Dartfordians 26 Sutton & Epsom RFC 30. Saturday 9th November.

“When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions.” Good old Bill
could have been referencing injury lists afflicting rugby coaches. The Sutton selectors
were hoping that the rest weekend would bring better news. For the Black & Whites there
was the return to the colours from the sick bay for Messrs Gibson & Wise. “For this relief
much thanks” as the Bard would say. Their return to Bourne Road was a nostalgic one for
Sutton & Epsom as Dartfordians were one of the 11 teams that composed the original
London One table for the 1987-88 inaugural league season. Though S&E had to wait until
the last game of the following campaign to play in Bexley as in those days you only played
each opponent once. For this time of asking on an afternoon of fluctuating fortunes Sutton
eventually prevailed 30-26.

There was a much more winter feel to proceedings this week with not only the
earlier 2pm kick off but also the permanently overcast sky and colder temperatures.
Freddy Bunting kicked off towards the appropriately named War Memorial Clubhouse
following the minute’s silence to commemorate the fallen. The omens looked favourable
as probing runs by Jordan Huie set up S&E for an initial assault. The ball was swept wide
and Angus Findlay set off for the corner. However, a combination of excellent cover and
the pass inside not being cleanly taken meant that the tie remained scoreless. That was to
be the last highlight for the visitors for a considerable time. Dartfordians solid set piece
and dominant line out provided the platform for the excellent Jarlath Hetherington to
dictate terms from 10.

After five minutes the hosts declined an easy 3-point penalty and kicked into the
corner. The pack secured the ball and flyhalf Hetherington combined a well-chosen line,
deft feet and pure power to score the opening try. His conversion put the icing on his cake
for a 7-0 lead. Elliot Soler-Gomez reclaimed the restart for Dartfordians and Sutton
conceded a soft penalty soon after. Further pain was denied when Dartfordians throw in
was adjudged to be crooked allowing the visitors to clear. Sutton’s next attack ended
tamely but they were brought back for a penalty. Captain Bunting stepped up to narrow
the gap to 7-3. The Bexley men were soon pressing for another score. The much-
improved Sutton defence denied them twice. Firstly, a turnover in the 22 and then when
an impatient attacker failed to release the ball with line at Dartfordians mercy. It was third
time lucky on the half hour when prop Ted Rackley muscled his way over the whitewash
after sustained pressure. Captain Hetherington added the extras for a 14-3 lead.

With the first half drawing to a conclusion Sutton conceded a penalty at a scrum for
an injudicious use of a hand, to strike the ball, that was not mistaken for a foot by Mr
Garland. Once more the hosts were in prime position in the 22. Possession was secured by
the pack and as the Black & Whites went into reverse it was spun wide. There was to be
no repeat of the earlier Jarlath Hetherington try as he was felled by two tacklers but
crucially he released the ball and lock Connor Faulkes squeezed into the corner. A fabulous
touchline conversion by Jarlath Hetherington put his side 21-3 ahead. The half ended with
S&E pressing hard for a score to gain a foothold in the contest. A huge overlap was
ignored and a simple pass was inexplicably dropped. These errors epitomised a frustrating
first forty for S&E whose best work had been negated by out of character mistakes.
For the second match in a row Dartfordians re-started with a healthy advantaged.

The previous round they defeated a defiant Old Tiffinians who came close to overturning
the deficit. Could Sutton do better or would it be a repeat of their Old Tiffinians experience
on their last away day outing? The Black & Whites had the perfect start to the second

period. Playing at a high tempo the forwards swarmed into the 22 and were awarded a
penalty. The visitors threatened the line before providing Tom Lennard with the ball. The
Sutton 10 then made a bid for the highest pass above pitch level in Sutton history as the
ball ballooned towards the touchline. Groans turned to cheers as it was held and flipped
inside for Matt Symonds to score his first try for the senior side. Freddy Bunting converted
from the flank and Sutton trailed 10-23.

The momentum and hope was nearly hastily dented. Perhaps over-confidence
coursing through S&E veins made them attempt to run it out against superior numbers
from their 22. Having not learned their lesson they eventually conceded a penalty adjacent
to the uprights. All assembled at Bourne Road were stunned when the reliable boot of
Hetherington failed to extend his sides advantage. Moments later the travelling support
were also surprised when Freddy Bunting missed a far more challenging penalty but they
have been spoiled by his familiar excellence. Five minutes later he had a far easier
opportunity to make amends and Sutton trailed 13-21.

With 15 minutes to play the fates dealt a cruel blow to the hosts to remind one of
the opening Shakespearean verse. Having already lost one of their front row to injury a
second was forced from the field of play. The remainder of the match had to continue with
uncontested scrums and Dartfordians were forced to play with 14. In addition, the
talismanic Hetherington also had to watch the denouement from the sidelines as he was
helped from the pitch to sympathetic applause. Minutes later Sutton took advantage.
Excellent pressure and swift continuity was rewarded by a try from the forwards. Flanker
Dan Jones was the man on the spot to benefit with the score. The Bunting boot made it a
one-point game as Dartfordians held a precarious 21-20 lead.

As Sutton & Epsom pressed for the lead they won another penalty and Bunting put
his team 23-21 ahead with a minute remaining. However, there would be considerable
time to be added on due to the earlier injuries. Then the Bunting boot became influential
again. He struck a wonderful clearance using his allegedly weaker left foot to win a 50/22.
From the attacking lineout the forwards delivered. The ball was secured and the catch and
drive presented Dan Jones with his second try. The conversion was mathematically
significant and Bunting bisected the uprights for 30-21 and a vital two-score advantage.
All credit to Dartfordians as they redoubled their efforts in search of bonus points.
Following the cruel injuries they endured only the most cold hearted would not have
viewed hooker Jack Hooban’s try, that earned two bonus points, on the final play from a
catch and drive as a fair reward in their 26-30 loss.

This was a commendable Sutton comeback from 18 points down made more
impressive because it was on the road. Injuries obviously assisted S&E but their second
half showing had already hinted at the triumph to come. For Dartfordians a couple of
missed opportunities in the first half ultimately proved costly. Rugby Lane will host the
next league fixture and Thurrock will be the visitors. In contrast to the last two visitors,
Sidcup and Medway, who arrived as league leaders the Essex club have had a tough
baptism to this league and are bottom of the table and still searching for a first win.

Sutton & Epsom
Findlay, Huie, Bibby, Bunting ©, Symonds, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Boaden, Hilton,
Tame, McTaggart, Jones, Davies & Hegarty.
Replacements: Gibson, Gerhard & Baker.

Dartfordians
Cappuccio, Nissinen-Le, Soler-Gomez, Taylor J, Adams, Hetherington, Taylor P, Rackley,
Hooban, Chapman, Potter, Faulkes, Williams, Wright & Chandler.
Replacements: Tuffley, Heylen & Brent.

