Sutton and Epsom 25

Norwich 10

Sutton and Epsom left league favourites Norwich reeling last Saturday, writes John Ashton.

Despite being second in

London One going into the match, Norwich had no answer to Sutton's speed and skill.

This result moves Sutton up into second place behind leaders Havant, and they have

another big match on Saturday when they travel to third placed Basingstoke.

After the opening 15 minutes, the scores were level at three points each. A penalty from Norwich's captain, scrum-half Rupert Holmes, was cancelled out by one from Sam Frost for Sutton.

Almost immediately Sutton scored again.

Graham Dowden made a half break out of defence, full back Keith Middleton took the ball on the run and made 20

metres, wing Will Newman then burst in field like a rocket ripping the Norwich defence to shreds.

Dowden was there in support to put Sutton's number eight Roger Readwin over midway for a magnificent try.

At the half-time interval Sutton were 8-3 ahead.

In the second half, Sutton stepped up their game and were rewarded after four minutes when Frost kicked a second penalty.

The home side was hungry for tries and the next came from Frost.

Middleton fielded a high kick out of defence and ran it back at Norwich. A superbly quick ruck ball went to Frost who showed the ball, dummied, straightened and sliced through the Norwich defence to score wide on the right.

Frost converted his own try to give Sutton a 19-3 lead.

Five minutes later Sutton managed to stretch their lead with a further score.

They won a scrum 35 metres out, Frost gave the ball to Middleton who broke two tackles to score next to the posts. Frost was on hand to convert once again.

With four minutes to go, Sutton relaxed a little and the Norwich pack managed to drive over the Sutton line for a consolation try. Flanker Marc Thomas scored the try which was converted by Holmes, but the day was overwhelmingly Sutton's.

November 16, 2001 10:31