Dunlop Coventry 14 Sutton Coldfield 23 UNDER the floodlights at the Old Coventrians neutral ground on Wednesday night, Sutton 1st XV swept into the semi-finals of the Warwickshire Cup as they overcame a strong challenge from a resurgent Dunlop team. Dunlop are currently sweeping all before them in the Midlands 3 West league but Sutton, in Midlands West 1, first contained their confident all conquering opponents to draw level on 11 all at the break and then in an enthralling second half full of great rugby by both sides, stretched ahead with some exceptional rugby. Dunlop scrum half Danny James slotted two early penalties, however Sutton responded within two minutes, left wing Rob Watts crossing for a try. Alan Rowland’s conversion rebounded off the post but at 6-5 it was game on. Dunlop then created a try of their own through right wing Tom O’Tool only for Rowland to cooly kicked two penalties to make it 11-11 at half time. Sutton started on a high, an inch perfect kick by centre Alex White from midfield bounced perfectly for winger Nathan Burchell to ground the ball. However another James penalty brought the scores to 14-16 with 10 minutes to play. It was Sutton who held their composure to drive into the opposition 22 in the closing minutes. Sutton then secured the game as first replacement centre Alan Keylock crashed over and then Rowland’s kicked a perfect conversion to make the game safe. The result keeps Sutton on track to repeat the feats of 1996 and 2003 respectively, as winners of the Warwickshire Cup. * Meanwhile on Saturday, Sutton defeated Whitchurch 53-17 in Midlands West 1, scoring seven tries, six conversions and two penalties. This Saturday they play Walsall away in the league. | 