For the hosts it was a Saturday of availability Armageddon with an injury list mounting
that targeted the front and back rows. Players of yesteryear were called to arms and the 2nd
XV was ransacked as such resources would have been familiar to Old Mother Hubbard. Jac
Davies was the only debutant as the scrum half pitched is as an open-side flanker. In contrast,
Medway who have enjoyed a remarkable consistency in selection, with their sizeable travelling
support from Priestfields, looked forward to another showing of “The Usual Suspects”. To add
to the task the Kent side topped the table having only lost their opening game of the
campaign. Confounding all expectations Sutton & Epsom, for the second match in a row at
Rugby Lane, lowered the colours of the league leaders to be victorious by 22-18.
On an overcast but still afternoon that hinted at future rain Freddy Bunting kicked off
towards the Cabbage Patch. Understandably confident from their five game winning streak the
visitors were immediately on the attack. The eponymous Bullock charged down the paddock
from his own 22. Passes were interchanged and a dramatic opening score was denied by the
scrambling defence in the S&E 22. Sutton were also lively in the opening exchanges and after
five minutes they were awarded a kickable penalty. In a tactical shift of tectonic proportions
Freddy Bunting went for goal and put his team 3-0 up.
This minor irritation did not derail the Medway machine as they stormed into action.
The closer to the line they got the harder the hosts tackled. The ball was spun wide and a try
looked probable. The visitors employed that popular rugby elision, the long miss pass, that
was met by that familiar foe, the interception. Adam Bibby set off for glory eliciting roars of
encouragement as he sped past the grandstand. Frantic defenders closed in from all angles
and brought him down ten metres short. However, Mr Richardson’s whistle offered the
consolation of a second penalty. With ten minutes on the clock Freddy Bunting doubled the
advantage to 6-0. Five minutes later, another indiscretion, another penalty and another
Bunting three points for 9-0.
The visitors were determined to put the upstart hosts firmly in their place. Almost
fifteen minutes of unbroken possession, pressure and territorial dominance ensued.
Galvanised by their lead and confident in their defensive unity the Black & White line held fast.
A couple of penalties were kicked by Medway for lineouts. Unfortunately, during this passage
of play Sutton lost outside centre Finlay Scott to injury and were forced to reshuffle the backs
as Adam Bibby went to 13 and Alfie Baker came off the bench to play on the wing. On the half
hour the table-toppers were awarded another penalty and decided on going for gold. Harrison
Fermor bisected the uprights to trail 3-9.
It was Sutton & Epsom’s turn to attack but a probing Bunting kick keep appeared to
nestle harmlessly in the in-goal area under the supervision of John Sipawa. Remarkably the
winger knocked on the stationary ball to gift Sutton a 5-metre scrum. The home team ran into
a red and amber wall and were turned over and Medway kicked the subsequent penalty to the

The lineout was overthrown and eager Sutton hands gathered the ball. Replacement prop
Richard Madadangoma rampaged forward before the backs were released. Slick hands and
accurate passing was rewarded as fullback Austin Bell timed his entry into the line to
perfection to score. Freddy Bunting converted from the flank and S&E led 16-3.
Medway went in search of a score before the break. A neat lineout move thrown to the
front man tried to catch Sutton napping but it came to nought. Soon afterwards there was
another penalty to the Black & Whites followed by a stern lecture to Medway lock Peter Cole.
The first half ended without any further additions to the scoreboard. The teams turned around
with S&E leading 16-3. The makeshift Sutton & Epsom XV were on course for a major upset
but everyone at Rugby Lane was expecting more of the same in the second half, relentless
Medway pressure. Both sides gathered in a huddle unleashing a primal scream and prepared
for battle in the second period.

The opening five minutes were very positive for the Black & Whites, from the secure
Glanville take of the restart to winning a scrum against the head. S&E had a free ball and
Freddie Bunting attempted a drop goal from distance. It drifted wide but he had the
consolation of a long-range penalty to extend the lead. The distance was just beyond his limit
and Medway touched down under their posts. Soon the visitors were refreshing their XV from
the bench and pinning Sutton in their 22 with searching kicks. The vital first score of the half
went to the league leaders after a dozen minutes. A determined run down the touchline by
John Sipawa burst through the initial tackle and though he was felled by the cover he did
wonderfully well to stretch out a telescopic arm as his momentum took the ball over the line.
Harrison Fermor’s touchline conversion failed but the morale-boosting try made it 16-8.
Moments later Medway conceded yet another kickable penalty and Freddy Bunting
obliged with three more points for 19-8. The visitors’ frustration with the arbiter of truth and
justice overflowed and a couple of minutes later a vocal objection to a decision from Mr
Richardson led to an additional 10-metre stroll for the defenders. Once more Captain Bunting
tested his kicking powers and again it fell short and the game restarted with a 22 drop out.
The game entered the final quarter and ominously for the home supporters Medway scored
their second try. Excellent support play was rewarded as Harrison Fermor was on hand to
score in the corner despite the desperate defence. The 15 was unable to add the extras to his
try but his side at 13-19 were within a score with plenty of time left on the clock.
The Black & White defence girded their collective loins and continued to tackle
ferociously and win vital turnovers. Additionally the pack were causing Medway problems at
the scrum. Another blast of the whistle, another penalty near halfway and another shot at
goal for Sutton. These penalties may not have impacted the scoreboard but they frustrated
the visitors, took vital time off the clock and made them initiate their attacks from their own

The game was becoming more open and there was no rest from the red and amber
attacks and pressure. Sutton were most fortuitous when Tom Lennard was charged down that
the loose ball returned to the miscreant kicker. The crowd, living every moment, roared on
their sides. As the game entered time added on Freddy Bunting had the opportunity to make it
a two-score game with a penalty adjacent to the uprights just outside the 22. He voraciously
accepted this tasty offering for 22-13.
Medway now threw the entire contents of the kitchen at the Sutton defences. John
Sipawa was greeted by three tacklers and bundled into touch. Jac Davies made a wonderful
cover tackle as a line break was extinguished. Every phase repelled ate into the clock until the
final play. The Kent side were rewarded with a Max Bullock try in the corner and a bonus point
but a delighted S&E side knew that the conversion would be followed by the final whistle. The
kick failed and the joyous celebrations began for an outstanding 22-18 victory.
The Sutton defence appeared to have been constructed by Aniketos and Alexiares as
the Black & Whites summoned up their inner Heracles. It was a classic example of just what
can be achieved with team spirit, defensive resolve and commitment to the cause. Medway
never stopped attacking and this was epitomised by winger John Sipawa who bounced off
tacklers and swatted away defenders in an effort to breach the Sutton defence. The two
teams now get a most welcome week off. The season resumes on 9th November when Sutton
& Epsom travel to Dartfordians whilst Medway are on the road again with a trip to Thurrock.
Sutton & Epsom
Bell, Bibby, Scott, Bunting ©, Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Jones, Hilton, Glanville,
McTaggart, Gerhard, Davies & Hegarty.
Replacements: Madadangoma, Williams & Baker.
Medway
Fermor, Chalmers, Bullock, Clement ©, Sipawa, Wardzynski, Grice, Nickalls, Knight, Campbell,
Cole, Stubbington, Jackson, Gibson & Purslow.
Replacements: Hyde J, Hyde N & Reeves.

The Black & Whites arrived at the Grist Memorial ground having scuppered Sidcup the
previous round. That triumph, in a bruising encounter against the erstwhile leaders, came at a
cost with the loss of props Gibson and Mount as well as O’Brien and Elliott in the backs. It was
not all doom and gloom from the physio’s hut as Tom Lennard made his belated first start of
the campaign at 10. If there was much to admire last weekend there was plenty to forget this
time around. The Old Tiffinians thoroughly deserved their 41-19 success leapfrogging Sutton
& Epsom in the league table.
Free from rain, bathed in sunshine and with a gentle breeze upon an immaculate
surface the scene was set for a captivating afternoon’s entertainment as Freddy Bunting
kicked off. The opening Sutton salvoes were quashed by forthright tackling by everyone in an
OT shirt as the visitors looked to spread the ball wide to their wings. After ten minutes the Old
Boys demonstrated their best phases and enjoyed the bonus of a penalty in the 22. As is the
modern vogue they kicked to the corner. Their positive approach was rewarded with a
perfectly executed catch and drive from the 5-metre lineout that ushered prop Ross Hobbs
over the whitewash for the first try of the afternoon. Though the extras were not added the
hosts led 5-0. The OTs were soon on the attack again and assisted by S&E transgressions.
Their second entry in the visitors’ 22 would result in their second try. Unfortunately, Sutton
hooker Peter Gordon had to be replaced by Ben Green after a clash of heads in a try-saving
double tackle. On the resumption Tiffinians pressed hard and fine handling saw fullback Max
Talman score in the corner and double the lead to 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.
S&E responded swiftly to the second score. Like their opponents a kickable penalty was
discarded for the greedier option. The Rugby Lane Number 8 Rob Hegarty forced his way over
in the corner from the remorseless march of the catch and drive. Freddy Bunting’s touchline
effort drifted by the uprights as his newly awakened team trailed 5-10. Sutton had shuffled
the pack to line up with a front row triumvirate of debutant replacement Dan Johnson, Tom
Boaden took over the hooking duties and Callum Hilton. Though this combination is far from
the Black & Whites first choice they performed impressively providing a steady platform and
did not take a backward step in the set piece. Five minutes later the visitors had a wonderful
opportunity to level the scores after a Tom Lennard break but, as would be the case too often
during this entertaining encounter, the ball out to the flank was not gathered.
The first period entered its final phase. Any good work by Sutton was thwarted by
either the defensive solidity of Tiffinians or critical errors by the visitors. As the half entered its
dying embers the hosts went blind exposing defensive frailty. It looked as if Old Tiffinians
would run it in from halfway. Though undone by some S&E scrambling defence they had the
consolation of having a scrum deep in the Black & White 22. Centre Tim Fawcett ran an
excellent line and evaded a double tackle to score under the posts. It was an example of third
time lucky as Sharif Dougramaji slotted the conversion to stretch the lead to 17-5 as Mr Kelvin
Pryor’s shrill blast of the whistle terminated the first half with OT leading S&E by 17-5.
Any hope for the travelling supporters looked a rather forlorn one as the second half
began with more errors. As the hosts attacked towards the S&E 22 it was their turn to
concede an unnecessary penalty. Steve Munford took it quickly, Tom Lennard made a searing
break with Austin Bell in support who progressed in the OT half and Alfie Baker sped away to
the corner to score. The crowd gazed on admiringly at the pulchritudinous Bunting conversion
from the touchline. Was this the start of a classic game of two halves and the Sutton revival?
A minute later the answer to that hypothetical query was a resounding “No”. Poor play at the
restart handed the initiative to the Tiffinians who set out their stall in the S&E 22. Three
phases later and winger Seb Sabania was bursting through tacklers to score. Sharif
Dougramaji’s sweetly struck conversion added to the demoralising impact of the rapid retort to
restore the margin to 12 points at 24-12.

