Michael Morrow
The men’s first XV took to the hallowed turf that is the back of Falmer Sports Complex on Wednesday afternoon to take on the visitors from St Mary’s University College 2nd team. It was clear even before kick-off that Sussex were not taking anything for granted in what was surely expected to be a comfortable victory. “Our House!” was the chant that came from the Sussex huddle, a clear indication that the boys were not willing to be beaten on their territory.
The visitors started brightly, a start which was rewarded with the opportunity to open the scoring with a very kickable penalty with seven minutes gone. However, the penalty was pulled wide leaving the scores at 0-0.
Sussex grew into the game and it wasn’t long before their superiority in the scrum was rewarded with two tries in quick succession from the back of the scrum, one of which was excellently converted. A further try and conversion shortly before the break gave Sussex a commanding 19-0 lead at half time.
The second half was disjointed due to ill-discipline, leading to three yellow cards for Sussex. Luckily St Mary’s failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage, as their one try was answered by a further two converted Sussex tries and a drop goal, allowing Sussex to close out the game with a comfortable and deserved 36-7 win.