Big win for Sully Sports RFC - but plenty of room for improvement (From Penarth Times)

Big win for Sully Sports RFC - but plenty of room for improvement

7:40am Thursday 20th September 2012 in Sport

WHITEHEADS 10 SULLY SPORTS 50

DESPITE the high final score, this was a poor quality game on Saturday (Sept 15) but, on a positive note, the Sully Sports Rugby Club senior side emerged with a good result without playing anywhere near their potential.

The first half saw both sides make too many mistakes, and indiscipline broke up any rhythm. The half-time score was 7-3 in favour of the Sports, who had scored the only try through hooker Ben Such, converted by Dave Stillman.

The scoreline could, and should, have been much more in their favour as the Sports failed to convert several chances, including one when Stillman lost the ball over the try line.

The second period produced a slightly better performance from the Sports, aided by an even worse display from Whiteheads as their discipline disappeared and their heads dropped. Sports' superior fitness was an increasingly telling factor.

In the end, Sports ran in seven tries to one in the second half, scorers being prop Jody Velda, full-back Wayne Jones, winger Nathan Taylor, and two each for outside-half Grantley Harries and centre Jake Williams. Stillman added three conversions and Williams one.

It's early days for newly-promoted Sully Sports but, with two wins out of two, if they can continue to improve, they should have little to fear in Division 6.

SULLY SPORTS 2nds 3 RHIWBINA 3rds 28

WITH both clubs having a free Saturday for their first teams on September 8, Sully Sports drafted in just one senior player (front row), who had been on the bench last week and was looking for game time, but the visitors, against the spirit of the league, fielded half their senior team.

Despite this, the first half was reasonably even, with outside-half Mike Saunders kicking a penalty after five minutes to give the Sports the lead.

Rhiwbina hit back immediately with a penalty and, with good flowing rugby scarce, the only other scores before half time were two more penalties for the visitors.

It was a different story after the break as Sports lost their shape and rhythm, and Rhiwbina’s extra quality and strength took a stranglehold. In the end, the visitors ran out comfortable winners, adding three tries and two conversions by the final whistle.

A few bright spots for the Sports were the return of Saunders and Doug Powell, who both put in fine displays in their first outings of the season, winger Max Patterson who pulled off several tremendous tackles to save tries, and lock I Yasin who worked tirelessly in both the tight and loose.

Club Notes:

1. Training is at 6.30pm every Monday and Wednesday at the Sully Sports ground. Numbers so far have been good but coach G Harries would welcome anyone interested, experienced or not.

2. The club is seeking to strengthen its coaching team, particularly in the forwards area, and invite anyone interested to make contact.

3. The club is also looking to increase their numbers in the mini/junior section and parents/players can attend training on Sundays at 10am for information.

4. This Saturday (September 22) both teams are at home (KO 2.30pm). The 1st XV entertain STAR, Cardiff, and the Seconds host St Peter's.

5. Finally and, sadly, the players and members send their sympathy and condolences to Gerald Cordle on the recent loss of his mother.