SUTTON & EPSOM RFC 42 OLD TIFFINIANS 46. Saturday 18th January. Sutton and Epsom started this campaign with a rollicking runaway win over Old Colfeians.

Since then the Rugby Lane crowd has enjoyed an overwhelming diet of tense, low scoring affairs with defensive defiance the common theme. The avalanche of points in the 48-43 loss to Old Reigatian being very much the statistical outlier. However, a glance at the reverse fixture, a 41-19 Tiffinians triumph, and the bonus point penchant of OTs perhaps gave a hint to another Old Boy try-fest. In a seesaw encounter of thirteen tries the visitors edged it 46-42.

Sutton and Epsom kicked off with prop Alex Mount celebrating his 100th league appearance and desperate to eviscerate the memory of that chastening October loss. The opening salvoes were fast and furious with both sides hinting that it would be an entertaining afternoon on a favourable surface with minimal elemental interference. After ten minutes an accidental offside from a lineout offered Freddy Bunting the chance to peg the Old Boys back into their 22. This initiated an all-out assault as the forwards looked to open the scoring against a resilient Tiffinian defence. Ironically on this red-letter day for the centurion it was the ultimate unsung hero, Josh Glanville, who took the best supporting Oscar with the opening try on his 50th appearance. The stalwart second row is worth many a verse of praise as he is always at the heart of the action doing the less glamorous hard work that is much admired by not only his teammates but also the supporters. Bunting added the extras for a reassuring 7-0 lead.

Five minutes later the hosts had doubled their advantage. Benefiting from two quick-fire penalties the Black & Whites were gifted a 5-metre lineout in the corner. With commendable precision and control the forwards ushered Rob Hegarty over the line. If Sutton and Epsom had started with the single-minded determination to redress the balance from the unpalatable defeat at Summer Avenue then their opponents demonstrated admirable sangfroid. As Bunting prepared to make it 14 zip there were no splenetic recriminations under the posts but just a calm assessment from Captain Hobbs that they were playing well. Little did we know that we had the heir to Nostradamus in our midst.

There followed a remarkable twenty minutes. To describe it as a reversal of fortunes would be a grotesque understatement. It was a tectonic shift of cataclysmic proportions that altered the landscape of Rugby Lane with 29 unanswered points from a rampant Old Tiffinians. It started with some familiar ineffective kick tennis followed by a couple of penalties conceded by the hosts. The visitors pressed hard and the livewire scrum half Matt Fowler collected the first of his trio of tries. The touchline conversion failed and 5-14. Sutton and Epsom seemed to shrug off this aberration with a promising attack from a tapped penalty but good work was undermined by poor handling. Tiffs next incursion in the home 22 saw winger Segun splendidly exploit a Sutton and Epsom error with a stylish finish. The touchline conversion struck the crossbar and went over for 12-14. The comfortable cushion had deflated to a miserly 2-point advantage.

An emboldened opposition were certainly not finished. More penalties ceded territory, more errors were punished and two more tries followed in the next five minutes. Matt Fowler was the major beneficiary as his excellent support play and eye for the tryline saw him complete a first period hat trick. Coach Blackburn must have been delighted at the response of his charges with the high tempo play, slick passing and a lethal awareness that led to four clinical finishes and a 26-14 lead. With the interval approaching Sutton and Epsom conceded another penalty in front of their posts but with the 4-try bonus point already securely banked Sharif Dougramaji took the three points meaning that Sutton and Epsom required three scores as now they trailed 29-14.

In time added on in the first half the home crowd urged their team to respond. Captain Bunting perhaps motivated by an understandable despair at the horrific turn of events adopted the motto of the suffragettes: “Deeds not Words”. He set off on a stunning break combining pace, power and changes of direction before being halted in the OT 22 and gaining a penalty. With the lineout operating like a metronome the kick was declined in favour of the 5-metre lineout. With the throw safely secured Sutton and Epsom advanced to the line. Desperate defence could not stop the drive and Mr Maynard spotted skulduggery and trotted under the posts to award a penalty try. The whistle blew to conclude a breathless 50-point first half with Tiffinians 29-21 to the good.

Sutton and Epsom opened the second period on the front foot and despite missing an early opportunity to cross the whitewash they were given a second chance with a prior indiscretion. The supporters waited in anxious anticipation for the 5-metre lineout. Once again the forwards delivered and Rob Hegarty had his second score and Sutton and Epsom had the bonus point. The reliability of the lineout was rivalling the Bunting boot that made it 28-29. The penalty count mounted against the visitors. Five minutes later Sutton and Epsom faced the familiar question: Take the simple three points or go for the maximum? Their positive approach and the excellence of the lineout gave Rob Hegarty his hat trick. Freddy Bunting impressed once more with a touchline conversion and the Black & Whites had regained the lead 35-29 but there was still 30 minutes on the clock.

