Sunderland IIIs v South Tyneside College

Sunderland started brightly with two well-won line-outs by Bellfield but in the following back play South Tyneside College gained possession and were awarded a penalty 25m from the visitors’ line. The throw in, at the following lineout, was judged not straight and from the scrum Grainger cleared the danger with a deep kick into home territory. Sunderland were given the put in to a scrum just inside the home 22 but lost the ball in back play and the college broke strongly on the right wing. Only a comprehensive tackle by Chris Jones saved the Sunderland line.

Sunderland now had a good period of play with well co-ordinated forward and back play leading to sustained pressure on the opposition line. Wallace was prominent in attack taking the ball on and crossing the gain line. A high tackle gave the visitors a chance at goal but Grainger’s effort fell just short. With twenty minutes gone Jack Bengochea left the field with a rib injury, Nathan Watson replaced him and scrums went to uncontested. Sunderland, at this stage, looked comfortable with only the occasional breakout by the college A second Grainger penalty attempt was pulled to the left and with half an hour gone the score line remained at 0-0. The direction of the game now began to swing with a series of strong South Tyneside attacks on the Sunderland line. A promising move by Sunderland broke down with a handling error. The free ball was snapped up by the opposition backs who moved it quickly to the right and from 47m the home winger raced in for a converted try.

An indecisive period play followed with numerous handling mistakes from both sides. Grainger put Sunderland on the attack with a series of probing kicks. From a home lineout Green pinched the ball which was moved to the left and recycled to the right where Green crashed over only to be recalled for a forward pass. As the half drew to a close South Tyneside added to their lead with a second converted try again from a break out position.

At the restart Sunderland thrust close to the college line but were unable to get over and the pressure was relieved with a home penalty. Sunderland now had to defend as South Tyneside attacked strongly. Nathan Watson made his presence felt with energetic cover and forceful tackling. Colin Wallace led the Sunderland break out with a powerful drive towards the home line. The college side were now reduced to fourteen when a yellow card was issued. Sunderland now took the initiative and worked hard to crack the home defence but were unsuccessful despite some prominent runs by Wayman. A penalty 7m out enabled the South Tynesiders to move play into midfield. Again the bogeyman of poor handling hit Sunderland who lost the ball which was recovered by the college right wing who sprinted 70m to touch down. The conversion followed.

The college now had their tails up and scored another converted try. Sunderland were not giving up and Chris Jones scored a well worked try which Grainger converted (28 -7). Towards the final whistle the college scored a further converted try (35 – 7). The game closed with Sunderland attacking but once again unable to make the pressure tell.

Sunderland played with spirit and purpose throughout to make this an enjoyable but finally frustrating game. They created plenty of chances but were could not turn position and possession into points. In a mixed age side, everyone added to the cause. Handling errors and basic skills deficits often broke up continuity and maintenance of pressure – something to work on.