The omens continued to point to a home victory. Another Sutton free ball could not
rekindle the earlier magic. A kickable penalty was declined and a lineout in the corner was not
found. Then the most deflating moment of all was Seb Sabania picking off an interception and
running back a fifth try, and his second, from halfway. Sharif Dougramaji accepted the
salubrious offering for a 31-12 advantage with a dozen minutes having elapsed in the second
period. To epitomise the Sutton decline the restart failed to go ten metres. However, despair
was transformed into hope as the pack won a penalty at the set piece. Naturally, the Black &
Whites took off lickety-split and were soon in the opposition 22. OT’s scrambling defence not
only picked off an interception but countered through an enormous clearance kick. Alfie
Baker’s cover was immediately undermined by fellow wing Arun Watkin’s injudicious counter.
Sutton were fortunate to escape as Sir reversed a penalty under their posts.
The game was now very open and tries at either end were a probability rather than a
possibility. Sutton benefited from a magnificent 50 22 from Tom Lennard to set up their next
attack. The home defence rebuffed a couple of sorties before Austin Bell’s grubber nestled
under the posts. The scuttling full back arrived with the cover and his attempt to nudge the
ball forward was viewed as dangerous play as he made contact with the defender who had
stoically fallen on the loose ball. This was the first of a string of penalties that throttled
potential attacks for both XVs. The next score came from that reliable and fertile source: the
penalty kicked to the corner. It was S&E’s turn to demonstrate their catch and drive efficiency
with flanker Dan Jones the beneficiary. The Bunting boot made it a two-score game at 19-31.
Old Tiffinians set out to restore their supremacy and a bullocking Sabania run hinted at
his hat trick before he was eventually forced to pass inside but the ball was knocked on.
Sutton cleared their lines but were soon under the cosh. Josh Glanville received a yellow card
endeavouring to turn over the ball. Very sensibly Sharif Dougramaji opted for the kick for goal
adjacent to the uprights. The successful kick meant that the hosts led 34-19 with three
minutes of regular time left. Not so much as a comfortable points’ cushion but more like a
massive beanbag occupying most of a living room floor. The contest was over. In time added
on Old Tiffinians added an extra layer of gloss to their fine performance. They kicked into the
corner for the 5-metre lineout. The unstoppable juggernaut advanced ever onwards and
Ross Hobbs collected his second catch and drive try. Sharif Dougramaji celebrated the victory
with the conversion and Mr Pryor ended the match with the home team triumphant by 41-19
A week is a long time in politics but it must seem like an eternity for the Rugby Lane
faithful as this performance bore no resemblance to their Sidcup success. However, the most
significant factor was the quality of the Old Tiffinian performance. Their forwards carried
aggressively and effectively with Ross Hobbs and Robert Myddelton in the vanguard. Their
defence offered Sutton neither time nor space. When they got to the 22 they were clinical
whether with the catch and drive or handling in the backs. The pace and power of Seb
Sabania gained the plaudits with a brace of tries in a thoroughly deserved bonus point victory.
The Black & Whites created opportunities out wide but poor passing handicapped their
progress on numerous occasions. Sutton & Epsom will lick their wounds and look forward to
the visit of league leaders Medway to Rugby Lane. Meanwhile the Old Tiffinians departed
their Clubhouse to descend upon the 18:24 to Waterloo and serenade the passengers on their
way to a night of celebrations.
Sutton & Epsom
Bell, Watkins, Scott, Bunting ©, Baker, Lennard, Munford, Boaden, Gordon, Hilton, Glanville,
Tame, Rea, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Johnson, Green & Findlay.
Old Tiffinians
Talman, Segun, Dougramaji, Fawcett, Sabanaia, Taylor, Fowler, Hobbs, Howard-Clarke,
Turner, O’Connell, Noeh, Myddelton, Graham & Marshall.
Replacements: Corcoran, Dore & Freeman.

On Saturday 11 th October 2014 Sutton & Epsom RFC visited Crescent Farm to play Sidcup who
were the early season league leaders of London 1 South after five games. On that day the Black &
Whites tore up the form book winning 23-16 with a stunning Kyren Ghumra try manufactured by a
perfect kick from Frankie Murray. Almost a decade later to the day it was a sense of dejà vu as
high-flying Sidcup arrived at Rugby Lane this time topping Regional 2 South East. The visitors
were the only unbeaten team in the league, had secured the maximum 20 points from four wins in
which they had scored the most points and conceded the least by a considerable margin. It was
not a case of lightning striking twice but more like Thor’s hammer descending from the heavens in
a cataclysmic explosion such was the intensity and physicality of this superb contest won by S&E
by a margin of 12-7.
Freddy Bunting got the ball rolling as Sutton played towards the clubhouse with the
permanent threat of rain. The early exchanges ceded little territory before a wonderful kick from
Josh Twyford angled into the home 22. The hosts responded with two bone-shaking tackles from
Ben Tame, that set the tone for an afternoon not for the fainthearted, and a fine kick from Gareth
O’Brien cleared their lines. The ferocity of the tackling and a slippery ball hindered the attacking
prowess of both XVs. Kiwi Josh Rea demonstrated his talent with a brace of tackles followed by a
fine break, Bunting probed with the boot and Sutton attempted to prise open the visitors’ well
organised and aggressive defence. The first genuine chance came on the quarter hour when
Austin Bell kicked ahead and the covering Seb Ellison was caught as he attempted to run from his
line. However, in the ensuing frenetic melee the referee awarded Sidcup a scrum for a knock on.
The game continued with great pace whilst thunderous tackling from both defences held
the upper hand as time after time ball-carriers were unceremoniously dumped onto their
posteriors. With the half hour approaching Josh Twyford perfectly placed kicked settled irritatingly
just outside the Sutton 22 and a hesitant Bell, now at 15 after an injury to Gareth O’Brien, kicked
out on the full. The visitors failed to prosper as their lineout faltered. From a Sutton scrum Rob
Hegarty ducked, weaved and evaded tacklers before offloading to the galloping Glanville who burst
to halfway where, as ever, Dan Jones was in support. The ubiquitous flanker set off on one of his
increasingly familiar runs and was finally halted by the swarming Sidcup defence in their 22. Sadly
this exhilarating attack ended as a pass was delivered to a man who was more trying to get out of
the way than storm forward.
The Rugby Lane team’s confidence was growing and Bell put through a grubber on halfway
and recovered it and chipped over to the 22. The second kick was rather over-egging the custard
and a grateful opposition regained the ball. To remind everyone who was the top team Sidcup
went onto the attack. An excellent kick-chase established them in the Black & White 22. It was
now the moment for their backs to demonstrate some wonderful handling in the wet conditions.
Sutton were scrambling on their line defending for their lives. Perhaps it was frustration or
impatience but with a try looking probable the Crescent Farm men conceded a penalty by going in
from the wrong side. Freddy Bunting thumped the ball to halfway and danger was averted.
As the enthralled spectators were contemplating a 0-0 score at the break the deadlock was
finally broken. Sidcup 15 Seb Ellison collected a Bunting kick on his 22. His return was not his
finest strike but the ball descended into space for the rapidly approaching fullback. A favourable
bounce was recovered and Seb Ellison ran the ball back from halfway. The covering Freddy
Bunting ushered him to the corner no doubt hoping this would be a 5-point score at worst. Up
stepped the experienced Josh Twyford who converted magnificently from the touchline to put the
league leaders 7-0 ahead. It was already in time added on but the robust nature of the contest
had meant that the medical teams had been on the paddock rather more often than usual
rebuilding their troops and there was ten additional minutes. Josh Twyford just failed to increase
the visitors’ advantage as a long–range penalty drifted wide. Then it was a case of cattywampus in
extremis as a Sutton scrum buckled. Fortunately for the hosts the Twyford kick into the corner
erred in their favour and sailed out of the dead ball area. The half finally concluded with the Black
& Whites pressing for a score.