The restart should be a moment to refocus and heighten one’s concentration. Sadly Sutton and Epsom reacted in statuesque fashion to the kick. To compound this error they conceded a completely unnecessary penalty for a high tackle on a man in the maul. For the umpteenth time the ball arrowed into the corner from a penalty. This time there was some variation on the theme as the ball was shipped wide to the backs. The Sutton and Epsom focus on the catch and drive left an overlap and Sharif Dougramaji bulldozed his way over the line. The centre converted his try and the pendulum swung back in Old Tiffinians favour as they led 36-35.

Ineffectual kicking and penalties now haunted Sutton and Epsom as the Old Boys were in the ascendancy. They declined a simple penalty in front of the posts in search of another try. There was a return to the popular catch and drive theme as Number 8 Jaewon Jang completed the score. The missed conversion left Sutton and Epsom trailing by 35-41 knowing a goal would inch them ahead. Moments later and it was roles reversed. Sutton and Epsom had the penalty and another lineout opportunity. Once more the excellent throwing in by Alex Mount found its mark. The home pack bullied their way to the line and prop Callum Gibson scored from a couple of centimetres out. The highly lubricated crowd roared their approval as the Bunting conversion sailed over and his side led 42-41 with ten to go.

It was the traditional tense ending for the assembled crowd as has become the norm at Rugby Lane but that certainly did not ease the tension. Errors and infringements far outnumbered moments of quality as all involved knew that the next score might be the decider. As the hosts ran the ball from just outside their 22 disaster struck as a pass was intercepted. Sharif Dougramaji kept his composure and scored lucky try number 13 in the match. However, once again he failed with the conversion and with the OTs leading 46-42 Sutton and Epsom required a try to lead. In the in-goal area a disconsolate and exhausted Alex Mount left the field having given his all. He may not have scored a try but his excellent lineout service had provided a remarkable six tries for his pack.

There was to be no last gasp glory and Old Tiffinians held on to complete the double over Sutton and Epsom. The hosts’ errors had been costly but great credit to the visitors who pounced on every opportunity and did not squander a chance all game. Hat trick hero Matt Fowler exemplified their ruthless streak and the first half purple patch was the foundation of their success. Rob Hegarty joins the illustrious trio of Will East (Luton), Kyren Ghumra (Shelford) and Ollie Baptiste-Wilson (Royal Wootton Bassett) who have scored a hat trick in the league for Sutton and Epsom in a losing cause. The match was a curious affair because there was much to applaud in the Sutton and Epsom performance but their demise was the result of self-inflicted wounds that were deep and proved to be fatal. Next Saturday sees the visit to Sidcup to play the fixture that was recently frozen off. There can be no doubt about not only the severity of the task but also that the hosts will be equally unforgiving if the Black & Whites repeat such an error-strewn performance.

Sutton and Epsom:
O’Brien, Scott, Bibby, Bunting ©, Rea, Lennard, Munford, Mount, Boaden, Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Hilton, Davies & Wise.

Old Tiffinians:
Day, Segun, Dougramaji, Sabania, Marshall, Taylor, Fowler, Hobbs ©, Blackman, Turner, O’Connell, Noeh, Dore, Graham & Jang.
Replacements: Oram, Turnbull & Burgess.

Sutton & Epsom RFC 21 Battersea Ironsides 20. Saturday 4th January.

The September fixtures had concluded with a rousing encounter at Garratt Green when these two fine sides could not be separated and fought to a standstill for an engrossing 19-19 draw. It was the first indication in this campaign that Sutton had transformed their rather porous defence of recent times into a far more formidable outfit. The Ironsides still remain the benchmark for this league and another fiercely competitive contest was expected. Rugby Lane had witnessed five home victories on the bounce but every one of them by a miserly margin. This match maintained that sequence as Sutton edged out Battersea by a solitary point to win 21-20.

With winter arriving in the week there were concerns the pitch might be under threat from the elements. Rugby Lane was spared and a small but knowledgeable crowd gathered in gelid amiability. Freddy Bunting initiated proceedings as Sutton attacked the clubhouse end. The hosts were in top gear at once with multiple phases and commendable continuity they advanced steadily into the visiting 22 but concluded by conceding a penalty. The defences held sway as they thwarted the best endeavours of both teams. However, S&E put themselves under unnecessary pressure with errant kicking from hand that has been an unwelcome feature in recent weeks. The first instance came on ten minutes when a simple touch kick failed to cross the whitewash. It was returned with interest, led to a penalty and suddenly the Black & Whites were defending a lineout near their line. The pack were held short of glory before the ball was transferred to Charles Jacobs on the wing who could empathise with Buridan’s ass as he pondered whether to go outside or cut back and the brief hesitation enabled Adam Bibby to hold him up over the line.

