Bromley 31 Sutton & Epsom 40. Saturday 17th October.

Sutton & Epsom survived a remarkable second-half Bromley fightback before hooker Sam Lennie completed a hat-trick to inspire the Black & Whites to a thrilling 40-31 victory on the road.

Last season Sutton & Epsom opened their campaign at Bromley on a gloriously sunny afternoon more suited to cricket than rugby, with Hayes CC 2nd XI versus Chislehurst CC 2nd XI providing the genteel backdrop to the physical combat.

Sutton and Epsom won that encounter 49-19, although the result was skewed by the absence of several Bromley first-team players lured away by a golf weekend. At the end of the season Bromley gained revenge with a thrilling 34-30 win at Rugby Lane, a result more reflective of two sides who ultimately finished only four points apart in the league table.

This time Bromley entered the match unbeaten following victories over Battersea Ironsides, Dartfordians and Hammersmith & Fulham. Sutton had also beaten the Ironsides and Hammersmith & Fulham, so a close encounter was anticipated.

Those at the Warman Sports Club were not disappointed.

Tom Lennard and Ben Tame returned to the Sutton and Epsom squad after the previous weekend’s delayed start to the season had disrupted their plans. Lennard moved to full-back in the continuing absence of Gareth O’Brien.

Joe Lovatt, despite breaking his nose in the previous round, was named among the replacements, with his fiancée presumably hoping he would not resemble a Picasso portrait by the final whistle.

Bromley’s squad contained plenty of experience, including first-team centurions Robbie Brown, George Hawkins, Jonathon Griffiths, James Powell and the Scott brothers.

The Bromley pitch has a significant slope and Sutton played downhill during the opening half, while the hosts had the breeze in their favour.

It took only a minute for the visitors to open the scoring.

Lennard impressively caught a clearance before kicking into open space. The full-back then gathered his own kick and, three passes later, Adam Bibby was sauntering beneath the posts.

Freddy Bunting converted for an early 7-0 lead.

Helped by a flurry of penalties, Bromley applied pressure but twice failed to make the most of five-metre lineouts. Their frustration increased on the quarter-hour when Sutton scored from a lineout inside the 22.

Excellent control by the pack advanced the ball before Sam Lennie burst from the melee to score. Bunting again added the extras to make it 14-0.

Bromley then opted for a penalty attempt but the kick slid past the upright.

Sutton and Epsom immediately travelled back down the slope and scored again. Another attacking lineout supplied the platform before scrum-half Euan Findlay darted over.

Bunting landed an excellent touchline conversion and suddenly Sutton led 21-0.

Considering their share of possession and territory, Bromley were overdue a response. It came through an impressive move initiated by Harvey Young and finished in style by George Hawkins.

Jonathon Griffiths converted to reduce the deficit to 21-7.

From the restart Sutton and Epsom looked certain to score again when Bunting burst through and charged deep into the 22, only for his pass to be intercepted.

The visitors did not have long to wait for their bonus-point try.

A Bromley counterattack ended in a penalty near halfway. Sutton and Epsom kicked to the corner and, after one lineout was pulled down, kicked another penalty to within five metres.

For the third time the catch-and-drive produced a score and once again Lennie was the beneficiary.

Bunting missed the conversion but Sutton held an imposing 26-7 lead at the interval.

The question whenever rugby is played on such a distinctive slope is how many points the downhill advantage is worth.

Sutton and Epsom were complete novices on the Warman Sports Club’s main pitch and, if the visitors believed a 19-point half-time lead represented a winning position, they were about to be corrected.

Bromley levelled the scores in 12 chaotic minutes.

An early home try came after excellent continuity between forwards and backs, with James Powell eventually applying the finishing touch. Griffiths converted and it was 26-14.

Only a few minutes later Bromley struck again.

The dangerous Hawkins initially fumbled the ball backwards but recovered to create the opportunity. Hooker Harry Milne gathered possession with plenty still to do and powered over with defenders hanging from him.

The touchline conversion failed but suddenly the deficit was only five points at 26-19.

Then came the equalising score — and one that Sutton supporters will not remember fondly.

Bromley opted for a kick at goal. It missed, bounced loose and flanker Tom Scott reacted quickest, catching the ball and falling across the line.

Whether viewed as opportunism, superb awareness, comedy or calamity depended largely on one’s allegiance.

Griffiths converted and, astonishingly, it was 26-26.

The sizeable Warman crowd was now in full voice, anticipating a continuation of the Bromley onslaught.

Sutton steadied themselves, with prop Dan Johnson leading the way through a couple of powerful carries. His second ended with blood pouring from his nose and Eric Duey entering the action.

Once more Sutton and Epsom punished a Bromley penalty by kicking into the corner.

The resulting drive was disrupted and Bromley hacked clear, apparently denying Lennie the opportunity of completing his hat-trick.

Perhaps the hooker took that personally.

Following Tipene Maxwell’s initial break, Lennie carried on the attack and simply refused to be stopped, powering over near the posts for his third try.

Bunting converted and Sutton and Epsom were back in front at 33-26.

Soon afterwards Bromley were reduced to 14 men and, with 15 minutes remaining, the heavens opened.

Momentum had swung back towards the visitors and the inspired Lennie again swept all before him as he rampaged towards the line in search of a fourth try.

He was denied, but Sutton earned a penalty and turned down the kick at goal in favour of exploiting their lineout superiority.

Bromley resisted the first attempt but conceded another penalty. Sutton opted for the scrum and, a couple of phases later, Josh Rea selected a devastating line to cross from close range.

Bunting added the simple conversion and the Black & Whites had restored a substantial 40-26 advantage.

Those accustomed to supporting Sutton & Epsom, however, were not counting their chickens with ten minutes still to play.

Their caution was justified when Bromley scored a fifth try shortly after returning to 15 men.

A sweeping move ended with centre Griffiths crossing in the corner. His conversion attempt into the blustery breeze fell short, leaving Sutton 40-31 ahead.

There was still time for further drama.

Tom Boaden departed with cramp and the bloodied but unbowed Johnson returned to the pitch. Sutton replacement Ben Tame was then shown a yellow card as the visitors dug in to defend their advantage.

For all Bromley’s late endeavour, however, the hosts could not fashion another scoring opportunity and Sutton & Epsom held on for an absorbing 40-31 victory.

For spectators there are few greater thrills than watching sweeping attacks and backs finishing flowing moves.

The aficionado, however, can revel equally in rugby’s more physical contest — the route-one attack confronted by a defiant “they shall not pass” defence.

For a period early in the second half Sutton appeared to have run up the white flag as Bromley erased their 19-point advantage.

Nobody, however, had told Sam Lennie.

The hooker grabbed the contest by the scruff of the neck and took the battle back to Bromley, dragging his teammates with him.

It was a stunning performance encapsulating some of rugby’s oldest qualities.

Next Saturday Sutton’s tour of Kent continues when they travel to Rectory Field to face Gravesend, who sit second in the table with three wins from four matches.

Sutton & Epsom are fourth, one point behind, also with three victories.

Beckenham are now the division’s only unbeaten club after defeating Medway and top the table with the maximum 20 points.

John Croysdill

Sutton & Epsom: Lennard, Scott, Bibby, Maxwell, A Findlay, Bunting, E Findlay, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, McTaggart, Glanville, Rea, Jones, Hegarty (c).

Replacements: Duey, Tame, Lovatt.

Bromley: Hawkins, Powell, Weekes, Griffiths, Lovell, Young, Friday, McFarland, Milne, Hosie, Brown, Elliott, T Scott, Gray, Child-May.

Replacements: Carroll, Harding, G Scott.

Photo credit Iain Frazer

Medway 24 Sutton & Epsom 7 Saturday 10th October

Sutton & Epsom have only had three league visits to Priestfields. The first encounter in 2016 saw an Andy Matthews hat-trick secure promotion for the Black & Whites from the old London One South. On their last trip, Sutton & Epsom had an abundant advantage of 26 points overhauled by a marauding Medway team.

Last season the hosts were most unfortunate to be relegated on points difference from Level 5 and are naturally looking for a return to Regional 1 at the earliest possible opportunity.

With both clubs enjoying a perfect start to the new campaign, garnering maximum points, it was all set to be a fair measure of both sides’ credentials for the season to come. Medway’s 24-7 triumph maintained their perfect record.

Sutton & Epsom played with the slope in the first period and opened their account in the third minute. A dazzling break, synonymous with Adam Bibby’s play, jinked through the defence and hooker Sam Lennie was in support to cross the whitewash. Freddy Bunting slotted over the conversion for a most encouraging 7-0 score for the visitors.

Unfortunately for Sutton & Epsom it became a case of one step forward and two or three back as they accumulated penalties for multiple offences.

On the quarter-hour Medway equalised. After sustained pressure, powerful lock Peter Cole, stationed on the touchline, received the ball a few metres out and forced his way over before running around to improve the angle for the conversion. A grateful Owen Church-Mills obliged and made it 7-7.

Soon after the restart Sutton & Epsom lost Angus Findlay to a yellow card as the weight of penalties became too much for the referee to bear. Reduced to 14 men, Medway took advantage with a sweeping attack.

Then, to the dismay of the travelling Rugby Lane supporters, Freddy Bunting was given a yellow card for a no-arms tackle in the corner. Sutton & Epsom were now very much unlucky 13.

The Priestfields crowd were soon applauding the lead. The Men of Kent – or Kentish Men, depending on their geographical disposition – scored through a driving maul as lock Peter Cole collected his second try of the afternoon. Owen Church-Mills added another conversion for 14-7.

Rather than meekly folding in adversity, Sutton & Epsom stiffened their resolve and took the attack to Medway. There was to be no fairytale ending as they were halted on the line. It was to the visitors’ considerable credit that they did not concede another point while suffering their numerical deficiencies.

Then, just when the Black & Whites thought they could return to normal, they lost full-back Michael Bennion to an ankle injury. Joe Lovatt came off the bench to play at scrum-half as Sutton & Epsom amended the back division, with Euan Findlay switching to 15.

The remainder of the half continued as powerful tackling subdued attacking intent. For Sutton & Epsom, Tipene Maxwell made his first start in his familiar position at 12 and reminded supporters of yesteryear of James Faaatuatu, whose bone-shaking tackling enlivened Rugby Lane ten years ago.

