U13's Warriors (53) v Sutton & Epsom (12)

Match Report: Sutton & Epsom feel the Wrath of the Warriors

Last Sunday saw the top of the table clash between our selves and Sutton & Epsom both teams unbeaten in the league. With Sutton & Epsom boasting impressive results it was to be the Warriors toughest test to date. Having been top of the table most of the season Sutton & Epsom had overtaken us to take the number 1 spot.

Sutton & Epsom arrived early with a full squad and clearly meant business as they ran through their warm up with some focus. Our Warriors arrived at the allotted time and began their preparations. It was clear the boys had been talking about this match beforehand and they all showed a steely determination to do themselves justice.

From the kick off the Warriors tore into the opposition with a ferocity that seemed to surprise the Sutton & Epsom team. This gave us early possession and from literally his first run captain Lucas O'Toole Smith broke tackles and showed pace to score the Warriors first try. This was to become a pattern for the game as the Warriors tackled well and competed for the ball against a bigger Sutton & Epsom pack. The Sutton & Epsom forwards rucked well giving their backs ball but our defence held strong and any possession we gained was put to good use by our backs who soon ran in a second try. As in earlier matches this season the pace and power of our backs caused mayhem in the opposition defence.

Not to be outdone by our back division our pack raised their game and where a constant challenge to the Sutton & Epsom forwards. This was epitomised by a storming kick off return run by Sean Thornton as he broke tackles and outpaced the quick Sutton & Epsom full back to score a try under the posts. A great effort! Number 8 Michael Shevalov was unplayable at the back of the scrum with tries coming from his pick up and go, from the halfway line!

Any attacks Sutton & Epsom launched were met by resolute tackling with players backing each other up in the tackle and providing great support to each other when in possession. Our backline contined to cause problems with tries from Huw Green and our flying winger Ursher Wrightman

Sutton & Epsom did not lie down however and scored from a close range penalty run by one of their big props. This just proved to spur the Warriors on as they continued to move the ball well scoring literally at will. With forwards and backs running with the ball Sutton & Epsom fully capitulated and the mercy rule was applied to end the game early as the Warriors moved over the 50 point mark.

I must congratulate each and every member of the squad not only for this result but for previous games and also the spirit and purpose that has built up between the boys over the season.

So well done all and on to our next challenge. Thanks also to all the parents for your continued support.

Snap shots of the game.

Author: Terry Baxter