Shortly afterwards from the first scrum Sutton failed to find touch and Charles Stuart executed a perfect 50/22 to put the hosts under the cosh once more. The 2024-5 Sutton vintage is far more robust than recent predecessors and the defence forced a handling error. From the scrum Rob Hegarty made his first penetrative carry from Number 8 on an afternoon that was to garner impressive yardage for a man celebrating his 50th cap. At the third time of asking S&E cleared with the boot. Back in the opposition half the fluent movement looked to have broken down disastrously. Charles Stuart intercepted and was sauntering off for a certain score when the referee, Matt Blackett, brought play back for a penalty for the home team. Bunting stepped up to the oche and slotted over a 45-yard penalty for the 3-0 lead.

Both teams were showing admirable attacking intent that was neutered by well-organised defences with ferocious tackling. The Ironsides were also hindered by ambisinistrous handling with the mitigation being the cold weather. On the half hour another Sutton attack floundered in the Battersea 22 but Mr Blackett brought play back for an infringement near halfway. Once again Freddy Bunting impressively bisected the uprights for 6-0. From the restart the Greens soon won a penalty of their own and kicked to the 22. The lineout drive shifted the play laterally before the attack drove towards the corner. The ball was recycled and spun to the opposite side and a mismatch in the centres was expertly exploited and Charles Jacobs ran in untouched for the try. Charles Stuart put Battersea 7-6 ahead with a perfectly struck conversion.

The hosts were soon offered the chance to restore their lead but on this occasion the penalty was just beyond the range of the Bunting boot. This was the start of a period of intense pressure from Sutton as they sought the lead before the break. A penalty was kicked into the corner and from the attacking lineout the ball was sent towards the wing only to be intercepted. Again Sir brought play back for a penalty. From the tapped penalty Rob Hegarty went close before hooker Sam Lennie forced his way over for his first Sutton try. Freddy Bunting converted and the whistle blew for the interval with S&E leading 13-7.

It was the type of afternoon where the pinquid offerings of a burger van are enjoyed more for the warmth given to the hands than their culinary delights. One local resident was seen to take pity on two elderly spectators on a bench. Having popped home he returned with cups of tea and added brandy much to the appreciation of the lucky supporters. The game was living up to expectations and the score reflected an even contest that was in the balance. No one doubted that the second half would be more of the same with no quarter being given by two excellent defences.

From the restart Battersea Ironsides set out to dominate the rest of the proceedings playing at a higher tempo and with great intensity they subjected Sutton to intense pressure. The hosts were up for the challenge and weathered the early storm. Aided by a knock on by Cameron Baker, resplendent in white tights, the hosts gained a foothold in Battersea territory. Soon the familiar and reassuring sight of Freddy Bunting lining up a penalty was followed by cheers as the captain extended the lead to 16-7. Minutes later Charles Stewart replied in kind to reduce the deficit to a single score as Battersea Ironsides trailed 10-16.

The game entered the final quarter with the visitors’ best efforts being undone by handling errors in the face of the relentless pressure from the home defence. Sutton’s counters were promising rather than significant as the balance of play was in Battersea’s favour with their glabrous Number 9 Ed Carr urging his team ever onwards. Finally, the pressure paid dividends as the Ironsides forwards were denied near the line the ball was spun wide. It was the turn of the men in green to benefit from Mr Blackett bringing the play back for a penalty. Charles Stuart accepted the easy 3-point option as the scoreboard eventually registered Sutton 16 Battersea 13 with ten minutes of regular time left on the clock.

For regulars at Rugby Lane this season this was familiar territory. Following the opening day thrashing of Old Colfeians every home game since has gone down to the wire.

Sutton & Epsom:
O’Brien, Huie, Bibby, Bunting ©, Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Gibson, Mount & Rea.

Battersea Ironsides:
Baker, Diamond, Magee, Banton, Jacobs, Stuart, Carr, Martin, Lewis, Chetwynd, Trickett, Wharton, Macpherson, Chitan & Dollard.
Replacements: Borup, Plater & Hirons.

Image courtesy Robin Kennedy

Old Reigatian 21 Sutton & Epsom RFC 15. Saturday 21st December.

Midweek illnesses, at one stage, threatened to derail Sutton selection for the last league game in 2024. Ultimately the usual array of injuries, concussion protocols and Saturnalian celebrations led to only four changes from the squad that tamed Beckenham. In September the two sides thrilled Rugby Lane with Old Reigatian holding on to win 48-43. Since that day OR have only enjoyed two more wins and even more remarkably S&E have not indulged in the frippery of a solitary further bonus point. Entering Round 13 after six wins on the spin would it be ‘Seventh Heaven’ or ‘A Game Too Far’ for the Black & Whites? In another enthralling and entertaining encounter the hosts triumphed 21-15 completing the season double over Sutton.