The first period ended with Medway leading 14-7 and all the players grateful for a breather after a very physical half.

The crowd at Priestfields were witnessing the type of match one would anticipate from two unbeaten teams. With the home team having the advantage of the slope for the second half they were marginal favourites, but Sutton & Epsom had shown enough attacking intent to keep the match in the balance.

The start of the second half reflected the closeness of the contest and was patchy as both sides battled for supremacy. Sutton & Epsom were perhaps guilty of trying to force plays, but that was the result of the parsimonious Medway defence, which robustly stood its ground.

The third quarter proved to be a stop-start affair that ended with more misfortune for the visitors. Joe Lovatt was forced from the field having suffered a broken nose. This was most untimely for the scrum-half as he is about to get married.

Once more the coaches scratched their heads to reorganise their backs. It was not quite shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic, as Josh Rea has often slipped into the backs, but the situation was far from ideal. Pete Gordon came off the bench to play in the back row.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, the Kent club got some breathing space with their third try of the afternoon. Gaining possession from a loose ball near halfway after a Sutton & Epsom scrum, they progressed to the Black & White 22.

Following several phases, the ball came to John Sipawa and the prolific wing scored in his trademark style. Though the conversion failed, the hosts had a two-score advantage, leading 19-7.

If onlookers thought that might have knocked the stuffing out of the visitors they were very much mistaken, as Sutton & Epsom took the game to their opponents.

The Black & Whites threw themselves into attack mode as they went in search of points. They could not translate possession, territory and phases into points. Each half-break urged on by their supporters was met by scrambling cover. Greater risks were being taken in order to find a solution.

It was met with a cruel final nail in the coffin in added time. Pressing in the Medway 22, winger Perry Macauley picked off a pass and set off for glory. As the cover came and, 35 metres out, he weaved to avoid the tacklers and spotted support to his right.

Impressively, it was the mountainous figure of Peter Cole who set off after the kick ahead. He was rewarded for his heroic support run as he reached the ball first to complete his hat-trick – a rare accomplishment for a lock forward – as Medway led 24-7.

It is always a pleasure to see one of the engine room of the pack, the perennial unsung heroes, have their moment in the spotlight.

Shortly afterwards the final whistle concluded this hard-fought encounter. The Black & Whites were rather more black and blue, but in defeat they should find a great deal of solace in their spirit, unity to the cause and resilience in adversity.

Medway remain unbeaten with maximum points, with only Beckenham ahead of them in the table. The hosts’ defence was tireless while Peter Cole gained the plaudits.

Finally, a special note of thanks to Gareth O’Brien who, despite being a late injury withdrawal, demonstrated the qualities of the “good club man”. He not only travelled to the game but also took on the commentary duties as “Junior JC”.

Next Saturday the Black & Whites’ charabanc heads to the Warman Sports Club. Without the pitch priority given over to the cricketers, as was the case last season, they will play Bromley on their main pitch.

The Kent club have started the campaign with wins over the Ironsides, Dartfordians and Hammersmith & Fulham to sit fourth in the table, compared with Sutton & Epsom’s fifth position.

Sutton & Epsom: Bennion, Scott, Bibby, Maxwell, Findlay A, Bunting, Findlay E, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, McTaggart, Glanville, Rea, Jones & Hegarty (c). Reps: Duey, Gordon & Lovatt.

Medway: McNamara, Macauley, Bullock, Clement, Sipawa, Church-Mills, Hyde, Nickalls, Knight, Miles, Cole, Kenny, Cauldwell, Wilson & Wickham. Reps: Fuller, Ross & Hearn.

Image from previous fixture. Credit Robin Kennedy

Sutton and Epsom 34 Battersea Ironsides 31 Saturday 3rd October

One of the quirks of the various delays in the season’s opening is that the Rugby Lane supporters will be severely undernourished in terms of their 1st XV league diet. The campaign was always intended to break with recent tradition and open on the second, rather than first, Saturday in September. Then the weather intervened to see the curtain raised belatedly last Saturday. In addition, there is a moment when clubs have back-to-back road trips in the fixture list. All of the above conspired to make Saturday’s game against the Ironsides the only home fixture before Halloween. Fortuitously, for those who attended, the crowd revelled in a ten-try thriller of fluctuating fortunes with the hosts emerging triumphant in a tense conclusion by 34-31.

Sutton and Epsom made two changes from Week 1 with Eric Duey and debutant Tipene Maxwell appearing on the bench. Before the kick-off there was a minute’s silence to commemorate one of the most respected men in Sutton and Epsom’s rugby history. Bryan Chapple was a former player, President and committeeman par excellence who was also one of the instigators of the Seven Counties Merit Table. Ominous black clouds loomed over Rugby Lane as Alex Lambe’s whistle and Cameron Baker’s boot initiated proceedings. Both teams pressed hard for the opening score as attacking verve rather than caution was the order of the day. After a dozen minutes, much to the delight of the Boaden Fan Club, the new centurion Thomas scored following an impressive catch and drive from the lineout by the Sutton and Epsom pack. Freddy Bunting lost his footing attempting the conversion as Sutton and Epsom led 5-0.

The brevity of the lead was as heartening for Ironsides supporters as it was depressing for the Rugby Lane faithful. S&E fluffed their lines at the restart, Battersea regained the ball and centre Ben Lyons celebrated his 100th cap in style with a dazzling solo run. Cameron Baker added the extras to put Ironsides 7-5 up. Sutton and Epsom were marginally slower by a minute with their riposte with a sweeping move by the backs that was expertly concluded by winger Angus Findlay. The conversion drifted wide but the hosts had regained the initiative and led 10-7. The score was synonymous with a much-improved performance from the back division compared with the stuttering style of the opening Saturday. The passing was crisper as players ran onto the ball at pace. Equally, the Green & Whites threequarters had power and pace that promised this would be another high-scoring encounter.

Approaching the half-hour the Black & Whites extended their lead as forwards and backs combined with devastating effect. Securing the lineout flanker Dan Jones made a break. Quick ball came to Freddy Bunting who delayed his pass to perfection to put fellow centre Adam Bibby into a gap. The fast-stepping New Zealander with instant acceleration and meandering menace was unstoppable as he scored near the posts. Freddy Bunting opened his account for 17-7. Five minutes later the lead was increased with a Bunting penalty as the scoreboard read 20-7.

Battersea’s progress was being severely hindered by a lineout that was not functioning. However, the visitors finished the first period with some of their best play. Number 9 Ed Carr, alert to what was unfolding before him, took a quick penalty and headed for the uprights. Desperate defence finally hauled him down. The try soon followed as the ball was transferred wide and, with Ironsides in abundance, Ben Lyons dummied and strolled home for his second try. Cameron Baker converted to see his side trail 14-20. Despite the best endeavours of all concerned there was no further scoring as the whistle blew for the interval. Players and spectators took a breather from the entertainment. With a history of nail-biting finishes and two teams already demonstrating their attacking prowess there were great expectations for more tries to come.

There was nearly a quick Battersea encore at the start of the second half as Ed Carr took another quick tap penalty. Sutton and Epsom were saved by a splendid tackle on Amir Sultan in the corner by Gareth O’Brien. Five minutes later the Ironsides were celebrating another try. Turning over the ball at the breakdown they countered at pace and fullback Tom Maher scythed through the defence. The 15 was halted on the line but blindside Dan McCleary scored when the ball went wide. The conversion from the flank hit the upright to deny Cameron Baker as Battersea trailed by a solitary point at 19-20. S&E replaced winger Finlay Scott with the fourth member of their Kiwi commune as Tipene Maxwell made his debut.

The Green & Whites had gained the upper hand to such an extent in the third quarter that the Black & Whites barely had the ball in their hands. The Sutton and Epsom supporters were lifted by a thunderous Maxwell tackle as he introduced himself to the uninitiated. However, it was Ed Carr, who was proving to be a most uncomfortable thorn in the home side, with another quick tap and go that exposed the S&E defences. Dan McCleary was on hand to collect his second try. Baker bisected the uprights for the 26-20 lead and a bonus point for Battersea Ironsides. The transformation of the fixture was to become more profound within five minutes as the visitors crossed the whitewash again. It was a scrappy affair as the hosts struggled to gather a loose ball and in the ensuing confusion prop Evan Jones joyously scored in the corner. The conversion failed but Battersea Ironsides had turned the match around with 24 unanswered points to lead 31-20.

Feast and famine in terms of points scoring had been a rather frustrating theme of Sutton and Epsom’s previous campaign. The XV had shown enough in the first period to offer their supporters hope that this match had not disappeared over the horizon. Their first priority was to get a fair share of possession as the game entered the final quarter. An invaluable 50/22 gave the Black & Whites an attacking lineout. The ball was secured and the forwards rumbled on before the ball was spread to the opposite touch. Lock Ewan McTaggart celebrated his birthday with an emphatic score to resuscitate the ailing Sutton and Epsom side. Freddy Bunting reduced the deficit further as S&E trailed 27-31.

For those who like the concept of the ‘turning point’ in a sporting context perhaps it came moments later. Sutton and Epsom were countering on the halfway when Battersea intercepted and set off for an inevitable try under the posts. But the shrill blast of Mr Lambe’s whistle indicated a penalty for offside that was greeted with relief by all those favouring the men in Black & White. S&E kicked to the 22 where their forwards, now resembling an unstoppable force, urged on by the crowd squandered their chance with a knock-on. Amid growing tension and fluctuating fortunes the game entered the final minutes of normal time.

Powered with renewed self-belief the hosts chased down a kick to win a penalty. The ball was propelled to prime position in the corner. Possession was secured, the forwards rumbled forward and the crowd held their breath. Mr Lambe set off arm aloft to stand under the posts to indicate a penalty try. It was greeted with raucous acclaim and an ironic smile from Sam Lennie as he realised that it would not add to his considerable tally of tries. S&E were back ahead 34-31. There were echoes of the Hammersmith & Fulham game the previous Saturday as the hosts were required to survive for a few minutes.

