Head Coach James Bucknall pronounced himself pleased with the result though somewhat less so with his squad’s execution after this six tries to three bonus point win. Indeed consistency still seems to escape Albanians but it is, optimists will say, early days yet.

Set piece play is improving but can be described as a work in progress. There is much worthwhile possession being gained from tight play and practice will mean greater fluency and incision can be maintained.

Sutton have not had the happiest of starts to their season and are still coming to grips with the demands of this higher division. Yet they gave a good account of themselves and will rue some missed opportunities to improve their scoreline.

Some changes made to the Albanian lineup before kickoff meant Tom Bednall coming into the centre from fullback and his partnership with Dan Watt worked well. Watt took it upon himself to operate closer to the OA maul than one might expect and this added some zip to several Allbanian attacks especially in the second period.

Happily, discipline was much better than last week and the scoreline, in many ways, reflects this. The visitors had a knack of infringing in crucial areas and this led to lock George Dry’s yellow card.

The opening quarter was frustrating for the Woollams faithful but fly half Roddy Giles slotted a penalty after fourteen minutes. Morgan Thompson chivvied his forwards to the Sutton posts and dotted down for Giles improvement just into the second quarter.

Sam Hurley replied with two penalties but his side’s discipline let him down and Tom Bednall struck from his own half and, with Giles conversion, Albanians led 17-6 at the break.

Ten minutes later Kyren Gumra provided his Surrey clan with their moment of the afternoon when he crossed untouched wide out after Jacob Knight’s neat miss pass.

Bednall crossed for his second on the hour and Sam Hurley for the visitors minutes later in a ding-dong passage of play, both tries converted. Giles and Jonathan Wicks completed the try scoring for OAs and Giles brought his kicking figures to six from seven attempts.

A’s travel to Old Redcliffians next week, kickoff 15.00hrs.

Brian Quinn,

Press