Despite the recent meteorological travails the pitch was in pristine condition and full credit to all those people who work tirelessly to make Geoffrey Knight Fields such an excellent venue. Though pleasantly moist under foot, rather than muddy, there was a strong diagonal wind and the ominous prospect of impending rain. Almost at once the wind, favouring the hosts, demonstrated its venomous teeth by sweeping a Reigatian kick comfortably beyond the playing parameters and play resumed with a Sutton scrum in the hosts’ half. Sutton opened their account after five minutes. A powerful scrum on halfway was followed by a Bibby break and a Rea run. Fleet-footed fly-half Freddy Bunting looped around and received the ball to dash into the corner. The captain, making light of the elements, added the conversion to his try for a 7-0 advantage.

From the restart the visitors were on the attack again with Ben Tame carrying out of the 22 to link with Josh Rea who fed Dan Jones who kicked ahead. Sutton stole the line out and were awarded a penalty. Freddy Bunting opted for the three points and extended the lead to 10-0. Perhaps Old Reigatian feeling the pressure of having the wind started to run from everywhere rather than exploiting the conditions with the boot. Errors mounted and Sutton were in the ascendancy and pressing for another try. Gareth O’Brien’s angled run was met by a fabulous try-saving tackle on the quarter hour. At the end of the first quarter the fluent play from the Rugby Lane team was rewarded. The referee played advantage and the ball was flung out to the right touchline. Angus Findlay did well to take the high pass and then excelled himself with a perfect inside pass to Rob Hegarty who dived into the corner. Their followed a moment or three of confusion. Freddy Bunting’s effort from the extremities split the jury if not the uprights. One flag was raised, the other remained disinterested and the scoreboard indicated 15-0. Then it became 17-0 before finally resting with 15 points to Sutton & Epsom.

Sutton’s play in the first quarter bore all the hallmarks of a side buoyed by their winning streak and confident in their method. The visitors then gave the hosts a foothold in the match. S&E overthrew their lineout ball 10 metres from their line. Jude McRobbie accepted the festive offering and had the awareness to exploit the situation and strode home for the try. Tom Baldwin navigated the wind with aplomb to see the home XV trail 7-15. This was followed by a frenetic period of play. The reinvigorated Reigatian team launched an ominous attack only to be undone by an Adam Bibby interception. The centre was hauled down 35 metres out and the ball was run back with an impressive counter until it was turned over and returned with interest. It was breathless stuff for players and spectators alike. Despite the best endeavours of all concerned the half ended with no further additions, or reductions, to the scoreboard. Sutton, who had dominated the early exchanges, led 15-7 but Reigatian were right back in the contest as the sides retired to the warmth of the dressing rooms to contemplate their strategy for the second period.

Old Reigatian began the second half in splendid fashion creating two chances in as many minutes. The first was thwarted by an errant pass and the second by an interception. Sutton threatened to score with a wonderful 60-metre burst by Adam Bibby but he failed to connect with the lone support of Matt Symonds. OR stepped up the pressure and were aided by a flurry of S&E indiscretions that did not go unmissed by Mr Stewart. Following considerable pressure and multiple advantages Old Reigatian deservedly scored. With the addition of the Baldwin conversion the Black & Whites lead had shrunk to a single point as they held a 15-14 advantage. In addition to his exemplary place-kicking Tom Baldwin was becoming increasingly influential with ball in hand as he exploited the extra time and space he was finding with numerous jinking breaks that had Sutton scrambling in retreat.

Driving drizzle descended for the last half hour as conditions for players and spectators deteriorated rapidly. Scrum-half Ali Webb made a fine break as the hosts started to dominate proceedings. As the game entered the final quarter Sutton & Epsom received an additional burden when Mr Stewart correctly issued a yellow card to Dan Jones to reduce the visitors to 14 men when the flanker failed to avoid the airborne catcher. At once slick handling and ruthless efficiency saw winger Jonny Bridges cross the whitewash for his side’s third try. Baldwin maintained his 100% record and the Geoffrey Knight Fields’ fans rose as one to celebrate the 21-15 lead. The fifteen-point deficit was now a distant memory.