The Kent men were determined to reaffirm their status and put the Sutton upstarts in their
place at the start of the second period as they kicked an early penalty into the corner. S&E were
soon in survival mode as they had a scrum 5 metres from their line. Tremendous Sidcup
scrummaging drove the Black & White eight over their line at a rate of knots. Steve Munford
managed to touchdown to avert the try. Now it was Sidcup’s turn to have the put in. The home
supporters feared the worst based on the most recent evidence. Incredibly Sidcup conceded a
penalty at the scrum as it wheeled. The hosts gleefully accepted the salvation. Reinvigorated by
their defensive resilience they went onto the offensive.
Sutton progress was met by a Sidcup side whose tremendous tackling scythed down all
before them. But the Black & Whites were not deterred and started to benefit from a flurry of
penalties. The spectators were divided over the perennial question: “Take the three points or kick
into the corner?” The team went for the higher tariff option. The excellent S&E lineout secured
possession but progress could be measured by inches rather than yards so resilient was the
visitors’ defence. Then an infringement gave Freddy Bunting a ‘free ball’ and he kicked to the
corner where the ball escaped the clutches of two of his comrades. Another 3 points was declined
and this time a huge tackle dislodged a ball giving an escape route for the leaders that they
gratefully accepted.
The action switch ends but a lofted kick ahead just drifted into the Sutton 22 and an alert
Bunting called for the mark and set off on a counter. Replacement Angus Findlay made a
wonderful run into the Sidcup half. The ball came to Lawrence Elliott outside the 22 and to counter
the onrushing defence he kicked ahead along the deck. The crowd were distracted as Elliott was
poleaxed but Josh Rea kept his eye on the ball and won the race to score. Though Freddy Bunting
missed the conversion his side now trailed 5-7.
Mr Willis declared that there were 11 minutes to play as the crowd urged on both teams for
another score. Sidcup descended into the Sutton 22. Austin Bell seeking anonymity and respite for
an injured shoulder retreated to the flank for a breather. Unaware of his condition he was given
the ball close to his line. He kicked for touch but the breeze meant it settled on halfway. Bell was
first to the ball and fly-hacked onwards wisely declining to scoop it up on the run. The ball
advanced deep into the 22 and S&E regained possession. The ball was sent wide where Jordan
Huie collected the pass and ran straight for the corner. A fabulous covering tackle brought him
crashing down but he stretched out to score his first try for Sutton. An ecstatic crowd cheers
increased when the insouciant Bunting made the touchline conversion look elementary for 12-7.
The hosts managed to see out the game without creating unwanted anxiety to record one of their
best wins in many seasons.
Any side contemplating beating Sidcup this campaign will need to bring their ‘A+Triple Star
Game’. The front row triumvirate of Messrs Gibboons, Fordham and Carmen are formidably
supported by a powerful back five. With the ageless Josh Twyford as the puppeteer at 10 they
have variety in attack and multiple threats. Traditionally their defence has been superbly organised
but there is now an almost savage power to their tackling. Indeed both sides dug so deep in
defence they might have enjoyed vistas of Bondi beach. Sutton rose to the challenge and matched
the league leaders for defensive desire and were neither intimidated nor subdued. Willing forwards
carried, the backs attacked at every opportunity and the kicking game was astute. From 1 to 18
the Black & Whites raised their level to new heights. There have been an avalanche of tries in the
league so far at Rugby Lane but this was by far the match of a season that is still in its infancy.
Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Huie, Scott, Elliott, Bell, Bunting ©, Munford, Boaden, Mount, Gibson, Glanville, Tame,
Rea, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Hilton, Green & Findlay.
Sidcup
Ellison, Masters, Leek, Smith, Keeley ©, Twyford, Sullivan, Gibbons, Fordham, Carmen, Clarke,
Stock, Ruff, Healey & West.
Replacements: Conlon, Williams & Pooley.

_{Image courtesy Robin Kennedy}

Battersea Ironsides 19 Sutton & Epsom 19. Saturday 28th September

A year ago the 2023-4 Ironsides vintage were on top of the table having opened their
account with 80 points against Gravesend and followed that up with bonus point wins over Sidcup
and the Cornish. This current Battersea brew have been battle hardened and forged into steel by a
trio of nail-biting finishes. Unbeaten at Garratt Green with a one-point and a three-point victory
over Thurrock and Beckenham but bettered by three on the road at Reeds Weybridge. For the
high scoring visitors it was a case of wanting to return to winning ways. At the final whistle, after a
gripping match, the sides could not be separated as the scoreboard read 19-19.
Players and spectators alike palavered peacefully onwards into the unclouded jollity of the
afternoon. Sutton with the slope and the wind in their favour were unleashed by Freddy Bunting’s
perfectly flighted kick off. The first foray to the Battersea 22 was led by Ewan McTaggart who is
fast becoming a most prominent feature in the S&E pack. The lock forward might be lacking in
steatopygia, that comforting feature for Number 8s of yesteryear, but he makes up for that
deficiency with his athleticism around the park. In reply a penalty and subsequent lineout provided
the hosts with their first attacking platform. Outside centre Charles Jacobs’ break was supported
by hooker Oliver Lewis before Jacobs carried again. Battersea spun it wide and looked favourites
to score in the corner but a wonderful covering tackle by captain Bunting led to a hopeful offload
inside which was poached by Gareth O’Brien who was felled by a high tackle. It would not be the
only occasion that the Black & White line under severe pressure would be relieved by the impatient
hosts conceding a costly penalty.
On the quarter hour Battersea Ironsides were again guilty of failing to convert pressure
into points. Awarded a brace of penalties in quick succession from a scrum and then a lineout they
were in prime position five metres from the Sutton line. The Rugby Lane forwards refused to yield
and the ball was sent to the flank. With defenders dwindling in numbers the hosts were stopped
agonisingly close and the ball-carrier executed the most unsubtle of double movements to reach
over the line. The observant Mr Howe again awarded Sutton the sweet succour of a penalty. From
a certain try conceded, a moment later, Freddy Bunting was pouring a sack load of salt into the
gaping wound by calmly notching his first penalty of the afternoon to give Sutton a 3-0 lead.
Buoyed by this success Gareth O’Brien made a stunning strike to the Home XV’s 22 . The ball was
recycled and sent wide where Ironsides’ 10 Charles Stuart nearly intercepted and both sides were
left to rue their chances.
With the half hour fast approaching Gibson replaced Mount in the S&E front row and made
an immediate impact with a rampaging carry from a lineout. Soon after Freddy Bunting was
admiring his second success of the afternoon as his team extended their advantage to 6-0. The
effrontery of the lead despite having less territory and possession spurred the Garratt Park team to
greater heights. For the third time an error, with a try looking a distinct possibility, ended an
attack but this time the knock on was not fatal as Battersea were brought back for their penalty.
The green shirts piled in under the Black & White’s posts before releasing the backs and winger
Ewan Magee scored in the corner. Charles Stuart regally converted from the touchline to take a 7-
6 lead. To pile pelion on ossa S&E lost Matt Whitaker to injury and Ben Green entered the fray.
There was still time left in the first period for Sutton & Epsom to restore their lead when
Freddy Bunting opted for a kick at goal from within his own half with the final play. It had perfect
direction but just lacked the yardage. The sides turned around with Battersea leading 7-6. For the
second period the hosts would enjoy not only the topographical advantage but also any favours
from the wind. There was the possibility that the cultured boot of Charles Stuart might be the
significant factor for the remainder of the contest and that Sutton’s superb defensive resolve might
be tested in extremis during the second half.
The tactical kicking game was initiated from the outset with a bout of kick tennis that
ended in Sutton’s favour courtesy of a superior offering by Gareth O’Brien. That the boot might
have primacy over the running game was amply demonstrated after a couple of minutes when the
dangerous Jacobs shunned the opportunity to run the ball back but rifled a marvellous kick to the

