Sutton Coldfield 31

Shipston II 12

SHIPSTON travelled to Sutton Coldfield for a chance of progressing through to the third round of the Warwickshire II Team Cup.

Facing opposition from the league above was never going to be easy, but Shipston started the game with plenty of fire and passion.

Far from lying down Shipston proved the better side in the scrums and were often winning Sutton's line-out ball. This was highlighted when the home team's scrum half was sin binned for a professional foul.

But Shipston were unable to capitalise on greater numbers and Sutton Coldfield's faster back row proved too strong, easily winning 50-50 ball and dominant in open play.

With numbers equal again overlaps began to emerge and the home side crossed the line a couple of times. This became more apparent when Shipston's full back was sin binned for a late tackle and Shipston's line was again breached.

After the break Shipston competed more successfully with spirited play from Pete Organ and replacement open side Rob Fox, which led to good touch down from John Bradley.

Following another try by Sutton, Shipston finished the game with a spirited penalty try from great scrummaging and persistent harassment from scrum half Will Robbins.