However, this was familiar territory for the Black & Whites who have become remarkably proficient in coming out on top in close encounters of the rugby kind. They looked poised to score through their pack as they advanced to the line only to concede a penalty. In the blink of an eye the visitors were back in their 22 and grateful that skipper Reilly Franklin-Talbot dropped the ball so denying his side the chance to increase their lead. Sutton’s scrambling defence was being tested to the limits. As usual Steve Munford was to the fore but perhaps the best tackle came from Angus Findlay swooping off his wing to thwart another opportunity. With five minutes left the visiting forwards looked like they were going to add a third try. Once more they were denied by the whistle. This time the Rugby Lane team could not edge out their opponent at the death. Old Reigatian held on for a 21-15 victory. It was a well-deserved success as Old Reigatian had created more opportunities and played the more eye-catching rugby in the second half.

Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Symonds, Rea, Bibby, Findlay, Bunting ©, Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Mount, Davies & Hilton.

Old Reigatian:
Woodford, Briggs, Allen, Baldwin, Parker, Holder, Webb, Marshall, Nestor, Lee, Grant, Franklin-Talbot ©, McRobbie, Goodwin & Travers.
Replacements: Garrec, Cox & Overtoom.

Photo credit Robin Kennedy

Sutton & Epsom RFC 20 Beckenham 19. Saturday 14th December.

For the final league match at Rugby Lane in 2024 the crowd were treated to the visit of the league leaders Beckenham. Twice previously this campaign have proud pole position players descended upon Cheam. Firstly, Sidcup were dispatched and then Medway had their colours lowered by the Black & Whites. Could Rugby Lane prove again to be a graveyard for the aspirations of the high-flying? This is the first of the reverse fixtures this season and the visitors’ hopes were bolstered by their September success at Balmoral Avenue by 29-14. However, it was Sutton who triumphed 20-19 to collect, arguably, their most valuable scalp of the season.

After one week away Jordan Huie and Jac Davies returned for Sutton. The Black & Whites may have the Kiwi trio of Bibby, Lennie and Rea but Beckenham included Jamaican internationals Lamar Sinclair & Rimani Richards, Barbadian Sevens caps with the Caddy brothers in the centres as well as Messrs Aoke-Tiamu, Badger, Boyce & Kakoulidis from Australia added to the mix. Freddy Bunting set the game in motion on a dismally gray afternoon, thankfully free from rain, with a crosswind in his face. It was high tempo rugby from the outset as probing attacks were battered back by formidable defences. Rob Hegarty, who is enjoying an impressive season for S&E, made the first significant break to the 22 but his side failed to capitalise. Sadly, Beckenham lost their influential 15 Bradley Bateup to an horrific dislocated knee in the opening ten minutes.

The next S&E opportunity was snuffed out as the ball was stripped in contact. It was to be a feature of the first period that Sutton ball carriers became isolated and were consumed by Beckenham’s predatory pack who were excellent at the breakdown. In addition, the league leaders, from the first whistle, showed a propensity to run the ball from defence. The abrasive and robust carrying of Liam Caddy was perfectly complemented by deft offloads of his brother Jake as they tried to utilise the power and pace of Jordan Gabriel and Zane Kakaloudis on the wings. The Black & White defence had to be on their mettle and they were equal to every challenge.

After a quarter of an hour the deadlock was finally broken. A Beckenham player strayed offside and Freddy Bunting calmly from 40 metres put his side 3-0 up. Having gathered the restart the hosts did not escape the perlustration of Mr Spencer Pearce who reciprocated with a kickable penalty for the visitors. The Balmoral Avenue side were not content with levelling the score but went in search of the lead as they kicked into the corner. The league leaders illustrated their promotion credentials by scoring in the corner despite resolute defence. After several phases Tom Ward, like all good 7s, was on hand to cross the whitewash. The touchline conversion failed but the Kent team led 5-3 at the end of the first quarter.

Poor passing by the Sutton & Epsom side on halfway led to a lightning counter by Beckenham. A stunning score was nipped in the bud by a trademark covering tackle by the ageless Steve Munford. Sutton rallied with a superb scrummage winning the ball against the head that initiated their best passage of play. The game was developing into a highly entertaining spectacle as dangerous attacks were neutered by extremely efficient defences. Unfortunately, just after the half hour the away side suffered a second significant departure as loose-head prop David Aoake-Tiamu hobbled off the park.

Half time was rapidly approaching but with two significant breaks for injuries there would be a healthy amount of afters to consume. Beckenham were holding Sutton in check until a stunning break by Tom Lennard saw him advance deep into the 22 and as he was enveloped by the defensive cover flanker Dan Jones was on hand to take the well timed pass under the posts. Captain Bunting chipped over the conversion for a 10-5 lead. The Black & Whites went in search of further glory and moment later Freddy Bunting was lining up a pop at the posts. The expectant crowd, so accustomed to the excellence of their kicker, were surprised to see the ball drift wide as Bunting missed kicks are as rare as Ben Duckett leaving a ball in a test match. The final opportunity fell to the visitors but their 5-metre lineout was bundled into touch to conclude the first half with the scoreboard reading Sutton & Epsom 10 Beckenham 5.

