Sutton Coldfield away

A Hard Day At The Coldface

In perfect playing conditions Hinckley travelled to Sutton Coldfield. The game had been threatened by player availability and a big thank you to the players and parents that put everything on hold to make a squad of 17 and let the game happen.

With a few players set in unfamiliar positions the game commenced with Hinckley kicking off. Within the first minute it was the clear the players were up for it, turning over a player in mid field and putting the ball through the hands allowing the winger to open up and get the score board moving. The conversion was missed so 5-0 Hinckley, sadly scoring the try our winger injured his shoulder and had to be withdrawn from play so with only 1 forward in replacement the team was shuffled again. From the restart Sutton were determined to get back into the game and ferocious and frantic play from both sides in the middle of the field eventually saw Sutton get the ball out wide, through the hands to get their winger in at the corner. With the conversion missed the score was level at 5-5 with 10 minutes played. This time from the kick off Hinckley took the game to the opposition with multiple phases and good possession. The ball was relentlessly moved up the field until the outside centre was afforded the room created by the forwards to break through and get over the line, another missed conversion saw Hinckley leading 5-10 with 13 minutes gone. For the next 5 minutes both teams battled hard, turning each over in sucession with the game moving round the pitch. All the lads putting in massive efforts to both defend their own line and break through.
Eventually Sutton managed to put a few phases together and created a space for their centre to get through and score, with the conversion missed scores were tied 10-10. The game continued to be a physical battle but Sutton twice managed to break the line and run in 2 converted tries, which left us down at half time 24-10.
The second half kicked off in the same vein as the first had ended, but 5 minutes in and a fresher Sutton pack managed to create a few phases near the Hinckley 22. They finally got the ball to the winger who got over the try line so with a missed conversion it left us 29-10 down. From the restart Hinckley turned the ball over in the ruck and drove towards the Sutton line only to be turned over themselves then driven back. Hinckley showed great spirit and defended as a team, each player looking after the other. Sutton moved forward from their 22 halting Hinckley's efforts and at 16 minutes in they scored in the centre, converted that try leaving the scoreboard at 36-10.
From the kick off the battle recommenced with neither side budging and a real steely determination from the tiring Hinckley side saw the game move up and down the field with great individual plays, tackles and moves taken straight from the training ground demonstrated. During this period, 9 picked up a leg injury and was replaced by a back row, who deputised commendably with just minutes to go. No replacements left and another injury needing a player having to be subbed. With no subs left, Sutton didn’t hesitate to give us a replacement and the game recommenced. Hinckley continued to contest every ball but with seconds to go Sutton got a final break and ran in a try. Final score 43-10 to Sutton Coldfield.
The score does not reflect the teamspirit and effort put in by the players, who never gave up. All of them should have their heads held high and know that they did themselves, the team and the club proud.
Alex