Burton @ Sutton Coldfield on March 16th 2008

Sutton Coldfield 0 v Falcons 0

The boys really struggled to get going on this bitterly cold day at Sutton Coldfield.

Both sides looked as though they would have preferred to have stayed in their beds! In their defence, this was probably the coldest run out the lads have endured this season.

Enough of the negatives.

Oliver Corbett led from the front as did James North. Corbett’s rucking and North’s tackling were good enough to allow better things to develop. Play just got bogged down in the centre of the field for long periods. This really was a closely fought game which produced very little in the way of attacking rugby.

Corbett, handling well from the scrum, made a superb pass out to Dominic Phillips who set off on a run, only to be driven into touch to cries of “run straight” from the coaches.

The second half brought more of the same, with 80% of the play carrying on in the centre of the pitch.

Highlights were Oliver Corbett’s try saving tackle and Charlie Newcombe’s good drive forward after receiving ball from Craig Plummer.

Cameron Scobie put himself about in the tackle, receiving a nasty blow to the head for his efforts, leading to his replacement.

The highlight of the game came too late to make a difference. Much better rucking and mauling of the ball took the Falcon’s out of their own half and up field into an attacking position. The ball seemed to go through phase after phase with the lads finally clicking just as the game was to end. The move involved Oliver Corbett, James North, Dominic Phillips and Lewis Kenney. The move was a delight to see proving the lads have not forgotten what the game is about.

A very dour affair! The final whistle came with neither side scoring, a draw being a fair result.

Man of the match : James North. Displayed much of his usual commitment and passion for the game.

Sutton Coldfield 0 v Eagles 20

The eagles got stuck in from the off. Jonathon Kingston took no time in taking the ball and driving forward to set up the first ruck of the game.

An excellent passing move from a line-out conveyed the ball out to Josh Hart who was off like a shot to register his first try of the game.

A vicious pass from Hart was handled excellently by Daniel Grimsdell to allow him to run half the pitch to score the first of his two tries of the morning. This set the tone for Grimsdell as he put in one of the displays of the season for an individual player.

Not to be out done, Jonathon Kingston wanted more of the action. He set off on one of his trademark one man, long drives. The slow train running was finally halted just one metre from the try line as the Sutton Coldfield defence finally held out against this boy mountain.

Josh Hart scored his second of the morning, courtesy of a lovely passing sequence from the scrum.

Jacob Buxton displayed brave play as he tried to retrieve ball from the ground, surrounded by the flying boots of the opposition.

Daniel Grimsdell continued to be brilliant, this time showing great tackling ability.

Will Hulbert got himself involved with some good handling and passing from the line-out, sending Josh Hart on a pitch long run, only to concede a penalty for handing-off.

Second half and Callum Launchbury put in a good strong tackle, sending his man into touch.

The boys continued to work hard for each other with Nadan Cox ending a lovely run with a spinning pass out to Josh Hart who eventually found himself running into touch.

Daniel Grimsdell continued to be brilliant!

Callum Launchbury was now coming more into the game, finding himself the victim of a try saving tackle, just as he was nearing the try line.

Josh Hart’s second try came courtesy of an excellent drive and rucking from Daniel Grimsdell.

So Hart and Grimsdell bagged a brace each, just rewards for their individual efforts ably supported by their other team members.

Man of the Match: Daniel Grimsdell – outstanding……enough said!