Trinity RFC 42- 12 Sutton & Epsom RFC

Trinity 2s welcomed top of the table Sutton & Epsom to LMA for a crucial league fixture – Sutton sitting top with a 100% record and Trinity’s only loss being against them in the away fixture played earlier in the season. Conditions were ideal with the sun shining & the pitch firm – Trinity selected a familiar-looking side to the one who beat EG the week before, the Duffy brothers offering some zip in the backline, Deano back in the centres, a return to action for Seb Robertson after an injury and Rob Mitchell back.

Sutton kicked off and were immediately camped in the Trinity 22, The home sides defence help firm but when in possession were not accurate enough and allowed Sutton to win breakdown turnovers. The away team’s big pack were trying to punch holes in the Trinity defense, this resulted in more pressure and one carry being held up over the line. A clearance kick was run back by Sutton’s left wing who was their standout player, where he meandered his way to the try-line and Sutton had a deserved 5-0 lead. Back came Trinity, who cleaned up their breakdown work and after several phases moved the ball to the left flank where Daniels barged his way over, Crouch converted from the touchline, 7-5 Trinity. Trinity lost impressive back rower Kennedy to a nasty looking arm injury midway through the half and made some changes up front with Matt Austin and Rob Mitchell entering the fray. Mitchell’s made an immediate impact with a score close to the Sutton line after some good carries from Scotty and Sparky. Crouch conversion to finish the half 14-5 up.

Trinity were confident that their expansive style would tire the big Sutton pack but needed to improve discipline and ball retention – Trinity kicked off the 2nd half and applied pressure with Sutton conceding numerous penalties, Stanton quick tap to Sparky who hit Deano on a short line to dot down, prolific Crouch converted again, 21-5. The game opened up and Trinity’s backs were looking threatening, James Duffy making yards and linking well with his brother Ed on the wing, Callum Plumb looking electric while he navigated through the defence. Trinity moved the ball width to width and the ball found Ed Duffy on the wing, in the action of scoring the Sutton defender high tackle, penalty try and yellow card, Duffy shook off the challenge well. 28-5 to the home team. Sutton fought back and scored a try under the posts was a rare entry to the Trinity 22. More pressure and Deano shook of several tacklers to power to for his brace, the final try coming from Stanton, just reward for an impressive performance at 9. Crouch conversion to finish another week with a 100% kicking record.

This was a fantastic win for Trinity who are now well positioned for promotion – the final few games will be crucial with a re-arranged fixture to come at Battersea next. The whole team performed well, mention to Ben Donovan, Tim Jupp, Simon Goldsmith and Jason Hoffmann who performed excellently in the set piece to lay the platform for the team to apply their game plan. Veterans Dean & Macaskill carried well and Stanton & Crouch at 9-10 ran the show.

MoM – Dan Crouch was chosen as MoM by the opposition after a commanding performance at 10, his out of hand and goal kicking was exceptional, releasing Trinity’s dangerous runners all afternoon.
DoD – Scotty – after carrying the ball over the try line where he seemed to ‘goad’ the defender to then be held up no score, Scotty claims he thought the ref blew but no-one believes him

Try Scorers – George Daniels, Andrew Dean x2, Rob Mitchell, Dave Stanton, Penalty Try
Cons – Dan Crouch x5
Squad – Simon Goldsmith, Jason Hoffmann, Tim Jupp, Ben Donovan, Alex Scott, George Daniels, Cameron Kennedy, Mark Macaskill, Dave Stanton, Dan Crouch (c), Tom Caplin, Andrew Dean, James Duffy, Callum Plumb, Ed Duffy, Seb Robertson, Matt Austin, Rob Mitchell, Andy Edwards

Match Report – Mark Macaskill