutes remaining had a glimmer for a bonus point.
Though rapidly regaining possession from deep, Newport’s sole focus to attack ultimately left them vulnerable to the counter. And when Sutton finally made a legal and successful interception, the short amble to Newport’s tryline became a disappointing denouement.
Sutton’s attacking speed and fluidity meant that their chance creation would always give them the upper hand. Newport though matched Sutton through large parts of the game. Perhaps without disruption to team selection, Newport may have reached top gear earlier, made a closer game and perhaps, gained match-points. Sutton though were deserved winners, meanwhile, Newport continue their journey using this experience to consolidate themselves in this league.
| First half | Second Half |
| Tries | Tries Sawden Parry Evans |
| Conversions | Conversions Udale 1/3 |
Times
2 SC try and conversion 7-0
11 SC try and con 14-0
17 sub Warrilow off Sawden on
18 SC try missed con 19-0
21 Rob Taylor yellow
23 SC try missed con 24-0
31 SC yellow card
35 SC yellow card
Second half
Subs Mark Lindsey and Mike Woodhouse on Chris Lindsey and Jack Bates off
6 Sawden try Udale con 24-7
16 Parry yellow card
18 SC try missed con (post) 29-7
18 sub Mayer off Lindsey on
25 SC try missed con 34-7
29 Parry try 34-12
33 SC yellow card
35 Evans try 34-17
40 SC try and con 41-17
