Team Sunderland Men’s Rugby victory in must win quarter final against University of Liverpool

Team Sunderland 47 – 12 University of Liverpool

Sunderland won the all-important quarter final match at Rockcliffe RFC despite tough conditions of wind, rain and waterlogged pitch, as they searched for a win to keep them on track for three back-to-back titles in the Men’s Northern Conference Trophy.

After a cautious start Sunderland set the tone for the game with a try from Ethan Sutcliffe which Michael Precious converted. This was followed by another quick try and conversion from Precious.

Sunderland attempted to further their points, but Liverpool defended well pushing them back each time only meters from the tryline.

Liverpool attempted to capitalise on a loose ball by Sunderland, but all gains were met with strong defence.

A try from Sutcliffe for the home team after controlling the lineout utilising quick passes was followed by another conversion from Precious.

With only minutes to spare before the half time whistle Liverpool managed to try and successfully convert bringing the half time score to 21-7.

Liverpool started the second half with the ball going directly into Sunderland’s possession resulting in the continuation of the first half’s strong attacks.

Straight from the scrum the home team capitalised on Liverpool’s undecisive defence to allow Harvey Guthrie to score to the right of the posts.

A strong run by Precious from deep within Sunderland’s half followed by a quick pass to Sutcliffe allowed him to score which was converted by Precious.

The away team rallied their efforts allowing Nonso Ojigbani to score in the far corner, bringing the score to 33-12.

Sunderland responded with a textbook try by Oliver Brenchley directly under the posts which Precious successfully converted.

Sunderland’s Guthrie scored from a penalty following the second high tackle of the game by Liverpool which Precious converted.

Liverpool nearly scored again toward the end of the match only to be held up over the line bringing the game to a close with another dominant win by Sunderland. This win secured Sunderland’s place in the semi final against Manchester Men’s 3’s.