22. As the forwards wrestled for supremacy, the commitment, intensity of carrying and tackling
    was ratcheted up another notch by both packs. Equally the back divisions marshalled their
    defences as both XVs went in search for the vital opening score of the half. After 15 minutes it
    took an astutely angled grubber from Freddy Bunting that bounced up perfectly for winger Austin
    Bell to break the deadlock. It was a classic example of sporting vision, that priceless ability to see
    in a split second what others do not in order to create the sublime moment. A majestic touchline
    conversion by Bunting bisected the uprights and S&E led 13-7.
    Sutton held the upper hand for five minutes. The Ironsides forced S&E to their line with a
    probing kick forcing a lineout ten metres out. Clean ball and a well executed catch and drive saw
    the hosts trundle irresistibly over the line for their second try. Trailing by a solitary point Charles
    Stuart’s conversation oversaw the restoration of their lead by 14-13. As is so often the case the
    opposition were given an early opportunity with a penalty from the restart. The Black & Whites
    owed their chance for the lead to a thunderous tackle from flanker Ben Tame. There was a
    moment of confusion when the height of the Bunting kick exceeded the diminutive stature of the
    Battersea uprights but Sutton & Epsom now inched ahead by 16-14. Perhaps distracted by that
    uncertainty the restart sailed out on the full and Sutton scrummaged on halfway. Moments later
    there was another indication of the tension telling. An Ironside queried Mr Howe’s interpretation of
    the laws in a tone that was not appreciated and the referee ushered the defenders 10 metres
    back. If loose lips sink ships then loquacious rugby players cost three points. Freddy Bunting
    added a fourth penalty to his tally for Sutton to lead 19-14 with a dozen minutes to go plus the
    extras for stoppages.
    Battersea now went in search of points. Their first sortie was cut short when they lost
    possession on the Sutton 22 and Austin Bell cleared magnificently to the opponent’s half. S&E
    were on the attack but were thwarted by a Charles Stuart interception and kick that rolled into
    their 22. Austin Bell covered well to secure the ball on the deck and the Black & Whites were gifted
    a penalty as a chasing Ironside naively fell on the prostrate Bell. As the game entered time added
    on it was one-way traffic in favour of Battersea. The visitors were magnificent in defence and
    thought they had earned a turnover but the hosts were awarded the scrum. Closer and closer the
    Garratt Park pack advanced to the posts. Avoiding the risk of being held up over the line, with
    admirable patience under the circumstances, they finally forced their way over by the right hand
    upright. 19 all and the conversion was a mere formality for a kicker of Stuart’s stature. However,
    Charles Stuart, endured the type of unexpected misfortune that would have been familiar to not
    only Aeschylus but also his historical namesake as the conversion was missed. Shortly afterwards
    the referee concluded proceedings and the sides shared the points for a 19-19 draw.
    It was a fitting result for two teams that had given their all. For Sutton Ben Green’s
    performance off the bench was redolent of Ed Burton at Guildford in 2015. Green’s previous
    contributions had been predominantly inconsequential minutes off the bench but he revelled in the
    opportunity at a serious stint at Number 8. He carried with aggression, tackled powerfully and
    symbolised an outstanding effort by the Sutton pack. No doubt this Battersea side will be
    contenders for promotion again this season as they have quality in all departments.
    The league now takes a week off and the action returns to Rugby Lane when league
    leaders Sidcup visit on 12 th October. What a difference a year makes, on their last trip in November
    2023 they arrived bottom of the league and level on points with Sutton & Epsom with both clubs
    having only a solitary win to their names in seven outings.
    Sutton & Epsom
    O’Brien, Watkins, Scott, Elliott, Bell, Bunting ©, Munford, Mount, Gordon, Boaden, Glanville,
    McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Whitaker.
    Replacements: Gibson, Green & Unused: Symonds.
    Battersea Ironsides
    Baker, Magee, Jacobs, Roberts, Craig, Stuart, Barnard, Chetwynd, Lewis, Batstone, MacPherson,
    Walton, Dollard, Chitan & Martin.
    Replacements: Borup, Humphris & Diamond.

Sutton and Epsom RFC 43 v Old Reigations 48. Saturday 21st September 2024.

It has been a Jekyll & Hyde start to the campaign for Sutton & Epsom. However, the reality
dates back to Epictetus and his motto that has been adopted by coaches from around the globe:
“Control the Controllables”. The one aspect out of your control is the standard of the opposition
and Beckenham last Saturday provided a far sterner test than the opening day Old Colfeians. Last
season Old Reigatian did the double over S&E in a couple of high scoring contests. They started by
winning a fluctuating game at home 35-29 before a first half blitz was the basis of their second
success at Rugby Lane by 38-21. New heights were reached on Saturday with a dizzying 12-try
spectacular with the tries equally distributed as Old Reigatian hung on in a fabulous finale to win
by 48-43 and continue their unbeaten start to the season.
It was a superbly sunny Saturday, firm under foot with a refreshing breeze and all was set
fair for entertaining running rugby and these two sides did not disappoint. The visitors dominated
the early exchanges including their front row winning a penalty at the first scrum. In customary
fashion the front row offender demonstrated his prelapsarian innocence with a look of amazement
at having been penalised. With tenacious defence OR were denied. It was frustrating for Sutton
that their first possession in the backs culminated in an interception near halfway and Harrison
Mitchell running in the opening try that was unconverted for a 5-0 Reigatian lead. After the restart
Adam Bibby’s reward for his excellent chase and tackle was a twisted ankle and being replaced by
Lawrence Elliott for the remaining 70 minutes.

After a dozen minutes S&E were on the scoreboard. Gareth O’Brien initiated the counter
before a powerful carry by Jordan Huie and a probing run by Pete Gordon. Then the backs were
released and the crowd enjoyed the delicate tracery of O’Brien’s weaving run to score under the
posts. Freddy Bunting’s conversion gave the hosts a slender 7-5 lead. In the next 20 minutes
Sutton’s hopes were hampered by discipline. Tom Baldwin willingly accepted a trio of penalties and
the Black & Whites were reduced to 14 when Jordan Huie connected with an opponent in midair.
The yellow card was perhaps not a condign punishment but this law is harsh if not essentially fair.
With the visitors leading 14-7 Glanville and Whitaker rallied the hosts who were awarded a penalty
of their own and Freddy Bunting reduced the lead to 14-10 to OR. Moments later a further 3-point
opportunity was declined and Captain Bunting kicked to touch for a 5-metre lineout. Mount, no
doubt, wearied by the moil of his scrummaging duties delighted at receiving the ball close to the
line and dutifully scored. Despite the balmy temperatures Freddy Bunting was as cool as the
underside of a cucumber and being as hard to rattle as two grapes in a wine glass he converted
from the flank to take a 17-14 lead as the first half entered time added on.