Reduced to 14 the Ironsides rallied for one final assault. The restart went loose but Sutton and Epsom secured it only to see the clearance charged down. Then Battersea were awarded a penalty in front of the posts near the 22. After a lengthy pause in proceedings the visitors decided to go for glory and take a tap penalty. The consequences were disastrous. The ball carrier was isolated and the ball was turned over. Then Adam Bibby launched a tremendous clearance into the opposition 22 and the chasing players forced the lineout. The home team won the ball and were awarded a penalty that was prodded to touch to conclude a wonderful contest with Sutton and Epsom 34-31 victors.

As is normally the case in this fixture either side could have been triumphant. Building on their win in Week 1 S&E were far more threatening with ball in hand. Adam Bibby was outstanding in every facet of the game as the team demonstrated resilience and self-belief to turn the tide in the final quarter. Battersea Ironsides with their disruptive forwards at the breakdown, astute Ed Carr at 9 and a surplus of strong runners in their back division will not struggle to score tries this season and will be tough opponents for every team in the league. For Sutton and Epsom next Saturday is the start of three sojourns to the Garden of England with a visit to Priestfields to renew relations with Medway who have returned to the league after one season in Level 5.

Sutton and Epsom

O’Brien, Scott, Bibby, Bunting, Findlay A, Lennard, Findlay E, Johnson, Lennie, Beck, McTaggart, Glanville, Rea, Jones & Hegarty (captain).

Replacements: Boaden, Tame & Lovatt.

Battersea Ironsides

Maher, Sultan, Bell, Lyons, Craig, Baker, Carr, Jones, Lewis, Chetwynd, Kemp, Coleman, McCleary, Chitan (captain) & Bishop.

Replacements: Batterbury, Mason & Ford.

John Croysdill

Photo credit: Robin Kennedy

Hammersmith & Fulham 33 Sutton & Epsom 35

It was a belated welcome to the 2026/27 Regional 2 South East campaign at Hurlingham Park on Saturday.

The RFU had wisely delayed the start of hostilities as the country recalled the summer of ’76 and the drought had impacted pitches. No doubt RFU committees, puffing on their Montecristo No. 2s, paraphrased Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore’s immortal words with relief: “I love the smell of petrichor in the morning.”

The Black & Whites’ season began with a first-ever league encounter against Hammersmith & Fulham. The honour of winning the inaugural edition of the “Ampersand Cup” went to S&E as they narrowly defeated H&F 35-33, despite being outscored five tries to four.

There was a solitary debutant for S&E, with James Beck, formerly of CS Stags, starting in the front row. In contrast, it was a red-letter day for Sutton prop Thomas Boaden, who made his 100th First XV league appearance off the bench.

Unfortunately H&F president Jason Leonard – a fellow prop who achieved a rather more notable century of caps – was not in attendance to offer his congratulations.

The hosts made a host of changes from their final game of the previous season, with ten alterations, but prospective debutant Jack Coman was unfortunately sidelined with a calf injury in the warm-up.

There was a minute’s silence before the match to remember Bob Lawless, the former Middlesex president who sadly passed away in June.

Referee Cyril Brognard’s whistle initiated proceedings as Sutton’s Frederick Bunting kicked off the campaign.

The Black & Whites were on the board almost instantly. The enveloping frame of Euan McTaggart blocked a box kick and the ball stayed in play. A couple of passes later scrum-half Euan Findlay was on hand to touch down in the corner.

The Bunting boot added the extras for a 7-0 S&E lead.

Maintaining the early momentum, a high tackle a few minutes later offered the visitors a chance to increase their advantage. It was no surprise to regular S&E followers that the easy three points were shunned in favour of a kick to the corner.

H&F stood firm and there was no further addition to the score.

After a dozen minutes came the unfortunate sight of debutant James Beck leaving the field with an Achilles injury that has ended his season.

Play resumed with another Sutton penalty, converted by Frederick Bunting – much to the relief of the travelling onlookers – to extend Sutton’s advantage to ten points. Thomas Boaden entered the fray for his 100th cap far earlier than he had expected.

Hammersmith now showed they had plenty to offer with a devastating attack that left the Sutton defence in tatters. However, they were thwarted a yard from glory as S&E secured not only a turnover but also a relieving penalty.

That disappointment was soon replaced by joy as H&F opened their account. A clearance kick bounced back towards the hosts and two timely prods saw the ball roll over the try line, where Ben Morris won the race to score.

Geoff Mahon’s excellent strike from the flank made it 10-7 to Sutton.

The visitors returned to attacking mode with the dazzling feet of Adam Bibby and a powerful arcing run by captain Hegarty bringing them to the line.

This time it was Sutton’s turn to be frustrated by conceding a penalty when so close to success, but like the hosts they soon had another chance.

Flanker Joshua Rea made the initial break before a sidestep and dummy from Gareth O’Brien cut through the backs, enabling him to pass to hooker Samuel Lennie, who cantered home.

The conversion narrowly missed as the Black & Whites led 15-7 on the half-hour.

Hammersmith & Fulham bounced back instantly to send the Hurlingham Park supporters into raptures.

The score was a fraternal affair as full-back Douglas Russell cleared and brother Tim skilfully claimed the bouncing ball before speeding upfield and passing back to Douglas, who ran it home.

Geoff Mahon bisected the uprights to reduce the deficit to 15-14.

The remainder of the half offered no further scoring opportunities, but on the evidence of the opening 40 minutes the crowd could look forward to plenty more entertainment.

Sutton took shelter in the shade to ponder their strategy for the remainder of the contest.

Sutton made another rapid start with a sensational score soon after the restart.

Daniel Jones carried the ball out of defence before being enveloped by H&F players, but he managed to pass to fellow flanker Joshua Rea.

To say the Kiwi had plenty to do would have been an understatement, but he covered more than 60 metres to score despite tacklers being in hot pursuit for virtually every stride.

Bunting converted as nonchalantly as a smoker flicking ash from a cigarette and S&E led 22-14.

Five minutes later the Rugby Lane followers were cheering the bonus-point try.

Daniel Jones made another telling break and found the ideal man in support, Euan McTaggart, who used every inch of his considerable reach to place the ball over the line.

The metronomic Bunting made it 29-14.

Those two scores were not, however, the precursor to a relaxing romp for the Black & Whites, as H&F replied instantly.

It was a score that will have had defensive coaches muttering profanities when reviewing the match afterwards.

S&E were awarded a penalty but failed to find touch. At least the ball remained deep inside the Hammersmith 22.

The hosts’ adventure was then aided by poor tackling. A speculative kick ahead, recalling the fortunate bounce for H&F’s first try, led to a diving attempt to catch the ball.

It was spilled forward and hacked on to within five metres. Quickly recycled, it went to fly-half Ed Shand, whose stylish dummy enabled him to stroll in for the try.

Geoff Mahon made the score 29-21 and put his side firmly back into the contest.

With Benjamin Tame and Joseph Lovatt coming off the bench, Sutton hoped fresh legs on a sweltering afternoon would provide the necessary vitality to extend their advantage.

With a keen eye on the scoreboard, they sensibly took advantage of Frederick Bunting’s kicking talent. He added a penalty at the start of the final quarter to make it 32-21.

A minute later the Middlesex men were offered a kickable penalty but sought premium points by kicking to the corner.

Their bravery was rewarded as they secured the lineout ball and advanced relentlessly.

It was left to scrum-half Geoff Mahon to score. The number nine then made it four conversions from four as H&F closed to within a score at 32-28.

The game continued with mounting tension as both sides tenaciously scrapped over every ball, each seeking the decisive blow.

As the match entered added time Sutton fly-half Thomas Lennard made the significant intervention. His arcing break saw him scuttling into the opposition 22 and the scrambling defence conceded a penalty directly in front of the uprights.

There was no hesitation in choosing to kick and, as expected, Frederick Bunting did the necessary for 35-28 as referee Brognard announced that three minutes remained.

For experienced watchers of the Black & Whites, extreme anxiety immediately set in as they watched the restart descend.

Their fears were realised when the hosts were awarded a penalty.

With a sense of inevitability Sutton found themselves defending a lineout ten metres from their own line.

H&F won the ball and their forwards did superbly to patiently advance towards the line before the final surge.

Referee Brognard, perfectly positioned on one knee, raised his arm aloft to signal the try.

The exultant home crowd soon fell silent as Geoff Mahon stepped up to take the final kick of the game from the extremities.

It fell short.

Sutton had survived to win 35-33.

Sutton & Epsom were good value for their victory, with the lineout and set scrum impressing throughout. Joshua Rea produced perhaps his finest performance in a Sutton shirt and S&E wisely exploited the Bunting boot to secure a winning start.

Hammersmith & Fulham showed themselves to be an excellent addition to the league, both on and off the field, as all concerned retired to The Temperance to enjoy the traditional rugby fellowship after the game.

Next Saturday Rugby Lane hosts Battersea Ironsides for Sutton & Epsom’s first home league fixture of the season.

Sutton & Epsom

O’Brien, Scott, Bibby, Bunting, Findlay A, Lennard, Findlay E, Johnson, Lennie, Beck, McTaggart, Glanville, Rea, Jones, Hegarty (capt).

Replacements: Boaden, Tame, Lovatt.

Hammersmith & Fulham

Russell D, Russell T, MacLeod, Louis, Scott, Shand, Mahon, Rogan, McCarthy, Poulton, Lang, Rivett, Morris, Perry, Proctor.

Replacements: Cowls, Chamberlain, Thompson.

John Croysdill

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Image: non-specific S&E in rugby action

Horsham 26 Sutton and Epsom 20. 7th March. 

In November Horsham travelled to Rugby Lane and were victorious. The Black & Whites scored a late Kyren Ghumra try to add to a Sam Lennie hat-trick and were indebted to a Freddy Bunting conversion to earn two bonus points in a 36-29 defeat.

On Saturday the Sussex club maintained their promotion push but were taken to the limit by a spirited Sutton and Epsom side. After a game of intense commitment from all parties, Horsham secured a 26-20 win that included a vital four-try bonus point.

Tom Lennard kicked off for Sutton and Epsom on a chilly afternoon at the splendid Coolhurst Ground as Ben Tame celebrated his 50th league appearance for the Black & Whites.

