Worcester Wanderers travelled to Sutton for the first time in a while, having been playing in different leagues last season. With a good run of home form helping build confidence the team were eager to capture the first away win of the season.
Both team started the game with a lot of ambition, and the pace and action reflected it. It was day when Worcester fly half Tom Biggs took all the spoils with 18 points to his name, from 5 penalties and a drop goal. This may not make it sound like a exciting match, but when you consider that Sutton scored two very good tries and had some very exciting backs the score line does not do the game justice. The 13 points Sutton got were well earned and the game came down to the wire.
What was very pleasing for Coach Perks was the quality of the defensive sets Worcester put in. The application to curtail Sutton to just 13 points is something to be proud of. The work rate of Dan Jones and Pat McLeish in the Worcester back row was immense, you then combine it with Ben Rhodes aggressive tackles and you have a great basis upon which to set your defensive line. Tom Dodge playing his first full game in several weeks was back to near his best. He made one of the cleanest breaks of the game, but an over ambitious pass went astray and the opportunity passed Worcester bye. One area that Worcester were able to maintain a gain was in the scrum, the front row of Drew, Rhodes, Peel were presenting Sutton with many problems and they earned their share of penalties to give territory and possession to the Wanderers. Recent form and availabilities are now giving Coach Perks the headaches he wants, he has nearly a full squad to choose from and new additions helping to provide strength in depth.
Was it a complete performance? No, but it was another win, and helped the Wanderers move up to 7th in the league, one point ahead of Hereford who they play this Saturday the 5th at Weston’s 2.15pm KO.