The hosts made a rapid start to the second period. Learning from the first half the forwards advanced was ably supported and Steve Munford enjoyed a stream of fast ball on the front foot. A stunning break by Gareth O’Brien propelled him into open space in the 22 but he selflessly passed to Rob Hegarty who ran in under the posts. Freddy Bunting completed the formalities for 17-5. This was a healthy lead though when returning prop Alex Mount vociferously declared: “They cannot live with us” it was met with ribald laughter from players on both sides. Everyone at Rugby Lane knew this game was far from over. It soon came to pass, five minutes later, that Beckenham were alive but not kicking as they declined the three-point option. Then another penalty meant the hosts were defending a 5-metre line out. Geordie Boyce secured the ball and hooker Lamar Sinclair muscled his way over despite the efforts of his opposite number Sam Lennie. Lewis Bunton added a sweetly struck conversion to reduce the deficit to 12-17.

The visitors pressed hard but Sutton held on. In the dying minutes, after a relentless forty-phase attack, a blocked drop-goal attempt from Lewis Bunton secured Sutton’s 20-19 victory.

Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Huie, Bibby, Bunting ©, Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, Tame, McTaggart, Rea, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Boaden, Davies & Hilton.

Beckenham
Bateup, Kakoulidis, Caddy J, Caddy L, Jordan, Bunton, Curtis, Aoake-Tiamu, Sinclair, Badger, Moran, Keefe ©, Boyce, Ward & Knowles.
Replacements: Richards, Latouche & Lovell.

Photo credit: Robin Kennedy

Sutton & Epsom RFC 17 – Reeds Weybridge 11. Saturday 7th December 2024.

The arrival of Reeds Weybridge at Rugby Lane signalled the culmination of the first half of the season having played the other ten teams in the league in the previous rounds. The Whiteley Village outfit lay third in the table. It was an identical position to the same stage as last season but they enjoyed an improved record of eight wins and 40 points compared to seven wins and 32 points. In comparison, Sutton & Epsom are one win, two places and six points better off than the 2023-4 statistics. On the last occasion these teams met it was for the denouement of the season and S&E won by 12-10 with a late Rob Hegarty try. It was again a thrilling affair with Sutton triumphing 17-11 for their fifth win on the spin.

Storm Darragh had put paid to the game at Priestfields but that was the only postponement as Reeds kicked off with the clubhouse and a strong wind behind them. S&E had brought in Matt Symonds and Josh Rea to replace Jordan Huie and Jac Davies. Sam Lennie was elevated from the bench to make his first start as hooker with Dan Jones switching to the flank. The Black & Whites incurred an early injury when Callum Gibson was replaced by Tom Boaden within the opening ten minutes. The visitors enjoyed more of the possession and territory in the first quarter but the conditions and ferocious defence by all concerned limited opportunities. Reeds progress was additional hampered by frustrating penalties. On the half hour excellent Sutton defence turned over the ball in their 22 and Dan Jones broke the shackles with a stunning burst to halfway. RW responded in kind and won a penalty which they decided to kick for points. The reliable Jack Jesty opened their account for a 3-0 advantage.

From the restart Sutton were gifted the chance to level the scores but as is their wont they kicked to the corner in search of greater rewards. The gamble was justified as the forwards completed their primary task of securing possession. The war of attrition was declined in favour of spinning the ball wide. The ball was transferred adroitly to Angus Findlay who again demonstrated his increasing aptitude for scoring in the corner. Even for the prodigious Freddy Bunting a touchline conversion against the wind was beyond his scope but his side led 5-3. Reeds Weybridge sought to take advantage of the wind and kicked into the home 22 where a scrambling Gareth O’Brien escorted it to touch. Another chip ahead appeared to harmlessly roll dead but the referee brought play back for S&E pulling down the lineout. Jack Jesty stepped up to regain the lead at 6-5 in time added on. A feature of the match was the numerous injury breaks throughout and it meant Sutton had plenty of time to reply.

Having secured the restart Sam Lennie twice carried powerfully in the 22. It was the host’s who now had a penalty that gained no advantage. Usually when the ball is brought back for an indiscretion the defence can reset whilst the offence carefully considers its options. On this occasion the RW team had overpopulated their left flank leaving their right as weak as the Ardennes in 1940. Gareth O’Brien was alert to the possibilities and took advantage of Sam Lennie as his decoy as he glided through the remnants of the defence to celebrate his 50th cap in style. Fredding Bunting accepted the extras after the minor inconvenience of replacing the ball on the tee. The Black & Whites led 12-6. There was still four more minutes of the additional eleven to go. The final Reeds attack was snuffed out by excellent smothering defence by Adam Bibby and Mr Carter finally ended the half with Sutton ahead by 12-6.