Horsham looked to spread the ball wide from the outset. However, Declan Nwachukwu spilled the ball under pressure from Jordan Huie to provide Sutton and Epsom with the first scrum in a most advantageous position near the 22.

Firstly Finlay Scott went close, then Josh Glanville was denied by a superb tackle from Archie Fox and, under intense pressure, Horsham number eight George Howard was issued a yellow card. From the ensuing penalty hooker Sam Lennie forced his way over for the opening try. Freddy Bunting split the uprights for a 7-0 lead for Sutton and Epsom.

Five minutes later Horsham were level. The hosts went on the attack and only determined defence prevented an instant reply. Sutton and Epsom survived a line-out in the corner when the Sussex pack were penalised for crossing.

The next Horsham attack proved more constructive. Taking advantage of defensive miscommunication near halfway, Tom Johnson made the decisive break and passed to supporting scrum-half Aaron Linfield, who scored. Caleb Raubenheimer added the extras to make it 7-7 after a thrilling opening ten minutes.

Despite the best intentions of both teams, it took another twenty minutes before the next score. Sutton and Epsom tackled relentlessly against opponents determined to move the ball wide, while Horsham thwarted the visitors’ best efforts with excellent jackling.

Sterling Sutton and Epsom defence had already seen the hosts held up over the line. Eventually, similar to Sutton and Epsom’s opening score, Horsham crossed from close range following a penalty when their pack would not be denied. Raubenheimer converted to give the hosts a 14-7 lead.

There was an anxious moment for Sutton and Epsom when Horsham threatened to extend their lead but a promising attack ended in the 22 with poor execution. Sutton and Epsom countered when Gareth O’Brien burst into the 22 and passed to Joe Lovatt, who was wrapped up by the cover defence.

Sutton and Epsom were brought back for a penalty as the tackle on O’Brien was judged too high. Freddy Bunting calmly took the three points to reduce the deficit to 14-10.

However, the intensity of the contest claimed its first Sutton and Epsom casualty as Finlay Scott was forced off with a hamstring injury. Sutton and Epsom reshuffled their lineup, with Josh Rea moving into the backs as Josh Glanville returned after earlier being replaced by Ben Tame.

The half ended with no further scoring but Sutton and Epsom’s revamped XV were pressing hard to regain the lead. It had been a highly entertaining opening period played at a frenetic pace, with both defences showing a strong appetite for the physical contest.

In such a demanding encounter, fatigue on the fast surface looked likely to become a factor in the second half. Sutton and Epsom suffered another setback at the interval when hooker Dan Jones was forced off after aggravating a shoulder injury. Tom Boaden came on to start the second half.

Sutton and Epsom fight back

Sutton and Epsom began the second half with real purpose. Sam Lennie went agonisingly close to a second try but the referee, unsighted, awarded Horsham a drop-out after ruling the hooker had been held up over the line.

Undeterred, Sutton and Epsom stormed back through a weaving run from Jordan Huie. Their pressure resulted in a penalty directly in front of the posts, and captain Freddy Bunting reduced the deficit to a single point at 13-14.

Perhaps stung by their shrinking lead, Horsham increased the pressure but squandered an excellent opportunity with an uncharacteristically poor pass.

A solid Sutton and Epsom scrum then provided the platform for a familiar Rob Hegarty surge from number eight to relieve pressure. However, Horsham earned a turnover penalty through another excellent jackal.

Declining the shot at goal, Horsham kicked to the corner and were rewarded when Caleb Raubenheimer scored their third try. The fly-half showed both composure and strength to cross despite defenders hanging off him. The conversion from the touchline missed but Horsham led 19-13 with half an hour remaining.

Sutton and Epsom responded with determination. Another Sam Lennie run earned a scrum deep in Horsham territory and a penalty forced the hosts back to their line.

Horsham produced their best defensive set of the afternoon. The Sutton and Epsom forwards were initially repelled and when the backs joined the attack they too were stopped, with Sutton and Epsom again held up over the line.

The Sussex side countered immediately but Sutton and Epsom’s pack won a relieving penalty after wheeling a scrum five metres from their own line.

The relentless nature of the contest was beginning to show as medical teams were increasingly required and several players on both sides carried knocks.

Late drama

The heroic defensive efforts were finally broken in the closing five minutes. Sutton and Epsom had repelled another Horsham attack before the hosts mistakenly kicked a penalty dead rather than securing a five-metre line-out.

From the restart the dangerous Declan Nwachukwu gathered the ball with space and ran it back superbly. The winger reached the 22 before passing to Tom Sanders, who ran in under the posts. Raubenheimer converted to give Horsham a 26-13 lead and secure their bonus point.

If anyone thought that try had finished Sutton and Epsom, they were quickly proven wrong.

With time added on and several Horsham players struggling with injuries, Sutton and Epsom launched a final assault. From a five-metre line-out they earned a penalty and this time powered over, with Rob Hegarty emerging as the scorer.

Freddy Bunting produced a superb touchline conversion to secure a bonus point for Sutton and Epsom, closing the gap to 26-20.

Sutton and Epsom were not finished and launched one last attack, with Adam Bibby running dangerously through the Horsham defence. The Black & Whites earned a line-out inside the Horsham 22 with the final play of the game.

Seconds later the Sussex side forced a knock-on and the referee’s whistle ended a compelling contest.

Promotion race tightens

Round 19 confirmed Regional 2 South East as effectively a two-horse race between Sidcup and Brighton, although Horsham are now just one win away from the play-offs and a chance to return to Level 5 at the first attempt.

The hosts combined attacking flair with thunderous tackling and crucial turnovers. It was a credit to Sutton and Epsom that the final whistle was greeted by the home side with both joy and relief.

The physical nature of the match took a heavy toll on both squads, who will welcome a rest weekend before the league resumes on 21 March.

Sutton and Epsom will host Canterbury Pilgrims while Horsham travel to Balmoral Avenue to face Beckenham.

Sutton and Epsom

O’Brien, Scott, Bibby, Bunting (capt), Huie, Lennard, Lovatt, Lennie, Jones, Howes, McTaggart, Glanville, Pulvirenti, Rea and Hegarty.
Replacements: Boaden, Tame, Gerhard.

Horsham

Fox, Grogan, Sanders (capt), Johnson, Nwachukwu, Raubenheimer, Linfield, Osgood, Tredgett, Kilfeather, Denhart, Endacott, Smith, McLoughlin and Howard.
Replacements: Powell, Thompson and Knowles.

John Croysdill

Photo credit Robin Kennedy

Next fixture: Saturday 21st March: Sutton & Epsom v Canterbury II

Sutton & Epsom RFC 27 Battersea Ironsides 38. Saturday 28th February.

With hindsight being, as ever, twenty-twenty vision, the defeat of the Black & Whites at Garratt Green has been viewed by some as the turning point of the season for Sutton & Epsom. A 15-point lead with seven minutes to go, depending on your loyalties, was either thrown away through incompetence or overturned by spirited brilliance as the Ironsides triumphed 24-22. Since that November afternoon the fortunes of the Rugby Lane team have headed in a southerly direction. Saturday’s fixture saw Sutton & Epsom, in seventh, take on Battersea, in sixth, with a solitary point separating them. The visitors took the spoils in an entertaining 38-27 win to gain a bonus point victory that saw them rise into the play-off positions.

For the Black & Whites there was minimal disruption to the squad but welcome returns for Ewan McTaggart after his international adventures and Kyren Ghumra on the wing. There was an inauspicious start to the game for the hosts, with echoes of the match in November, as the kick-off went out on the full to initiate a scrum. Battersea immediately showed their attacking intent with a delightful chip and gather by Cameron Baker but he was met by a perfectly timed tackle from Gareth O’Brien. It started an opening quarter full of attacking intent by both teams that was met by sterling defence that thwarted fleeting moments of try-scoring potential for both XVs. On the quarter hour there was an unfortunate incident as Amir Sultan rose skywards to take a clearance kick. Kyren Ghumra slipped as he approached and the collision ended with a heavy fall. Amir Sultan, after a lengthy delay, had to be helped from the field to sympathetic and universal applause from the sizeable crowd. He was replaced by Lewis Waters and the accidental nature of the incident meant that Monsieur Brognard did not issue a card.

At the start of the second quarter Sutton & Epsom enjoyed their best period of play. In rapid succession they had opportunities. The first saw Ewan McTaggart and Jack Howes combine and the second was initiated by a Gareth O’Brien counter. Both ended in turnovers that were the result of insufficient support and swarming Battersea defence. The Rugby Lane supporters had the consolation of a Tom Lennard penalty after 25 minutes that put Sutton & Epsom into a 3-0 lead. The Ironsides responded in the perfect manner but in an unexpected way. A multi-phase attack was brought back for a penalty that was kicked to the corner. Sutton & Epsom stole the 5-metre line and cleared superbly to halfway. The visitors took a quick ball but with only two men available to counter it should not have been a problem. However, a surging run tore Sutton & Epsom apart and replacement Lewis Waters was in support for the try. Cameron Baker’s conversion drifted wide but Battersea led 5-3.

The game continued to demonstrate the scoring potential of both teams as well as the defensive prowess of players frustrating opponents with timely turnovers. Sutton & Epsom hopes were raised, as so often is the case, with a robust run from hooker Sam Lennie. A man who relishes physical contact and has a deceptive turn of speed he broke free to advance to 10 metres out. Credit to the scrambling defence of the Battersea team that they reorganised and halted the hosts a couple of phases later. Unfortunately for Sutton & Epsom there was no silver lining to this cloud, as the subsequent penalty failed to add the three points.

As the first period entered time added on the visitors added another try from a stunning break. This time it was scrum-half Dan Thomas with a scintillating surge that beat the initial tacklers and found the wide-open spaces. His half-back partner Cameron Baker was on hand to provide the coup de grâce much to the delight of not only his charming parents but also the many travelling Ironsides fans who added much to a wonderful atmosphere at Rugby Lane. Baker added the simple conversion for a 12-3 lead. The half ended in frustration for Sutton & Epsom. Adam Bibby sensationally took the restart and Sutton & Epsom camped in the 22. A penalty was kicked to the corner, the lineout secured and replacement Dan Jones went close. The ball was recycled and Tom Lennard was enveloped and kept vertical for the turnover that concluded the first period. Battersea led 12-3 but no one doubted the potential for more scores in the second half.

