U13s Win Against Sutton Coldfield

Date: 13-12-2009
Venue: home
Opponents: Sutton Coldfield
Result: W 29-19

Stratford U13s entertained Sutton Coldfield at home. Stratford were eventual winners with a final score of 29-19, although Sutton quickly opened the scoring at the start. Stratford immediately responded by counter attacking and were soon rewarded with a try by battling Harry Clark. Sutton were always a threat, having some large and quick players, putting Stratford under intense pressure for long periods of play. Despite Sutton having a size and weight advantage the Stratford forwards held their own in the rucks and scrums, turning the ball over several times. Decisive tackling by Alex Cox, Luke Hammond and Aleksei Zaboronski stopped many Sutton attacks.

A penalty near the try line gave pack leader Rory McMeekan the opportunity to power his way through the Sutton defence and score his first of two tries. The Stratford backs, starting to make more use of the width of the pitch deftly passed the ball down the line and out to Joe Noble on the wing. Having come close to scoring earlier, Noble was able to sprint through and score his maiden match try.

A clean take by Oliver Lees at the re-start provided the platform for Stratford to gain valuable territory. Joe Miles gave Sutton no respite and his efforts were rewarded with a break-away try towards the end. Luke Beardsmore was accurate with his kicking, not only clearing the ball from the Stratford touch line when under pressure, but also successfully taking two difficult conversions from tight angles.

Player of The Match was awarded to Joe Noble.