As is frequently witnessed at every level of the game the restart is a vulnerable time for the
team that has just scored. The Black & Whites secured the ball and seemed to have avoided the
fatal error only to concede a penalty on their second sortie. Tom Baldwin made it four from four to
level the score at 17-17. Neither side were content to just play out the first period with parity and
audaciously tried to wrest the advantage from the other. Despite the endeavours of all concerned
there was no addition to the score and the sides turned around level, 17-17. It had been a
commendable effort by Sutton to shackle the Old Reigatian team and restrict them to one try and
they now had the elements in their favour for the second period.

S&E were immediately under the cosh in the second half and were indebted to vital
interventions by Jordan Huie, Alex Mount and Pete Gordon. But the Old Boys would not be denied
and as it was Harrison Mitchell, who again opened the scoring, this time applying the coup de
grâce from closer range. Ten minutes elapsed before the next score which was to be the first of a
Tom Baldwin hat trick. Showing great determination he forced his way over in the corner despite
considerable attention from the defenders and a dubious crowd dropped their remarks into the
understanding air. Though unable to add the extras to his try Tom Baldwin had stretched the lead
to 27-17. Sutton needed a swift reply and that was supplied by the livewire flanker Dan Jones with
the Bunting boot bisecting the uprights the game was once more in the balance with OR leading
S&E 27-24.

The game appeared to have taken on an entirely different complexion, and ended as a
contest, with a sensational 5-minute burst from the men from Geoffrey Knight Fields. When 18-
year-old William Henry Perkin invented by accident the synthetic purple dye, mauveine, in 1856 he
became a multi-millionaire. It appeared that this purple patch of three tries in five minutes would
be equally priceless to Old Reigatian. The hosts muffed the restart and Tom Baldwin dummied
with numbers queuing up to score for his second. The inside centre completed his trio courtesy of
some indecisive defence. Then replacement back William Parker joined the party with the pick of
the tries courtesy of some delightful legerdemain. It was suddenly 48-24 with Tom Baldwin’s
personal tally 33 points. Whilst their opponent’s back play was passing and running in excelsis
Sutton had embraced the arms of Morpheus. The third rapid score would have encouraged the
Rugby Lane faithful to get to the bar before the rush or view the remainder through the leper’s
squint. However, it was the catalyst for the transmogrification of the home XV’s performance.
With ten minutes on the clock the game that was threatening to become a rout became a
spectacular comeback. Sutton to their credit did not panic with reckless play but valued their
possession and waited for the openings. Jordan Huie brought the ball out of his 22 and it was
recycled wide to Lawrence Elliott who stepped inside and broke to halfway before launching a
speculative kick. The ball nestled under the posts and Arun Watkins won the race to touch it down.
The simplest of conversions made it 48-31. Playing with pride and passion the Rugby Lane men
laid siege on their opponents’ line. Finally, the pressure told and Matt Whitaker scored and though
the touchline conversion drifted wide it was 48-36 as the game entered time added on. Ewan
McTaggart demonstrated how to secure the restart and put Sutton on the attack again. Freddy
Bunting saw a gap and accelerated into the Reigatian half. The retreating defence of the Old Boys
conceded a penalty. Without hesitation it was quickly taken and Matt Whitaker was dotting down
under the posts. The rapidly taken conversion was successful and the scoreboard read 43-48.
It was breathless and unbelievable rugby and the passionate crowd had witnessed the
most extraordinary reversal of fortunes. The Black & Whites secured possession and Bunting and
Watkins led the charge to halfway. This time the penalty led to a yellow card and the 14-man Old
Reigatian team were forced into their 22 by Freddy Bunting’s arrowing kick. Then another penalty
and Mr Whinney issued another yellow card with a mortician’s lofty detachment for the irksome
job in hand as OR were set to complete the game with 13 on the pitch. The visitors faced a 5-
metre lineout with no doubt a mixture of emotions from total disbelief to grim determination. To
their eternal credit the visitors defended with heroic valour tackling with ferocity and denying
space until they forced a turnover. The final whistle was greeted with jubilation and relief by Old
Reigatian whilst the Sutton faces were marked deeply with the hieroglyphics of pain.

First and foremost, this was a fabulous game of rugby that did great credit to all who were
involved. The Old Reigatian backs attract a lot of praise, which is thoroughly deserved, but do not
underestimate the front row triumvirate of Messrs Monk, Nestor and Collister who provided an
excellent platform. No doubt the club archivist will be asked if Tom Baldwin broke the record for
most points in a league game. For Sutton the remarkable revival should convince them that they
have the capability to beat anyone in the league when they play their best rugby. Next week the
1 st XV travel to Battersea Ironsides who themselves have enjoyed three close encounters of the
rugby kind so far this campaign with two victories. The kick off will be 3pm at Burntwood Lane and
it will be the first time Sutton have played a league fixture at this venue as last season the
weather meant it was relocated to the Grasshoppers RFC’s synthetic surface.

Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Watkins, Scott, Bibby, Huie, Bunting ©, Munford, Mount, Gordon, Boaden, Glanville,
McTaggart, Rea, Jones & Whitaker.
Replacements: Hilton, Green & Elliott.

Old Reigatian
Woodford, Mitchell, Allen, Baldwin, Coyle, Holder, Skinner, Monk, Nestor, Collister, Jones, Franklin-
Talbot, Brooks, Goldsmith & Travers.
Replacements: Lee, Courteney-Walker & Parker.

Photo: Robin Kennedy

Beckenham 29 Sutton & Epsom RFC 14. Saturday 14th September.

Sutton & Epsom arrived at Balmoral Lane as league leaders after a comprehensive
Colfeians victory by 50-7. Beckenham had impressed with a 27-13 triumph of their own over
Reeds Weybridge in their opener. As are the vagaries of availability there were six switches in the
Sutton set up but no new arrivals. Messrs Elliott and Rea were elevated from the bench with Joe
Lovatt starting at 9 to be joined by the experienced quintet of Munford, Whitaker, Mount, Mohr
and Tame. Apologies for absence ranged from concussion to watching the T20 cricket finals at
Edgbaston. Meanwhile, Beckenham’s hat trick hero of Round One, Geordie Boyce, had endured an
Australian Friday night to forget in Cardiff and was absent. After a keenly contested encounter
Beckenham deserved the honours with a bonus point victory by 29-14.

Freddy Bunting kicked off on a beautifully sunny afternoon with a stiff breeze over his
shoulder. After the initial sparring from both attacking units it was S&E that produced the first
chance of the afternoon. A flowing break after a dozen minutes saw Sutton thwarted by foul play 5
metres from glory. The tapped penalty found its way to Matt Whitaker who stretched for the line
but Mr Burchell adjudicated that the ball had not been touched down. Beckenham put themselves
under further pressure by knocking on on their 22. This time it was Lawrence Elliott for Sutton
who came agonisingly close to opening the scoring but marvellous defence prevented the ball
being placed over the line. Moments later it was not to be third time lucky as a rampaging run by
prop Alex Mount set up the perfect platform for a try but the opportunity was squandered.
At the start of the second quarter Beckenham winger Gabriel Jordan dashed into the
enemy half and threatened a stunning score but he was scythed down by a tremendous tackle by
Lawrence Elliott. Having that taste of moderate success the hosts looked probable scorers on the
half hour when Number 8 Andrew Knowles was hauled down with the line at his mercy. It was a
very temporary stay of execution for Sutton. From the ensuing scrum the ball was transferred to
the left where winger Gabriel Jordan had time and space to score. Despite the Lewis Bunton
conversion failing on the wind Beckenham led 5-0.

