Consett Match Report

On a mudbath of a field and in atrocious conditions Sunderland managed to play some of their best rugby of the season.

Two tries by Michael Heffernan and one from Mick Walton edged the game for Sunderland in a highly competitive game. James Cogden starred in the forwards taking the game to Consett with some hard running and massive hits in defence while John Padgett was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition backline.

Sunderland dominated possesion in the first twenty minutes and had a couple of half chances but for all their possession they only managed one score. Mick Walton was on the end of a fantastic Sunderland move with backs and forwards linking well to send him over in the corner.

Sunderland continued to dominate possession and looked comfortable but were unable to add to their points tally. After not threatening at all Consett then went on to grab 2 quick in five minutes as Sunderlands indiscipline and lax defence cost them dearly.

Trailing 14 -5 Sunderland were desperate to claw some points back before half time and Michael Heffernan obliged with a great solo try. Hitting a superb line Heffernan cut the Consett defence in two before rounding the fullback despite looking like he was running through treacle.

The second half was a tight affair with both sides only able to create half chances in the worsening conditions. A penalty for either side left Consett leading 17-13 with just ten minutes to go when another great effort from Heffernan. Showing great strength to shrug off two defenders Heffernan powered over the line to give Sunderland the lead. with Mick Walton adding the conversion.

Consett then threw everything at Sunderland and had a long range penalty attempt to take the game into extra time but the kick drifted wide and Sunderlands defence held strong to close out a great victory.

Coach Rob Stormont praised the sides battling spirit and determination to come back from a losing position and their ability to play some excellent rugby despite the conditions.

Sunderlands third team rounded off a great day for the club with a 50-0 win over Hartlepool. Sunderlands tries came in the form of a hat trick from Lewis Swann and one each for Ditchburn, Porter and Wallace. John Grainger added 6 conversions.