Five tries seal impressive win for Sports over old rivals (From Penarth Times)

Five tries seal impressive win for Sports over old rivals

SULLY SPORTS 27

ST PETERS 14

SULLY Sports got their season back on track with a comprehensive victory over old rivals St Peters, running in five well-worked tries to two, and only in the goal kicking did they suffer. This was achieved even though they were not at full strength and gave debuts to lock Lyndon Edwards and centre Marcus High, both of whom had outstanding games in defence, and made strong driving runs.

The Sports started the game at a high tempo and launched a series of attacks on the Rocks' line, mixing swift passing and quick rucks and mauls to make the openings, which after only four minutes resulted in a try, when the fullback joined in the line deep in the visitors 22 to crash over wide out.

Both teams were playing an open game, but it was the Sports who were in the ascendancy with the closer teamwork, and midway through the half they exploded into life.

Another period of close interpassing and support was finished off in fine style as flanker Graham Burke's angled run took him through a bemused defence for a try.

Then straight from the kick-off, the ball was spun out and it was Burke again who sped off on a 50-metre run to the line. Scrum half Mike Mees added the extras.

With only 5 minutes remaining to the break, it started to rain making the pitch and ball slippery, but this could not excuse the Sports for losing concentration, and the Rocks took advantage with two converted tries on virtually their first visit into the home 22 to get right back into a game that appeared out of reach.

The first try came from a Sports' scrum, 10 metres from their own line. The ball was not properly controlled and it was quickly pounced upon by the Rocks, who then took a leaf out of the Sports earlier play and ran back to the kick-off for a second converted try.

Coach Graham Mathews must have had harsh words at the interval, and within less than 10 seconds of the start of the second half the Sports had responded and grabbed another try.

The kick-off was dropped by a St Peter's forward and winger John Thomas kicked it ahead before gathering to run in from 30 metres.

The persistent rain throughout the second period did nothing to dampen either team's enthusiasm or endeavour, but despite missing a few more try and penalty opportunities, the Sports kept a tight grip on the match and clinched a win 5 minutes from the end.

A set move at a lineout, 30 metres out, saw No 8 Scott Mills peel around the blindside and power his way through several would-be tackles for a great try.

The return of Anthony Williams to the front row, and the outstanding display by stand-in hooker Toby Warren certainly changed the pack's performance around from the previous week's poor showing, laying the foundations for the attacking style employed by the team.

This coming Saturday the Sports have another home fixture, kick-off 2.30pm. Players are asked to be at the club by 1pm.