Sutton & Epsom began the second half with relish spreading it wide with Kyren Ghumra making yards. The first scrum of the half saw a powerful drive and a penalty to the hosts. The expected kick to the corner and attacking lineout followed. Though they secured the ball Battersea stood strong and got a relieving scrum. Flanker Arboine, as he did all afternoon, carried to great effect and the Ironsides cleared. However, it was Sutton & Epsom’s turn to counter for success. An arcing run by Lennie fed Ghumra and the winger, with plenty to do, sped down the line to score. The Black & Whites trailed 8-12. The visitors were stung into action. Awarded a penalty, they took the quick tap and moments later were agonisingly close to a try as wonderful Sutton & Epsom defence held them up over the line. Five minutes later the next Battersea sortie to the Sutton & Epsom 22 saw the visitors secure their third try. A catch and drive was controlled by the pack and Raph Arboine was on hand to score from close range. The Baker boot added the extras for a 19-8 lead.

Ten minutes later the whole nature of the fixture changed as Sutton & Epsom scored twice in five magnificent minutes of rugby. The first came from a Joe Lovatt kick on halfway as a favourable bounce ended in home hands. Dan Jones accelerated into the open spaces and passed to the fleet-footed Captain Bunting who ran in the try. Tom Lennard added the simple conversion. Rejuvenated by this try Sutton & Epsom were on the attack once more. Their vastly improved lineout secured the ball to initiate a formidable drive that resulted in a try for Sam Lennie. Despite the Lennard conversion from touch rebounding back off the upright the Black & Whites led 20-19.

The men in green replied as if insulted by the hosts’ effrontery at taking the lead. They stepped up a gear and immediately put Sutton & Epsom under the cosh. Despite heroic defence near their line Sutton & Epsom succumbed as Charlie Craig took the glory and Battersea regained the lead at 24-20. Earlier it had been a relief to see Amir Sultan return to the game after his injury. However, his return now took on Lazarus-like dimensions. Tom Lennard hoisted a cross-field bomb with the intention of exposing the opposition on halfway. This time the result for the soaring Sultan was much happier. A wonderful airborne take was followed by a sprint from halfway that left the cover a very distant second. Cameron Baker calmly converted for 31-20. Five minutes later the ‘Sultan of Swerve’ had the ball again and finished with aplomb from 20 out. With the conversion added and the scoreboard reading 38-20 the contest was over.

Sutton & Epsom still had bonus points to chase and to their credit hit back with gusto to score in time added on. Once again they were indebted to their clinical lineout and the tireless endeavour of their pack. This time it was Dan Jones who popped in under the posts. Tom Lennard converted to conclude the scoring as Sutton & Epsom lost 38-27 but gained a vital bonus point. No doubt the coaches will have been frustrated by the errors but it was a thrilling spectacle for the crowd who enjoyed 10 tries. Battersea punished Sutton & Epsom errors with ruthless efficiency and seemed to have that extra gear when required. For the hosts the lineout was transformed, the forwards were formidable in the set-piece and, encouragingly, the supporters enjoyed players running onto the ball from depth with pace. Finally, credit to Cyril Brognard whose officiating enhanced the game with excellent communication, a desire to create a flowing game and superb positioning for those tries from close range.

Next Saturday Sutton & Epsom venture to the Coolhurst Ground to play Horsham RFC for the first time in a league encounter. The Sussex club, having been relegated with Brighton last season, are keen to bounce back to Regional 1 South East at the first opportunity and will be out to secure their place in the play-offs. Meanwhile Battersea host Beckenham with both clubs still in contention for extending their season.

Sutton & Epsom: O’Brien, Scott, Bibby, Bunting ©, Ghumra, Lennard, Lovatt, Boaden, Howes, Lennie, McTaggart, Glanville, Pulvirenti, Rea & Hegarty. Reps: Jones, Duey & Tame.

Battersea Ironsides: Diamond, Sultan, Bourke, Campbell, Craig, Baker, Thomas, Borup, Chetwynd-Milo, Chetwynd, Kemp, Wharton, Arboine, Chitan © & Charles. Reps: Jones, McCleary & Waters.

John Croysdill

Photo credit: Robin Kennedy

Beckenham 14 Sutton & Epsom 22. Saturday 14th February.

Last October a Tom Lennard penalty with the last kick of the game secured a Sutton and Epsom 22-19 win. A Beckenham side hit by injuries, with a George Bunton brace and the traditional Rimarni Richards try, had taken the game to the wire. Not quite as rare as the sighting of a fluffy-backed tit-babbler at Rugby Lane but the Black & Whites crucially won a second half. With the season meandering intermittently to a conclusion both clubs might be considering whether they will be involved in the inaugural play-offs. For the upwardly mobile fourth-placed hosts there is the possibility of embarking on four outings. Pessimists from the off-colour visitors might be fearing the 25th April match to decide who remains in Regional 2 South East. On Saturday, lightning struck twice as, once again, S&E won a second half and secured a vital 22-14 win to steady their nerves.

The Black & Whites were without their German international lock, Ewan McTaggart, as ‘Die Schwarzen Adler’ (‘The Black Eagles’) were in Portugal for the next round of the European Rugby Championship. Such inconveniences are most familiar to Beckenham with their Caribbean connections. For followers of rugby at this level it is a familiar tale of woe that injuries are never spread evenly from 1 to 15. This season for Sutton and Epsom the Number 9 shirt has been a hexed item of clothing and this week Sam Lovatt became the sixth player to don the cursed shroud. However, there was happier news with the return of Josh Pulvirenti to the colours. The Balmoral Avenue Brigade are no stranger to injuries and have done remarkably well this campaign despite regular absences of key personnel and once more they took the field minus stalwart players.

A year ago Beckenham lost their 2nd XV captain Graham Murray in a tragic traffic accident and there was a minute’s applause in his honour before the kick off. Considering the recent weather, that might make a modern Darwin predict webbed feet for humans in the future, Balmoral Avenue was blessed with not only sunshine but a playing surface that was a credit to the hardworking ground staff. Freddy Bunting kicked off for Sutton and Epsom but it was Beckenham who seized the initiative. The home team dominated the opening 15 minutes playing at a high tempo they threatened to run away with the game. An ominous first scrum saw Sutton and Epsom shunted back on their own ball. The combination of desperate defence and inopportune handling near the line saw S&E survive until scrum half Jack Gurney opened the scoring from close range following mounting pressure. Josh Burke added the conversion for a worthy 7-0 lead.

This was not a case of the floodgates opening but, to the contrary, the visitors replied at once. A surging burst from Gareth O’Brien hitting the line at pace from fullback carried him from his own half to near the Beckenham 22. Adam Bibby running the perfect supporting line took the pass and coasted home. Freddy Bunting added the extras for a 7-7 score. Sutton and Epsom had weathered the storm and now began to dominate possession. What was to become the theme of the afternoon was errors undoing invention for both sides. A dropped pass, a penalty kicked dead and turnovers conceded all blighted the Rugby Lane men’s progress. Approaching the 40-minute mark Jack Howes won a terrific turnover penalty and Captain Bunting decided on the 3-point option to put his team ahead 10-7. Despite a lengthy period of time added on the scoring for the first period had concluded and the Surrey men turned around 10-7 up.

With the alarming statistics for the 2025-6 season in terms of second half performances by the Black & Whites no one from Rugby Lane was counting numbers in the hen house. For the travelling supporters there was the satisfaction that the tide had turned. For the Balmoral Avenue faithful there had been more than enough evidence that they could take the honours as the fascinatingly poised match resumed. It was a fast start from all concerned as both teams sensed the importance of the first score of the second half. Reversing the policy of the season, much to the delight of ageing alickadoos, Freddy Bunting decided on taking a pot at goal after five minutes. Unfortunately for those with Black & White tinged glasses it narrowly missed.

The game became a stop-and-start affair as errors mounted. Though credit must go to the back row brethren on both sides whose industrious efforts thwarted promising openings, won turnovers and were a ubiquitous source of frustration. It was Beckenham, regaining the pomp of their earlier play, who seized the momentum and were rewarded with the next score. Winger Juai Charles carved through the defence to score and Josh Burke added the conversion to put the hosts 14-10 up. A perfectly struck restart from Freddy Bunting forced a restart drop out from the Beckenham line. Sutton and Epsom took advantage of the territorial position and won a penalty. The 3-point option was shunned for the kick to the corner with a dozen minutes of regular time on the clock. Fortune did not favour the brave but S&E only had themselves to blame as they lost the lineout.

Possibly the turning point of the match came with ten minutes left on the clock as Juai Charles saw yellow and Beckenham were reduced to 14 men. A simple three points were declined as Sutton and Epsom took a tap penalty. Lennie went close as the home forwards stood strong. However, as soon it went wide Gareth O’Brien took advantage of the visitors’ numerical superiority to score out wide. The conversion failed but Sutton & Epsom had their noses in front by 15-14. It was a reinvigorated Black & Whites rather than the tiring version of recent times who now took the game by the scruff of the neck. The swerving, stepping and deceptively powerful Adam Bibby broke into the 22 to be felled by an excellent cover tackle. S&E maintained possession and replacement Dan Jones carried towards the line. Once more it was released to the backs and Tom Lennard dummied the cover and scored under the posts. Freddy Bunting chipped over the easy conversion for a 22-14 lead.

Two tries in a few minutes had altered the complexion of the contest. With the game within their grasp Sutton and Epsom tackled tenaciously and kicked sensibly to keep Beckenham at arm’s length. The match concluded with two moments that were synonymous of the game. Firstly, Beckenham had an attacking lineout that gave them a great opportunity to get back into the match. It was inexplicably overthrown and lost… it was certainly not the first lost lineout during an afternoon punctuated by costly errors by both teams. Secondly, in the dying moments Sutton and Epsom were in a prime position to go for the bonus point try. The ball was secured and Tom Lennard floated the perfect kick to the corner where not one but two colleagues were waiting unguarded to score. Neither laid a hand on the ball and it hit a knee. The Benny Hill theme tune would have fitted perfectly for the ensuing fiasco as the ball went to halfway. Sanity was resumed and the ball was kicked off the field to secure the 22-14 win for Sutton and Epsom.