The second half began to recall striking parallels with the final fixture of last season. Formidable attacking waves crashing against adamantine defences. The hosts besieged the visitor’s 22. The game was set on an endless loop with Sisyphus and Tantalus starring for Sutton and Horatio playing the lead for Reeds. The Black & Whites seemed bereft of the traditional timber equine solution. Recent clinical efficiency in their opponent’s 22 was replaced by frustration against an impenetrable defence. The elements added a slightly comical note as the wind hampered clearance kicks of sufficient distance. However, the Reeds solution of running a penalty 5 metres from their line and kicking to their wing was hardly a prosaic solution. It might require some training ground practice or only play that card on a still afternoon. The ball ended up being caught by Sutton as it descended near the Reeds’ line in the corner.

Meanwhile for the Rugby Lane crowd the habit of declining the kickable three points was being questioned in the grandstand. As the game progressed the penalties became increasingly adjacent to the uprights. Fuelled by their libations the crowd implored, beseeched and vociferously heckled for a 9-point lead. The captain was impervious to the obsecrations of the mob. In gathering gloom with normal time evaporating the Sutton pack delivered at the eleventh hour. Tom Boaden forced his way over for the try to break the magnificent defence of the opposition. The Bunting conversion missed by inches as S&E held a 17-6 lead entering time added on. For the second half the crowd would enjoy 14 additional minutes.

It would have been easy for the Reeds Weybridge team to have been downcast after their Herculean defensive efforts had been thwarted so late in the game but they demonstrated tremendous team spirit to switch to the attacking mode. They were given a quick boost when Josh Rea received a yellow card for a high contact reducing Sutton to 14. Finally, they managed to create space and fullback Marcus Clark set off like a giraffe being released from captivity. He outpaced the initial cover and then stepped out of the covering tackle to complete a wonderful try from halfway. If Freddy Bunting’s miss was unlucky then Jack Jesty’s appeared to be cursed as it was blown narrowly astray at the last instant.

Trailing 11-17 Reeds threw everything at Sutton who did not help themselves by conceding numerous penalties. As inevitably as a game of amateur darts finishes with multiple efforts at double one this match was to conclude 5 metres from the Black & White line. Reeds resorted to their most powerful ball carriers to smash their way over. Sutton were equal to the task with a collective will and tremendous tackling. Finally, the defence employed the ‘Irish Kiss’ and prevented the Reeds man getting to the deck. Mr Carter awarded S&E the scrum and blew the final whistle to end a titanic struggle with Sutton & Epsom worthy winners by 17-11.

For the hosts the centre combination of Bunting and Bibby neutralised the potent opposition backs. Sam Lennie was mightily impressive with his throwing on a blustery afternoon and his penetrative carries. The pack to a man tackled ferociously and demonstrated admirable control in difficult conditions. Against a less resolute defence Sutton could have been out of sight. Once again the team impressed in the final moments with their heroic resistance by preventing a decisive score. Reeds failed to capitalise in the first period when they had the elements but the second half showed that a favourable wind does not guarantee points. In adversity Reeds Weybridge showed great character and no little skill first to survive and then to threaten to win the match.

Next Saturday Rugby Lane supporters can enjoy back-to-back home fixture with the 2pm game against Beckenham. The Kent team are enjoying another fine start to the season and are in pole position in the table. The visitors will be keen to repeat their 29-14 success at Blamoral Avenue in September. However, Sutton will be wanting to add another top of the league scalp to those of Sidcup and Medway whose colours have been downed at Rugby Lane already this campaign. Finally, hearty congratulations to Jo Evans who on Sunday in the match against Battersea Ironsides became the first Sutton woman to play 100 league matches. Jo has been a stalwart of this remarkably successful squad that has risen through the leagues to the exalted status of playing in the Women’s Championship South 1 rubbing shoulders with the likes of Richmond, Bath and London Irish.

Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Symonds, Bibby, Bunting ©, Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Boaden, Rea & Hilton.

Reeds Weybridge
Clark M, Brown, Maitland, Clark J, Endeley, Jesty, Palmer, Day L, Day R, Beavis, Goodwin, Finn ©, Ewington, Wasko & Wastie.
Replacements: Howe, Tyndale & Homfrey.

Gravesend 22 Sutton & Epsom RFC 23. Saturday 30th November.

Sutton and Epsom RFC visited Gravesend RFC in October last season at the height of the high tackle hysteria. In a match not so much punctuated by penalties as strangled by draconian enforcement Freddy Bunting collected five penalties. However, the hosts won 36-29 outscoring the visitors 6-2 in tries with a brace of penalty tries and a double from the totemic Samraj Chahal. The Black & Whites returned to the delightful Rectory Field facility that rather contrasted the unflattering portrayal of Gravesend in Andrea Arnold’s recent film “Bird”. One hopes the council were well compensated for the depiction of their town that raises the question: Is all publicity good publicity? S&E absquatulated again with the points sneaking home 23-22.

