Rugby Union
Double blow at Sutton

Sutton Coldfield 62 Kenilworth 0

DEPLETED Kenilworth crashed to a heavy defeat at unbeaten Midlands One West leaders Sutton Coldfield on Saturday

Lacking half their first-choice players through a combination of injury and unavailability, a visit to the Roger Smolden Ground, in what doubled as a Warwickshire Cup quarter-final tie, was a daunting prospect for struggling Kenilworth.

However, the result, while both predictable and emphatic, did not do justice to a never-say-die effort against a Sutton side which was outstanding in all aspects of the game.

The opening exchanges were scrappy and fairly even but it was the home side who were posing the more serious questions.

A fine clearance by Andy Whitehall, who had an outstanding game at full-back, and a great tackle by Chris Wood, were needed to prevent the first score.

The Ks, as was to be the case throughout, could not get much ball and when they did failed to find a way past a very tight defence. A tap-and-go by Rhys Llewellyn was the best effort.

With all the advantages, including a formidable physical presence, it was only a matter of time before Sutton opened their account which they did in the 24th minute.

A neat move was finished by outstanding No 8 Mark Evans who, along with excellent scrum-half Mark Raynor, called the shots all afternoon. Dan Poulton converted the try.

It took just two minutes to double the lead. This time a sweeping move sent in winger Robert Watts, with Poulton again adding the extras.

Prop Brook Davies then nearly charged over and another brilliant clearance by Whitehall, who judged a bitterly-cold, strong cross-wind to perfection, saved the day.

A neat break by Will Owen was all that the Ks could muster in response but the ball went forward.

Just before the half-time whistle, after the visitors defence had been pulled apart, there was a queue waiting for the scoring pass. It was received by centre Jonny Raistrick, whose touch-down was improved by Poulton.

A 21-point deficit at the start of the second half gave a glimmer of hope of damage-limitation to the Glasshouse Lane brigade.

This was soon extinguished by three minutes of rampaging rugby by the home side, during which they posted three tries, one converted, by moving the ball wide, demolishing the cover at will and thereby bringing up their half-century.

The remainder of the contest saw Kenilworth either chasing shadows or mounting heroic defence as Sutton poured forward from all angles.

Four more tries followed, two of which were converted, before a game played in good spirit, ended in an unseemly brawl.

Referee Dave Huson, who controlled events well, administered a warning to both captains before sounding the final whistle.

Kenilworth entertain Walsall this Saturday (3pm).