Once again this fixture provided excitement and tension until the final whistle. Sutton and Epsom prevailed for a win that was much needed after recent disappointments. Beckenham remained in fourth and have the prospect of promotional play-offs in their own hands. At the other end of the table Old Reigatian’s 19-14 loss to Canterbury Pilgrims confirmed their relegation but who joins them is a matter for a very congested lower half of the table. As always the hospitality at Balmoral Avenue was exemplary. Amongst the throng of spectators was Dave Weller who had represented both 1st XVs. The erstwhile flanker, motor cycle racer and expert pumpkin carver diplomatically wore his Beckenham tie to the lunch but secreted his Sutton and Epsom version upon his person in case it would be appropriate. For those Beckenham members of a malicious disposition they may be praying for a heat wave in September because Mr Weller has entered the Welsh Iron Man in Tenby.

Another week off and the season resumes on the 28th February when Sutton and Epsom host Battersea Ironsides whilst Beckenham are at home to Gravesend who are snapping at their heels in fifth place.

Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Symonds, Bibby, Bunting, Scott, Lennard, Lovatt, Boaden, Howes, Lennie, Duey, Glanville, Pulvirenti, Rea & Hegarty. Reps: Jones & Tame. Unused: Payne.

Beckenham: Bosch, Bennett, Pennacchia, Jebb, Charles, Burke, Gurney, Baker, Aoke-Tiamu, Brown, Prince, Keefe, Moran, Ward & Knowles.
Reps: Richards, Ryan-Coker & L. Caddy.

Epsom scoring a try against Beckenham from a previous fixture. Credit Robin Kennedy.

John Croysdill

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Sutton and Epsom RFC v Gravesend Saturday 31st January. On an autumnal October afternoon Sutton & Epsom defeated Gravesend 29–12 at the Rectory Field. That victory in Round 6 sent them to the summit of Regional 2 South East. However, the current form of S&E has challenged the Podsnapian assumption of reaching the promotion play-offs. A season that started with great expectations has fallen on hard times.

In Round 16 Sutton slipped to another defeat, 37–26, as Gravesend leapfrogged them in the table to seventh place.

Saturday’s fixture gave a debut to Tom Williams in the Number 9 shirt and he became the fifth starting scrum-half of the campaign. The returning Huie joined Duey on the bench but sadly a Louis could not be found. Recently gales, galoshes and gamps have been in vogue but the weather was blessedly more benign. Having been denied league action the previous weekend, the crowd were abuzz with anticipation as Gravesend kicked off the match.

It was an inauspicious start for the hosts as they immediately conceded a penalty and faced a Gravesend line-out five metres from their line with barely a minute on the clock. The initial drive was halted but another penalty followed. Despite stoic defence, the Kent team scored through the forwards with a sense of inevitability. The challenging conversion drifted wide as the visitors led 5–0.

From the restart indecision from Gravesend almost allowed Adam Bibby to gain possession. It was the set scrum that raised the spirits of the Rugby Lane crowd. From the opposition put-in, the home pack sent the Rectory Field forwards into disarray. A quick tap penalty and a kick ahead by Tom Lennard nestled a yard from the line and Adam Bibby dragged the defender over for a five-metre scrum.

Sutton won the ball but fine defence halted Bunting and then Lennie. The visitors had relief of sorts with their put-in under their posts, but the Black & White pack turned them over again. A snipe by Tom Williams was followed by Ewan McTaggart stretching out to score. Freddy Bunting added the easy conversion as S&E took a 7–5 lead after a dozen minutes.

If the Sutton scrum was excellence personified, the line-out was at the other end of the spectrum as the match entered a déjà vu phase. S&E line-out lost, Gravesend kick, and Kyren Ghumra ran it back to great effect. After two episodes of this entertaining drama, conveniently aired on either side of the paddock near halfway, Sutton scored their second try.

Adam Bibby made a stunning break from the middle of the park and entered the opposition 22. With his centre partner Freddy Bunting in support, he supplied a timely pass for his captain to score. Freddy Bunting added the extras to extend the lead to 14–5 at the end of the first quarter.

At last S&E won a line-out and it was worth the wait as the forwards drove at least 20 metres towards the line and were unlucky to concede a penalty. A moment of butterfingers from an unnamed source thwarted the hosts’ next promising attack as Sutton dominated the territorial battle.

Gravesend exited their half in sensational fashion. Ben Hope, playing on the wing, collected the ball near touch by his 22 and set off. Breaking tackles, brushing aside defenders and gathering speed, he scored an outstanding try in the corner. The touchline conversion failed as the visitors narrowed the gap to 14–10.

The next significant moment was unfortunately a lengthy delay as the sawbones attended to the injured Samraj Chahal. Gravesend lost their totemic forward, replaced by Chris Brady, the sole representative of the Brady bunch on the afternoon as his brother had just returned from Dubai.

The Kent team responded to adversity by breaking free and going on the rampage into the Sutton half, with hooker Stan Dadson leading the charge. The visitors ended the first half in the ascendancy as they searched for the lead. They had to be content with a penalty, winger Josh Barnes obliging with the three points as the referee concluded the half with Sutton narrowly ahead, 14–13.

An entertaining first period promised a second half rich in tries and tension. Freddy Bunting resumed the action with Gravesend attacking the clubhouse end. S&E made a promising start with Adam Bibby making another superb break but on this occasion there was no support on hand to take the glory.

Referee Hampshire had already ominously called Captain Bunting over for a chat late in the first half, foreshadowing Sutton’s walk along the disciplinary tightrope. With nearly ten minutes of the second period played and Gravesend on the Sutton line, the visitors were awarded a penalty. Lock Josh Glanville received a yellow card and the hosts were reduced to 14 men.

The Rectory Field men opted for the three points, Josh Barnes edging Gravesend into a 16–14 lead. The ten-minute yellow-card period proved the turning point. Gravesend exploited their numerical advantage with admirable skill and ruthless pragmatism.

From a scrum 30 metres from the Sutton line, Ben Kite kicked perfectly to Josh Barnes on the wing, who gathered and sauntered in for the try. He added the conversion to stretch the lead to 23–14. A couple of minutes later fellow wing Ben Hope added his second and Gravesend’s bonus-point try. Barnes again converted, extending the lead to 30–14. The yellow card had cost Sutton 17 points by the time Glanville returned.

To their credit, the Black & Whites responded swiftly. The improving line-out secured possession and initiated another relentless catch-and-drive. This time there was no intervention as hooker Sam Lennie forced his way over. Freddy Bunting bisected the uprights to pull it back to 21–30.

Shortly after, the Rugby Lane faithful were left flummoxed by suicidal Sutton play. Nine points adrift with a quarter of an hour to go, a long miss-pass was sent out from their own 22. Fortunately the interception was not run in under the posts, and S&E gained relief through a penalty a few phases later. Sanity restored, the contest returned to an arm-wrestle around halfway.

Gravesend’s fifth and final try was initiated by a superb clear-out at the ruck by prop Harry Brooker. A speculative kick ahead found space in the S&E 22 and visiting full-back Ben Stelfox took advantage of inadequate cover to score. Barnes’ conversion made it 37–21 and took his personal tally to 17 points.

With six minutes left the contest was over and Sutton hunted the consolation of a bonus point. The Black & Whites struggled to penetrate a robust Gravesend defence, but benefitted from the punitive side of Mr Hampshire’s nature as yellow cards were issued in quick succession to Stan Dadson and Les Falefatu in time added on.

Playing against 13 men, Sutton accepted the invitation. From a tap penalty Eric Duey powered over for the bonus-point try. At the final whistle, contrasting emotions were clear as Gravesend’s players, fuelled by victory, recovered quickly, while Sutton’s men laboured under the lactic acid of defeat. Gravesend had deservedly won 37–26.

In retrospect, the yellow card that Gravesend exploited so ruthlessly put paid to Sutton’s hopes. The balance between devil-may-care ambition and league pragmatism remains elusive. Sutton’s scrum was magnificent, the line-out frustratingly sporadic and the defence too porous. Gravesend’s organisation and physicality blunted Sutton’s width, while Ben Hope stood at the forefront of an impressive attacking display.

Supporters and players mingled in traditional fashion in the clubhouse, certainly not a bleak house, as the Kent side were buoyed by a sizeable travelling support rewarded with a fine victory.

With a deferential tug to Boz from a formerly tousled forelock, one might exclaim “what the Dickens” on noting yet another gap in the league calendar next Saturday. The season resumes on Valentine’s Day as Sutton venture to Balmoral Avenue to face Beckenham, whom they narrowly defeated 22–19 earlier in the season at Rugby Lane.

Sutton & Epsom:
Ghumra, Symonds, Bibby, Bunting ©, Scott, Lennard, Williams, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, McTaggart, Glanville, Tame, Jones & Hegarty.
Reps: Howes, Duey & Huie.

Gravesend:
Stelfox, Barnes, Filmer, Sims, Hope, Kite, Warren, Brooker, Dadson, Shorter, Bird, Falefatu, Bailey, Chahal © & Money.
Reps: Alderson, Brady & Harris.

John Croysdill

Rugby action Epsom against Gravesend credit Robin Kennedy -from a previous fixture

Sutton and Epsom 12 Sidcup 28. Saturday 17th January.

Sidcup arrived at Rugby Lane buoyed by the wheels wobbling on the Brighton bandwagon. Back-to-back defeats either side of the festive break by their south-coast rivals had left the Crescent Farm side just one point off the top. For Sutton and Epsom, their top-five position – equating to entry into the play-off rounds – was under threat.

Before kick-off, the Black and Whites had to digest the unpalatable news that Old Colfeians had won 22-19 at Beckenham under the lights on Friday night, pushing Sutton and Epsom down to sixth place. In a keenly contested encounter at Rugby Lane, Sidcup came from behind to win 28-12 and, crucially, scored their fourth try on the final play to secure a bonus point that lifted them into pole position by virtue of a vastly superior points difference.