Excellent pressure from the Black & Whites at the restart gave them an advantageous
lineout on the host’s 22. The scenario improved when Beckenham conceded a penalty that was
kicked into the corner. Initially the Kent forwards splendidly drove back the Surrey pack. However,
a secondary Sutton surge saw the visiting forwards advance towards the line. Then play was
halted by the shrill blast of the whistle and the referee not only awarded Sutton & Epsom a penalty
try but also he flourished a yellow card to captain Richard O’Keefe to reduce the host’s, who now
trailed 7-5, to 14 men. The Balmoral Avenue men made light of the numerical deficiency and soon
regained the lead. S&E failed to deal we a bobbling ball near their 22. From the scrum the home
team struck down the flank with an arcing run followed by an inside pass to scrum half Craig
Thomson who went through untouched to score. Lewis Bunton’s successful strike concluded the
first half with Beckenham leading 12-7 despite the wind and being a player down on the naughty
step.

With the Beckenham coaching contingent imploring greater dynamism from their charges
one contemplated that the collective noun for a group of coaches should be a ‘Frustration’ of
coaches. Meanwhile in the visiting camp the message would have highlighted that the numerous
visits to the opposition 22 had garnered only a solitary try whereas their opponents had been far
more clinical with a couple of scores. The Balmoral Avenue faithful must have viewed their team as
slight favourites as they had both the lead and the wind but they knew success would only come
with an improved performance in the second half.

From the restart the hosts went in search of their next score. They upped the pace and
ferocity and forced an error from the visitors when their scrum, on their line, came under
considerable pressure. Beckenham looked to be mimicking S&E when they dropped the ball but
rather than being fly-hacked to safety it fell into attacking hands. With commendable vision a long
bouncing pass reached Matt Lovell in splendid isolation for him to score with ease. Lewis Bunton
added to the growing lead with the conversion for 19-7. Moments later the Kent men looked likely to score a marvellous try as they swept down the pitch exhibiting superb support play but scrambling Sutton denied them a spectacular score.

S&E brought on their bench, Messrs Boaden, Hilton and Munford as they sought to hold out
under their posts. The hosts conceded a free kick that was taken quickly by Matt Whitaker and in a
flash he had relieved the siege and was crossing the halfway line. With the hour rapidly
approaching Sutton were indebted to a wonderful solo effort from flanker Dan Jones who showed
great pace and nimble footwork to score. Freddy Bunting nonchalantly added the extras to put his
team back into the contest as they entered the final quarter trailing by 19-14. Elation became
deflation from the restart. Failure to catch the kick led to the ball being deflected forward and
giving away a hideous offside penalty as the approaching ball was as irresistible as an ice-cold
lager on a sweltering summer afternoon. Lewis Bunton punished the error as he chipped over the
penalty for a 22-14 lead that meant the visitors needed two scores to avoid defeat.

Lewis Bunton now sensibly used the wind to keep Sutton at arm’s length by pinning them
in their 22 with well-placed kicks. S&E were chasing the game and conceded a kickable penalty but
Beckenham went in search of the bonus point try. Though their bravery went unrewarded as they
lost the attacking lineout they had their reward in time added on. Gabriel Jordan scored his second
try by demonstrating great strength in contact to break the tackle and then notable determination
to run 30 metres straining every muscle to score with tacklers hanging onto his frame. Lewis
Bunton bisected the uprights from the touchline for 29-14. There was time for one more
frustrating visit to the host’s line for the persevering visitors but the lammergeyers had been
hovering over the Sutton carcass for a while and the final whistle put the visitors out of their
misery on a frustrating afternoon for them.

Beckenham deservedly won this encounter outscoring S&E by 4-2 in the try count. From
the outset their pack had the upper hand in the set scrum despite an early departure of the
influential Rimarni Richards. The brothers Caddy impressed in the midfield whilst the educated
boot of Lewis Bunton kept Sutton in their half in the second period once an 8-point lead had been
established. Credit must also be given to the host’s dogged defence in the first half that frustrated
the visitors’ attack that could not get into top gear. The clinical finishing by the home team was
the ultimate difference between two evenly-matched outfits.

For Sutton & Epsom Dan Jones put in his best performance for the 1 st XV and his stunning
solo score was a just reward for a tireless effort in the best traditions of openside flankers. It is
easy to take Matt Whitaker for granted as he approaches his 200 th appearance but his uncanny
habit of gathering the ball at eight from a retreating pack and still getting over the gain line is an
invaluable commodity. Though the tempo and ferocity of the contest went up a notch or two in
the second half it was the rather flat performance, in contrast to Week 1, in the first period that
scuppered the Black & Whites in this match. In terms of possession and territory they should have
led at the interval but instead turned around with a 5-point deficit which proved to be a significant
obstacle to success.

The Black and Whites return to Rugby Lane to take up the challenge of Old Reigatian who
were most impressive 38-21 winners in the corresponding fixture last season. They will hope, no
doubt, to recapture the sparkling form from the opening fixture and return to winning ways.
Sutton & Epsom

Elliott, Watkins, Scott, Bibby, Mohr, Bunting ©, Lovatt, Mount, Gordon, Gibson, Tame, McTaggart,
Rea, Jones & Whitaker.
Replacements: Boaden, Hilton, & Munford.
Beckenham
Kennedy, Lovell, J. Caddy, L. Caddy, Jordan, Bunton, Thomson, Baker, Willden, Richards,
Latouche, Moran, Keefe ©, Stapleton & Knowles.
Replacements: Hatfield, Bernard-Moore & Feldhaus-Davies.

Sutton & Epsom RFC opened their 2024-25 league account against Old Colfeians, on Saturday 7th September, over whom they had completed an impressive double last season. There were nine changes in personnel from the last time the Black & Whites ran out at Rugby Lane in the concluding fixture against Reeds Weybridge. Among the multiple changes were six debutants: Arun Watkins on the wing; Finlay Scott and Adam Bibby in the centres; Pete Gordon at hooker; and Callum Hilton and Josh Rea ready to come off the bench. It very much had the feel of a new beginning for the Surrey outfit, with not a single player in the same position as in the curtain-raiser from last season. When the final whistle blew, the new-look XV had surpassed all expectations with a thrilling 50-7 victory.

Captain Bunting kicked off the campaign, and after ten minutes it was the hosts who opened the scoring. Pouncing on a clearance that failed to make touch, Sutton advanced into the opposition 22. Debutant hooker Pete Gordon exploited the blindside to race home untouched. Freddy Bunting added the extras for a 7-0 lead. As S&E dominated the early exchanges, the visitors’ task became harder when winger Estefan Ellis was awarded a yellow card for a high tackle. The visitors, now a man down, were swiftly punished. Bunting kicked into the corner, and from the platform of the attacking lineout, Rob Hegarty forced his way over from short yardage. The conversion failed, but Sutton & Epsom held a useful 12-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Rugby Lane team pressed hard to maximise their numerical advantage, gathering the restart and running the ball back with interest. Soon, winger Jordan Huie was threatening to add another score. The pack rumbled remorselessly forward before the ball was spun out to Gareth O’Brien, who jinked, stepped, and stretched out to touch down for a try. Freddy Bunting slotted over the kick for 19-0. The visitors were restored to their full complement, but the card had cost them 12 points. Old Colfeians struggled to gain a foothold in the contest, as errors and penalties frustrated their rhythm and gifted territory to the eager hosts. As the interval approached, S&E had another 5-metre lineout. Once again, the forwards controlled the ball and pressured the line before a timely release to the backs offered Gareth O’Brien the opportunity to cross the whitewash again. Freddy Bunting celebrated the bonus point score with another conversion, making it 26-0.

Sutton made personnel changes as debutants Rea and Hilton replaced Jones and Hilton. In the generous time allowed for stoppages, Colfeians started to find their feet and pressed for a morale-boosting score before the break. However, the Black & Whites’ resolute defence neutralised the attacks, and the sides turned around with the hosts enjoying an impressive 26-0 lead. It was clear that the men from Horn Park would need an early score in the second period to initiate a comeback and try to sow the seeds of doubt in the confident Sutton squad.

Any hope for the visiting supporters of an early score was denied by a combination of Sutton’s intensity in defence and Colfeians’ mounting error count. S&E replaced Pete Gordon with Dan Jones as Lawrence Elliott came off the bench to swap with Adam Bibby. As the final quarter approached, it was Sutton & Epsom who recorded try number five. Arun Watkins reacted fastest to a loose ball and burst through a gap to score his first try for the home team. Freddy Bunting made it four from five as the lead stretched to 33-0.

