Match Report by Mark Macaskill

Trinity A XV 26-33 Sutton & Epsom 4th XV

A depleted Trinity 2s welcomed Sutton & Epsom to LMA on a bright & dry Saturday afternoon; injuries to a few 1st team players meant availability wasn’t great and Trinity did well to muster 13 boys to play. The oppo were also light on numbers so the game was played 13 a-side with Ollie Glenin making his debut and Cappers leading the team from scrum half.

The away team dominated the first half playing up the slope and benefited from the extra space making line breaks and good yards – this resulted in early scores for Sutton and Trinity struggled to get into the game. Trinity produced a score for debutant Ollie Glenin who carried well all afternoon alongside big bro Matt in the centres. Half time and Trinity were 4 tries to 1 down and facing a second half playing up the slope. Captain Cappers had some stern words during the break and Trinity needed to find a way to get on top.

Sparky restarted the 2nd half and Trinity were on the front foot winning the aerial challenge followed by some strong forward carries from Juppy, PJ, Hoffy and Dom; this resulted in Hoffy crossing for a deserved try converted by Sparky. Another score for Sparky and a huge momentum shift – Trinity were back in the game. Jamal then finished a fourth try after stepping a number of covering defenders to dance his way over, unconverted. Fatigue kicked in in the latter stages of the 2nd half, Frithy was frustratingly disallowed a score by the Ref (who had a great game) after a quick tap – S&E were able to score after some sustained pressure on the Trinity line which put them 7 points ahead.

Final minutes and with the clock ticking the S&E scrum half kicks the ball dead thinking it’s the end of the game, the ref says 1 more minute to play and Trinity have a line out close to the oppo line. Trinity are then awarded several penalties which ends with Jamal feeding Brendan who carried well to take it over the line but the cover defence held up the ball, no score and the final whistle blows.

A disappointing loss however much credit must go to all involved – 4 tries to 1 down at half time and staring down the barrel the team grafted and tackled their hearts out almost grabbing a draw at the death. Several players played out of position and some of the older generation played 80 minutes with plenty of running. An enjoyable game of rugby played in the right spirit.

Tries – Mark Macaskill, Ollie Glenin, Jason Hoffman, Jamal CA

Cons – Mark Macaskill x3

Squad – Dom Plumb, Tim Jupp, Russell Jones, Paul Johnson, Jason Hoffman, Laurence Oliver, Mike Frith, Tom Caplin (c), Mark Macaskill, Matt Glenin, Ollie Glenin, Brendan, Jamal CA

Sat 18th Feb