The recent number-nine hiatus for Sutton and Epsom was resolved with Euan Findlay making his league debut. There was also a welcome return for “the prodigal son” Josh Glanville, pulling on the colours for his first outing of the campaign. On the bench, crowd favourite Richard Madadangoma made his first appearance of the season. All Sutton and Epsom’s comings and goings paled into insignificance, however, alongside Sidcup prop Sam Carmen, who was making his 300th league appearance.

Before kick-off there was a tribute to Ben Searle, a member of the Sutton and Epsom physio team who tragically passed away following a battle with cancer. After the applause, Freddy Bunting set the game in motion with Sutton and Epsom attacking the clubhouse end.

Sutton and Epsom were hoping to reprise the outstanding performance that defeated Sidcup at Crescent Farm last season. The secret then was a fast start built on high-tempo rugby, rapid recycling and effective use of width. To their credit, the hosts put that plan into effect, dominating territory and possession in the opening exchanges.

Never has the old chestnut of taking penalty points reverberated louder around the stand. Four kickable penalties in front of the posts were declined in the first half. This was particularly notable given Sidcup possess the league’s best defensive record, conceding only 16 points per game. Yet this approach has been consistent all season, with Sutton and Epsom having converted only three penalty kicks despite amassing 460 points.

After a scoreless first quarter in which the Sidcup defence repeatedly repelled attacks that came agonisingly close, Sutton and Epsom finally broke through in the 25th minute. A sweeping move from halfway saw Tom Lennard break free on an inside line, Josh Rea time his support perfectly, and debutant Findlay finish with aplomb. Freddy Bunting’s conversion struck the upright, but the hosts led 5-0.

Ten minutes later Sidcup entered the Sutton and Epsom 22 for the first time and immediately made it count. A penalty kicked to the corner set up an attacking line-out and, after initial resistance, hooker Harry Large forced his way over. Josh Twyford converted impressively from the touchline to give the visitors a 7-5 lead.

Sutton and Epsom responded superbly and regained the lead before the interval. Sam Lennie made a trademark bulldozing break through midfield, Josh Rea again played a pivotal role, and Michael Bennion arrived at pace to sprint in from outside the 22 and score under the posts. Bunting added the extras to make it 12-7.

As first-half stoppage time approached, Sidcup produced their best passage of play, pressing hard for a second score. After excellent continuity, it appeared a try had been scored in the corner, but the ball was lost just short of the line. The half ended with the visitors in the ascendancy, though Sutton and Epsom had played some of their best rugby for a long while. Only time would tell whether they would rue not turning that dominance into more points.

Alex Lambe’s whistle began a finely balanced second half. Sidcup opened with a couple of uncharacteristic errors, but these proved brief. Five minutes in, Ben Stokes cut through the Sutton and Epsom defence, only to be denied by a timely intervention from Findlay. Shortly afterwards the visitors struck again. A perfectly timed pass on halfway released winger Seb Ellison, who kicked ahead, chased and gathered just ahead of the cover. Twyford converted from wide to put Sidcup 14-12 ahead.

Momentum now belonged to the men from Crescent Farm. Sidcup dominated possession, and Sutton and Epsom’s defensive resolve was tested relentlessly. That resistance held until the final quarter, when sustained pressure told. Captain Louis Keeley exploited the blindside, burst down the touchline and cut inside to score. Twyford’s conversion stretched the lead to 21-12.

As Sidcup turned the screw, Sutton and Epsom were further hampered by the injury-enforced departure of Josh Rea, who had produced an outstanding performance. The visitors hunted the bonus point, but the Rugby Lane men stood firm, holding Sidcup up over the line with ten minutes remaining.

With five minutes to play, Sutton and Epsom survived a stunning break, scrambling heroically before winning a relieving penalty. The match seemed set to conclude without bonus points. In the dying moments, however, an arm interfered with a Sutton and Epsom line-out jumper and a penalty was awarded. The Black and Whites opted for a long-range kick from near the touchline. Success would have earned a deserved bonus point. The kick drifted wide.

Sidcup counter-attacked from deep, moving the ball fluently before a long kick and eager chase forced a turnover. Hooker Harry Large, again in excellent support, gathered and ran in under the posts. Twyford added the conversion to complete a 28-12 victory and send Sidcup top of the league.

Sidcup’s second-half defence proved rather more durable than the Maginot Line, and Sutton and Epsom were unable to find a way through. Yet the hosts made their opponents work until the final seconds, and the first-half performance in particular should be the benchmark for the remainder of the season.

The league programme now pauses, with hostilities resuming on 31 January when Sutton and Epsom welcome Gravesend to Rugby Lane, having beaten them 29-12 away in October. High-flying Sidcup host local rivals Beckenham as they continue their push for promotion.

John Croysdill

Sutton and Epsom:
Bennion, Scott, Bibby, Bunting ©, Symonds, Lennard, O’Brien, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, McTaggart, Duey, Rea, Jones, Hegarty.
Replacements: Howes, Glanville, Madadangoma.

Sidcup:
Twyford, Ellison, Stokes, Smith, Keeley ©, Ubee, Ibrahim, Conlon, Large, Carmen, Stock, Romp, Koung, Healey, Caple.
Replacements: Watson, Knock, McMahon.

Photo – from previous fixture. Robin Kennedy

Old Colfeians 44 Sutton & Epsom RFC 22. Saturday 10th January.

The fourth-placed Black & Whites opened their 2026 account at Horn Park against Old Colfeians, who sat one place below them in the league table. Sutton’s season has been one of feast or famine — the ecstasy of winning their first four fixtures giving way to the agony of a five-match losing streak — although bonus points in defeat have kept them competitive. Whatever New Year resolutions were made, they did not translate into success on the pitch as Old Colfeians ran in seven tries in a 44–22 victory.

After a week of wild weather, conditions were benign, despite a temporary water cut in the area which thankfully was resolved in time for the teams to shower. There was an early sign of trouble when Sutton were pushed back at the first scrum, although this proved to be a rare moment of dominance by the home pack. Old Colfeians opened the scoring with a penalty from Ollie Burkett. Sutton responded five minutes later when Freddy Bunting kicked to the corner, Ewan McTaggart secured possession and after multiple phases Tom Lennard found winger Kyren Ghumra, who crossed for the opening try. The conversion struck the upright, but Sutton led 5–3.

The hosts soon hit back as centre Louis Baker broke through from 25 metres for the first of his two tries, regaining the lead at 8–5. Sutton replied immediately with what many present judged their try of the season — slick passing down the right wing released Ghumra for his second, nudging the visitors back in front at 10–8. The lead did not last long. A flowing counter-attack, started by full-back Chris Harris, ended with Mylo Mutongwizo finishing in the corner. Another missed conversion left Old Colfeians ahead 13–10.

Sutton pressed again but a sharp interception from Burkett turned defence into attack, leading to a try finished by prop Tom Rameaux. Burkett added the conversion for a 20–10 half-time lead in a fast-paced and entertaining contest.

Sutton were dealt a blow when scrum-half Gareth O’Brien was forced off with concussion, with Tom Lennard taking over his duties. The visitors made a strong start to the second half and were rewarded when McTaggart forced his way over from close range after another line-out move. Once again the conversion was missed, leaving Sutton trailing 20–15 with half an hour to play.

Although Sutton enjoyed spells of possession, Old Colfeians’ defence was resolute. When the hosts regained territory, Harris kicked to the corner and the resulting catch-and-drive saw hooker Freddie Holland-Oliver score the bonus-point try. Burkett converted for 27–15 and the home forwards, led by captain Andy O’Malley, began to dominate. O’Malley powered over soon after, stretching the lead to 34–15.

Adam Bibby briefly reignited Sutton hopes with a strong run, but Baker then ran in from 40 metres for his second try to make it 39–15. Sutton did at least secure a valuable bonus point when Tom Lennard took a quick tap from a penalty near the line and Eric Duey emerged from the pile to score. Bunting converted to bring the score to 39–22.

Old Colfeians had the final word when O’Malley crossed again following another forward surge. Burkett missed the conversion but the hosts completed a convincing 44–22 win.

Sutton were very much in contention in the first half, but as the game wore on they were increasingly overpowered by a dominant Colfeians pack that laid the platform for victory. Both sides then enjoyed generous hospitality in the clubhouse, where Horn Park remains a favourite destination for travelling supporters.

Next Saturday Sutton return to Rugby Lane to face Sidcup, who won the reverse fixture 22–12 earlier in the season.

Sutton & Epsom
Bennion, Scott, Bibby, Bunting ©, Ghumra, Lennard, O’Brien, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, McTaggart, Finney, Rea, Jones & Hegarty.
Reps: Howes, Duey & Symonds.

Old Colfeians
Harris, Mutongwizo, Baker, Napper, Spaczil, Burkett, Wylie, Rameaux, Holland-Oliver, Agorioge, O’Malley ©, Collins-Oberman, Enskat, Walker & Amor.
Reps: Correa, Ramdhan & Storey.

John Croysdill

Image courtesy Robin Kennedy from a previous fixture.

Sutton & Epsom RFC 61 Old Reigatian 17. Saturday 20th December.

On Saturday 6 January 2024 Old Reigatian had secured a hard-fought 28-26 victory over Old Colfeians to go top of Regional 2 South East. Since then, however, their form has faltered and they arrived at Rugby Lane still searching for a first league win of the campaign. Despite that, there was a degree of optimism for the visitors, with Sutton and Epsom themselves enduring a run of five straight defeats, albeit tempered by a remarkable ability to collect bonus points along the way. That run came to an emphatic end as the Black & Whites produced a dominant display, scoring nine tries in a 61-17 victory and leaving Old Reigatian rooted to the foot of the table over the Christmas period.

Kyren Ghumra and Kieran Finney returned to the Sutton and Epsom starting XV and, on a mild winter afternoon at Rugby Lane, Billy Egleton’s whistle set the game in motion. Sutton and Epsom needed only three minutes to open the scoring. From a line-out, Rob Hegarty and Josh Rea carried into the 22 and Dan Jones was rewarded for his support play with the first of his three tries. Freddy Bunting converted. Five minutes later a charged-down clearance led to another Sutton and Epsom line-out on the 22, the forwards drove on before the backs were released and a set move created space for Ghumra to stroll in at the corner. Bunting’s conversion from the touchline made it 14-0.