With the score and the clock against them, the Colfeians’ mountainous task was approaching Everest-like proportions. However, five minutes later, a flicker of light emerged from the abyss as Captain Andy O’Malley, carrying a couple of Sutton tacklers on his back, scored. Ryan Napper provided the conversion, making it 33-7. Sutton’s fatalists were soon relieved when, minutes later, a familiar electrifying break by Dan Jones gifted Freddy Bunting a try. However, to the surprise of many, the usually reliable kicker saw his effort drift wide, leaving the score at 38-7.

Unfortunately, scrum-half Laurence Wise was forced to depart with a shoulder injury after a sterling performance as the game entered the period that Mr Ben Stewart’s watch deemed necessary. There was still plenty of time for the Rugby Lane crowd to enjoy a brace of tries from debutant centre Finlay Scott. The first, an unconverted effort, followed two breaks, and Scott was on hand as the beneficiary. The second came after Colfeians’ scrambling defence conceded a penalty try and collected a yellow card. A precise cross-field kick opened up the defence for the final try. Normal service was resumed as Freddy Bunting bisected the uprights for a 50-7 win.

There was an air of almost uncomfortable optimism before the kick-off at Rugby Lane, as pre-season had gone well, and there was evident intensity in defence and improved continuity between the forwards and backs. Lest one forget, S&E had conceded an uncomfortable 598 points last league campaign, and as the legendary coach of the University of Alabama football team, Bear Bryant, wisely stated: “Offence wins games… defence wins championships.” However, few would have expected Sutton to break two all-time league records. Not only did they eclipse their previous points total of 49 against Bedford Athletic in 2018 by scoring 50, but they also surpassed the 31-point winning margin of their 2005 45-14 thrashing of Gosport & Fareham. What was most impressive was that the Black & Whites had integrated numerous new combinations at half-back and in the centres, with a debutant hooker in Pete Gordon. For a delighted coaching staff, this performance must bode well for the rest of the season. For the unfortunate Old Colfeians, it was one of those days where things simply did not go right. The first game of the season should never be a barometer for the whole fixture list, as numerous hurdles, from weddings to injuries, can distort the true picture.

The campaign will continue next weekend, Saturday 14th September, with a trip to Balmoral Avenue, where Sutton enjoyed one of their finest games of the last campaign, defeating the then-league-leaders Beckenham 26-22 on an afternoon notable for extraordinary winds.

Sutton & Epsom: O’Brien, Watkins, Scott, Bibby, Huie, Bunting ©, Wise, Boaden, Gordon, Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Pulvirenti, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Hilton, Rea & Elliott.

Old Colfeians: Edwards, Chapman, Sleep, Griffiths, Ellis, Napper, Spaczil, Rameaux, Holland-Oliver, Whicello, O’Malley ©, T. Walker, M. Walker, Carter & Gray.
Replacements: Seva, Cunningham & Ramdhan.

Photo credit: Robin Kennedy

Old Glynonians are the new holders of the Papa Johns Community Cup Counties 3 South Shield, having overcome Cranleigh in a thrilling 22-21 victory on Sunday 12th May.

After an emotional minute’s silence was held in honour of former Old Glynonians player Ben Rollinson, who sadly died aged just 42 last Friday, Glyn started with a fire in their belly and scored two early tries to take a 10-0 lead within the first 20 minutes, but the next 60 minutes would not be as straightforward.

Cranleigh responded with two converted scores to lead 10-14 and appeared to be heading towards half-time full of confidence, but OGs captain Tim Laughton-Scott crashed over the whitewash in the last play of the half to restore the Epsom & Ewell-based side’s lead.

With temperatures rising to an annual peak of 25c down at Shaftesbury Park in Bristol, home of the Bristol Bears Women, and just a point separating the teams at 15-14, everything was set for an exhausting second 40.

Five minutes into the second half, Man of the Match Michael Hume showed speed, power and calm to break through the Cranleigh defence and juggle a back-and-fourth pass with his fellow centre before dotting down to extend Old Glynonians’ lead. The try was converted by fly-half Sam Smith to make the score 22-14.

And that kick that would prove the difference between glory and gut-wrenching defeat, as 35 minutes of gruelling Glyn defence was finally broken by Cranleigh who got over the line to make it 22-21. But as the Crane’s conversion sailed through the sticks, the full-time whistle was blown. The match would end 22-21 in favour of the Old Glynonians.

The 2024 Papa Johns Community Cup Counties 3 South Shield now sits alongside three Surrey Bowls (2008, ’09, ’12) in the Old Glynonians trophy cabinet.

James McFarlane, Chairman of Old Glynonians RFC, said: “Firstly, huge credit has to go to Cranleigh. They have given us one of the hardest-fought games I can ever remember. The one-point winning margin is a fair representation of how tight the game was and how well-matched the sides were, so they should also be proud of their performance.

“Winning this competition is hugely satisfying. There are so many people that have been mucking in both on and off the pitch for so many years, and now it all feels worth it.”

Tim Laughton-Scott, Captain of Old Glynonians RFC, said: “We really had to dig deep out there to win this, so it feels like a very sweet victory. We knew we could do it, but when the score flipped against us in the first half, it tested our belief for sure. We stuck to our game, fought bravely on what was an exhausting day under the sun, and just about came away on top.

“I never expected to be picking up silverware in my first season as captain, but the support from the players and the backroom staff has been great. It’s a big win for everyone involved.”

James Kennedy-Myers, Head Coach of Old Glynonians RFC, said: “I didn’t play but I’m still exhausted! To win our first trophy in over decade and to do it less than 48 hours after the devastating loss of a former player stirs up so many emotions. Rollo [Ben Rollinson] was a great friend of mine, and this win will be well and truly dedicated to him.

“I’m thrilled with the squad that we have, probably our strongest ever, and look forward to defending our crown next season.”

_{Image: Old Glynonians lift the Papa Johns Community Cup.  credit Lisa Banning/Old Glynonians}

Epsom & Ewell-based Old Glynonians RFC will take a team bus to Bristol this Sunday 12^th May to contest the Papa Johns Community Cup Counties 3 South Shield Final.

The side, formed in 2007 by former Glyn School students and still made-up of a number of alumni, will face fellow Surrey side Cranleigh, having dismissed Streatham-Croydon RFC and King’s College Hospital in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively.

This will be the ‘Ogs’ first final since 2012, where they saw off Merton to win the Surrey Bowl, a competition they also won in 2008 and 2009.

James McFarlane, Chairman of Old Glynonians RFC, said: “Less than two years ago we were finding our feet again after a COVID-interrupted year or two of on-and-off rugby, so to be heading to a cup final with arguably our strongest ever squad is testament to all the hard work put by so many people at the club.

We’d like to thank The Rising Sun in Epsom, our home pub and clubhouse, for their hospitality this season, our brilliant sponsors, Radford & Sons Butchers in Stoneleigh, without them we wouldn’t have any new kit or quality food for out BBQ social events, as well as the brilliant City Skills. Thanks also to Glyn School for continuing to let us use the facilities. Fingers crossed the boys can get the job done on Sunday”

Tim Laughton-Scott, Captain of Old Glynonians RFC, said: “Things have really started to click this year. We had a mixed bag of results earlier in the winter, but as the players have gelled, confidence levels have grown and I’ve got a lot of faith in the team going down to Bristol on Sunday. Funnily enough, we’ve only recently come off our end-of-season tour to Amsterdam, but we all came home in one piece and everyone should be in good shape for the game.”

James Kennedy-Myers, Head Coach of Old Glynonians RFC, said: “The boys have already achieved great things this season, including a club-record 10 league wins, and things really have gone from strength-to-strength over the last few months.

“If we turn up with the same energy and commitment we’ve shown in the previous two rounds of this competition, then there’s every chance we can lift the cup.”

The match will take place at Shaftesbury Park, the home of Bristol Bears Women and will kick off at 11am.