King's Norton 29

Sutton Coldfield 2nds 20

KING'S Norton warmed up for Saturday's Powergen Junior Vase match against Essington with victory over their well-drilled visitors.

Scrum-half Dave Ellis and veteran centre Pete May returned for their first games of the season while Graeme Garratt was promoted from the 2nds.

The game proved an exciting affair that was in the balance right up to the final whistle.

Matt James gave the home side the perfect footing with two tries, the first of which was converted by Andy Clayton.

Sutton replied with two penalties before veteran no 8 Steve Farrell scored his first try for the 1sts, touching down a pushover try which Clayton again converted.

But the visitors came back strongly once again with a well taken try as they cut through the heart of Kings defence.

A Clayton penalty extended the Hopwood side's lead after the break to 22-13 only for a converted try from Sutton to cut the margin to just two points.

Back row Paul McGlynn pounced on the ball to score as Kings went for the final pushover try which Jon Hefford converted.

A Tag Rugby coaching course will be held at King's Norton's ground in Ash Lane on Saturday. Call Jim Williams on 0121 682 8600 or 07966 457123.