Old Reigatian briefly threatened a response after earning a line-out deep in the Sutton and Epsom 22, but a wayward pass squandered a rare opportunity. Sutton and Epsom immediately made them pay. Following a long clearance and penalty, a line-out 30 metres out saw Dan Johnson, Gareth O’Brien and Boaden carry strongly before Ghumra claimed his second try. Bunting added the extras for 21-0.

The first quarter ended with Sutton and Epsom claiming the bonus point. Adam Bibby countered deep into Reigatian territory, supported by Tom Lennard, and sustained pressure eventually saw lock Kieran Finney force his way over. Bunting converted for 28-0. On the half hour Hegarty made a trademark break from turnover ball and once again Jones was in perfect support, accelerating away to score from outside the 22. The conversion made it 35-0.

Old Reigatian were rewarded for their persistence just before the break. Playing their best rugby of the half, they earned successive penalties five metres out and lock Dan Grant eventually powered over. The conversion missed, making it 35-5. Sutton and Epsom responded immediately. Hegarty broke again and passed to Josh Rea, whose well-timed angle cut the defence before offloading to Sam Lennie. Hauled down short, the ball was recycled and Gareth O’Brien stepped through to score Sutton and Epsom’s sixth. Bunting converted to give Sutton and Epsom a commanding 42-5 lead at half-time.

Any fears of a second-half collapse were quickly dispelled. Although Reigatian defended stoutly for the opening ten minutes, Sutton and Epsom’s seventh try arrived from a five-metre line-out when Ewan McTaggart fed Dan Jones for his hat trick. Bunting converted for 49-5. The game opened up, and while Sutton and Epsom occasionally kicked possession away, they continued to dominate. Late in the third quarter, after Steve Munford gathered a loose ball following an ambitious Reigatian chip, sustained pressure ended with Tom Lennard scoring. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 54-5.

With ten minutes remaining Sutton and Epsom added their ninth try. Sam Lennie, outstanding throughout, emerged from a mass of forwards to touch down, with Bunting converting for 61-5. Old Reigatian, however, showed commendable spirit. A loose pass on halfway was seized upon by scrum-half Jack Nicol, who ran in untouched, and although the conversion was missed it sparked renewed confidence. Moments later, slick handling saw Jonny Bridges score in the corner, with Conor Woods converting to make it 61-17.

A late yellow card for Ewan McTaggart gave the visitors a numerical advantage in their search for a bonus point, but no further scores followed. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive Sutton and Epsom victory, capping an impressive all-round performance from the Black & Whites as they closed the year on a high. Sutton and Epsom will now hope to replicate last season’s strong finish, with added incentive from a complex play-off system, while Old Reigatian continue their search for a first win.

The league now pauses for the Christmas break. Sutton and Epsom will reflect on an excellent early-season run before injuries and form intervened, and league action resumes on 10 January at Horn Park against Old Colfeians.

Sutton and Epsom: O’Brien, Scott, Bibby, Bunting (c), Ghumra, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, McTaggart, Finney, Rea, Jones, Hegarty. Replacements: Howes, Duey, Symonds.

Old Reigatian: Allen (c), Coyle, M. Nicol, Holder, Bridges, Woods, J. Nicol, Garrec, Nestor, Marshall, Grant, Franklin-Talbot, Pease, Bye, Mendoza. Replacements: Monk, Burton, Blake.

John Croysdill

Photo credit: Robin Kennedy

Dartfordians 34 Sutton & Epsom RFC 33 Saturday 13th December.

The midpoint of the campaign has been reached and the return journey has begun in Regional 2 South East. In Round 2 back in September, the Black & Whites hosted Dartfordians and snuck home by 33–29, with Rob Hegarty scoring a hat-trick. Sutton & Epsom had led 33–17 with five minutes to go and were no doubt grateful that there were not five more minutes to play. While the hosts then sat just a solitary place above winless Old Reigatian and the visitors were nestled in fourth spot, S&E arrived in Bexley on a run of four successive defeats. Added to this were the usual seasonal effects of wear and tear, and few were anticipating a comfortable afternoon. So it came to pass that Dartfordians won 34–33 with the final kick of the game.

Sutton & Epsom fielded 11 players from their September squad. Niall McCormack made his debut from the bench and Angus Nelson, having his first outing of the season, kept him company, while Matt Symonds made his first appearance of the campaign on the wing. Dartfordians were marginally more settled, with 12 of the 18 who appeared at Rugby Lane also taking part, though Jarlath Hetherington was once again a notable absentee. Traffic accidents and congestion delayed the kick-off until 2.15pm, and disaster struck Sutton early when an interception allowed centre Harvey Whyte to run in from his own half. The conversion was missed but Dartfordians led 5–0, playing up the slope.

The early setback was compounded when S&E flanker Dan Jones’ return from injury lasted less than ten minutes. Undeterred, Sutton took the lead when Tom Lennard made the initial break and the Black & Whites exploited an overlap for Matt Symonds to score with his first touch. Freddy Bunting converted to edge Sutton ahead at 7–5. It was the start of a topsy-turvy encounter, with the lead changing hands repeatedly. On the half-hour mark, Dartfordians regained the advantage after sustained pressure forced Sutton onto the back foot. Despite strong defence, with Lennard prominent, a poor clearance led to a catch-and-drive from which prop Louis Chapman scored. Tom Gubby converted for a 12–7 lead.

Within five minutes Sutton were back in front. A superb break from Bunting, well supported by Gareth O’Brien, took S&E to within five metres, and from the ensuing penalty the forwards took charge. Despite valiant resistance, prop Tom Boaden forced his way over, with Bunting again converting to make it 14–12. From the restart, winger Jack Bunce was rewarded for his kick chase as Bunting lost possession in the tackle. After heroic defence denied full-back Joe Scott, it was captain Kieran Clarke who eventually scored from a five-metre scrum. Gubby converted to restore Dartfordians’ lead at 19–14.

There was still time for one more score before the break, and it went Sutton’s way. O’Brien initiated a counter-attack from inside the Sutton half and the Black & Whites produced their best attacking rugby of the half, advancing through multiple phases to reach five metres out. A retreating Dartfordians defence conceded a penalty, which O’Brien took quickly, weaving his way to the line with pace and skill. Bunting added the extras and Sutton led 21–19 at the interval. After a breathless, see-sawing first half, it would have taken a brave soul to predict the final outcome.

The visitors broke the pattern ten minutes into the second half. A superb break by Adam Bibby almost brought a try, but excellent cover defence denied him. Hegarty and Sam Lennie continued the move and S&E appeared to have scored, only for the referee to rule the final pass forward. That disappointment was short-lived, as play was brought back for a Sutton penalty. Slick back play then provided Symonds with his second try of the afternoon, and Bunting’s magnificent touchline conversion extended the lead to 28–19.

Five minutes later Dartfordians responded. A series of penalties forced Sutton deep into their own 22 and, after multiple phases of determined forward play, centre Harvey Whyte powered his way over. Gubby converted to reduce the deficit to 28–26. Both sides had now secured their try bonus point as the game entered its final quarter, with everything still to play for.

A pivotal moment followed when Bibby was yellow-carded for a high tackle as he chased down a long clearance. In such a tightly contested match, ten minutes with a numerical advantage proved crucial. Sutton dug deep, monopolising possession and running down the clock, but Dartfordians eventually forced their way back into the S&E 22. Another penalty piled on the pressure, and from a catch-and-drive the ball was released for flanker James Garvey to squeeze over in the corner. The difficult conversion was missed, but Dartfordians were back in front at 31–28.

With some irony, the referee then reduced the home side to 14 just as Sutton returned to a full complement. It appeared the Black & Whites had missed their chance when a harsh pass to Symonds resulted in a knock-on, but they were rescued by a colossal scrum effort that earned a penalty. Sutton camped on the line as Dartfordians’ defence held firm, twice denying Lennie within inches of the line. From the drop-out, Sutton surged back again and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Declining the draw, they kicked to the corner, and from the line-out the pack ushered Lennie over. Bunting’s kicking had been immaculate all afternoon, so it was a surprise when the conversion drifted narrowly wide, but Sutton led 33–31.

There was still time for the restart. As so often, Sutton proved most vulnerable immediately after scoring. Almost inevitably, Dartfordians were awarded a penalty. In a moment of intense drama, Tom Gubby held his nerve and landed the decisive kick. It was agony for the men from Rugby Lane and pure ecstasy for the Kent crowd. With no time remaining, Dartfordians had won 34–33.

The lower reaches of the table are tightly congested and, after several near misses, Dartfordians finally emerged on the right side of the scoreline. Aside from the interception, their four tries came from excellent forward ball-carrying, with a physical and committed pack posing a constant threat from attacking line-outs. With Old Reigatian now 25 points adrift at the bottom, Dartfordians will look upwards with optimism, as the next three teams are within two points.

This was a painful defeat for Sutton & Epsom. They regained the lead on four occasions, scored five tries and have accumulated the most bonus points in the league with 14. Errors, whether missed kicks to touch or costly penalties, handed Dartfordians valuable territory and attacking platforms. To snatch the lead in the dying moments only to concede a penalty from the restart made this the hardest defeat of the season to bear.

Next Saturday at 2pm, Sutton & Epsom host Old Reigatian in their final league fixture of 2025. The visitors are enduring a tough campaign, one that Rugby Lane supporters of a 2011–12 vintage will recall with empathy. The Black & Whites will hope their Christmas charity does not extend to gifting the Old Boys their first win of the season. Such is the cyclical nature of rugby that the side from Geoffrey Knight Fields topped Regional 2 South East as recently as 6 January 2024.

Sutton & Epsom:
O’Brien, Symonds, Bibby, Bunting (c), Scott, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, McTaggart, Duey, Rea, Jones, Hegarty.
Replacements: Howes, Nelson, McCormack.

Dartfordians:
Scott, Kpaka, J Taylor, Whyte, Bunce, Gubby, M Taylor, Garrett, Hooban, Chapman, Adams, Chandler, Garvey, Clarke (c), Wright.
Replacements: Clayton, Rackley, Chappell.

John Croysdill

Image – action from a previous fixture – Robin Kennedy