OLD PENARTHIANS II 5
SULLY RFC 36
THE SEASON finally looks like it is back on track for Sully after a convincing win over the Old Penarthians 2nds.
Sully Captain John Waters was unavailable due to work commitments so the armband was passed to former captain Mike Starling.
During the week there was a worry that Sully would not be able to field a team due to the number of injures in the squad and a number of key players being unavailable through personal commitments.
The team rallied together and with the help of some new blood they were able to able to take to the field.
Initially it seemed the Old Penarthians forwards were going to have things their own way for the duration of the game.
They were far more experienced than the Sully pack and they were carrying a lot more weight.
Within the first few minutes of the game however, it was clear that the Sully scrum was much more controlled and powerful than the home side and resulting plays provided lots of ball for the Sully backs.
Playing at openside flanker, Rhys Jenkins made his first start for Sully and had a fantastic game, working well with the rest of the pack and making some great breaks; he certainly will be an asset for the duration of the season.
James Carling also made his long awaited return following a nasty injury last season. The rest had clearly done him some good as he was always close to the action to support his team mates and he bagged himself a great try on one of his many breaks through the Old Penarthians defensive line.
Overall the forwards had a fantastic game and they provided plenty of support for the backs who showed the crowd just what they were capable of.
When let loose the Sully back line easily had the beating of their opposing players. With Chris Dunscombe and Richard Phelps at nine and ten, the rest of the back line was given quick ball enabling plenty of attacking opportunities.
Richard Rego scored one try from the centre and South African Steve created countless opportunities for the rest of his team. Wing Lewis Williams showed great individual skill and pace and scored twice during the game, whilst fellow wing Richard Lampton finished off a well worked back row break from James Carling and Mike Starling.
The Old Penarthians did manage to score one try early in the second half but it was not enough to spark a comeback.
Sully scored five tries in total, Richard Rego kicked two conversions, going some way to eradicating his new nickname "Flymo" after his grass cutters in the last match.
James Carling added a further two conversions and one penalty to cap an impressive return to action for the number 8.