Sutton & Epsom 1^st XV v Shelford 1^st XV Result : 20 points to 22 points

The match programme reminded everyone of the close encounter between the two sides early on in the season. Any complacency brought on by having secured a further season at this level had been dismissed by the Sutton & Epsom coach and they were confident after a victory against Barnes. Of interest was their Comment Column statement that “ looking at some of Shelford’s results you cannot help but to conclude that they are a great attacking side but their defence leaves a little to be desired”. But, as any one knows, score lines do not always represent performances, and this match was to prove no exception.

Shelford knew the importance of a solid start against a side boasting an international front row player and an inside centre who has amassed twenty tries so far this season. They quickly moved into their stride, with the forwards, especially the front row of James Saunders, Kramer Ronaki and Anthony Lenk, establishing an early dominance. In addition, lineout ball was being well controlled by Edward Mills and Dave Macauley. With this platform the back row combination of Sam Tovo, Will Pilkington and Steve Smith was able to take the ball on over the gain line. After only ten minutes of play, a simple, well executed lineout drill allowed Sam Tovo to touch down for a converted try. With Shelford enjoying the opportunity to run the ball at any stage and from any position, the ample crowd was treated to a fine display of open attacking rugby. This culminated, after twenty one minutes of match time, with Sam Tovo taking an inside pass from Dominic Jones to add a further converted try after the ball was moved the length of the field through several pairs of hands as Sutton & Epsom chased their opponents in vain.

Eight minutes later an unconverted try was added to the Shelford points tally. This time fullback Chris Glynn was on hand, after clever interplay between his three-quarter team mates Richard Davies and Scott Jackowski,  to finish off a counter attack resulting from a poor Sutton & Epsom twenty two metre clearance kick. With Tomas Dann, the Shelford fly-half, and Dafydd Lewis, his inside centre gaining field position with astute kicking, Shelford continued to dominate much of the first half. Their srummage caused Sutton & Epsom to relinquish possession on a number of occasions and the gain line was frequently crossed with three-quarters and forwards combining to carry the ball forward after the tackle. With half-time about to be signalled, Sutton & Epsom were able to add to their earlier penalty conversion points, when after a number of unforced errors by Shelford, an unconverted try was registered.

The 10 points to 19 points score line at half time did not truly reflect Shelford’s endeavour, although they had confirmed their credentials as an impressive attacking team. The start of the second half was in complete contrast to the first with Shelford immediately allowing Sutton and Epsom the time and opportunity to move the ball through their first line of defence and then force their way over the try line for an unconverted try within five minutes of the restart. Despite the set back, Shelford continued to run their secure set piece possession, with Alex Birkby skilfully alternating distribution between forwards and backs. However the execution of their game plan was letting them down as the ball was frequently taken to ground which allowed Sutton & Epsom to slow the pace of play and in some instances achieve a turnover. A further set back occurred when, the increasingly influential  Steve Smith was forced to leave the field through injury. However this acted as a spur, and although they still continued to make unforced errors and therefore put themselves under unnecessary pressure, the Shelford players re-doubled their efforts. A subsequent penalty conversion by Tomas Dann in the fifty second minute extended Shelford’s lead. With resolute defensive work and tactical forward ruck and maul play, Shelford were able to deny their opponents any scoring opportunities until Sutton & Epsom put over a penalty kick of their own with eight minutes remaining.

The very final phase of play epitomised the commitment shown by Shelford when, after having been penalised for a “truck & trailer “ movement, the Shelford forwards nudged the resulting scrum forward which allowed Alex Birkby to once again steal the possession and consequently bring the match to a fitting conclusion. One wonders what Sutton & Epsom think of Shelford defensive qualities now. 

The Shelford coaches will no doubt emphasise to their players the need to maintain their discipline and thereby curtail the number of unforced errors, whist remaining committed to their chosen style of play.

This will be brought into sharp focus when they take on their next opponents, Worthing, at the Davy Field on the 8^th March 2008, with both teams taking their next step towards their respective goal of an end of season play off position.