Sutton fielded the same starting XV that had snuck past Thurrock in the previous round, apart from an esoteric switch for the wingers. Tom Boaden returned to the bench and was joined by debutant Sam Lennie, the last arrival of the Christchurch triumvirate, who had flown in from New Zealand and not Dorset. An accident in the environs of Clackett Lane delayed the Sutton arrival but their blushes were spared as Mr Goksaran’s tardiness that meant the kick off was delayed until 3:15pm. Finally, Freddy Bunting kicked off to the petanque end. Gravesend, belying their lowly league status, dominated the early exchanges. However, they struggled to cross the gain line owing to S&E’s resolute defence. They squandered two opportunities in the opening ten minutes. Firstly, losing an attacking line out deep in the 22 and secondly knocking on with the line in sight.

Captain Bunting settled the visitors’ nerves with an immaculate 45-metre strike for 3-0. His side now impressed with excellent continuity as rapid recycling aided forwards and backs alike. Gravesend, under severe pressure, conceded a penalty 10 metres out. The ball was prodded to the corner. The perfectly executed catch and drive ushered hooker Dan Jones over the whitewash for the opening try. Freddy Bunting’s pin point accuracy made it 10-0. Five minutes later the Kent side found themselves in similar travails when they were not only turned over in their 22 but compounded the error by conceding a penalty. Another kick to the corner, another line out, another catch and drive … another outcome. The home pack halted their adversaries so it was spun wide to winger Angus Findlay whose sublime footwork left the defender grasping thin air as the second try was scored. The metronomic Bunting converted for 17-0.

The Gs looked for a rapid response and the inspirational Samraj Chahal went blind from a scrum. Rhys Betts then chipped ahead and a try was only thwarted by magnificent cover by Tom Lennard. Moments later Sutton provided the opposition with some degree of consolation when they conceded a penalty under the posts. Rhys Betts accepted the gift and the hosts trailed 3-17. The first half concluded shortly afterwards with no further addition to the scoreboard.

The second period started inauspiciously for the hosts when they kicked the restart out on the full. This was to be a rare blemish as they proceeded to besiege the Sutton 22. Following ten minutes of intense pressure it was centre Zac Filmer’s perfectly angled run that opened the second half scoring with a try by the posts. Rhys Betts added the simple conversion and the home team trailed 10-17. Within five minutes a raucous Rectory Field sensed an equalising score but their team conceded a penalty one yard from glory. Undeterred by that misfortune the revitalised hosts continued to press for points. Finally, on the hour mark they levelled the scores. Sutton debutant Sam Lennie received a yellow card for a high tackle. The 3-point easy option was declined. They were rewarded when the redoubtable Samraj Chahal forced his way over. With Rhys Betts converting the scores were level 17-17 as Gravesend had scored 17 unanswered points. With S&E reduced to 14 the pendulum had swung dramatically in the favour of the Kent side.

Despite the numerical inferiority Sutton were the next to score. With Mr Goksaran hovering like Azrael the visitors were awarded a penalty and Freddy Bunting recaptured the lead at 20-17. A minute later following excellent work from Jordan Huie S&E had another penalty for a late tackle. A simple 3 points for a 23-17 lead, meaning Gravesend would need a goal to regain the lead, was declined and the penalty was run instead. The forwards approached the line and thought they had scored via Rob Hegarty. The referee adjudicated that he had been held up over the line. A relieved home XV cleared long.

Sutton were returned to their full complement but only momentarily. Ben Tame cleared out a ruck and was issued a yellow for high contact. Sensing blood Gravesend also declined an easy kick and went for glory. From the ensuing penalty their bravery was rewarded as replacement Nathan Fouche powered over. To add salt to the wounds of the Sutton Society For Kicking All Penalties Rhys Betts conversion drifted wide and Gravesend led 22-20. However, a couple of minutes later Freddy Bunting was given a long-range attempt from the sidelines to recapture the lead. Demonstrating as few nerves as a false tooth he bisected the uprights for 23-22 as the game entered time added on.

Gravesend immediately had a chance following a fabulous 50-22 kick that nestled in an ideal spot for an attacking line out. Sutton set themselves for the catch and drive and did not contest the ball. Remarkably the throw was not straight. The hosts cleared to halfway but then they conceded a penalty which saw them retreating back to the corner to defend another close-range line out. This time, roared on by the Rectory Field faithful, the Gs pack secured the ball. Numerous phases saw the hosts crab their way under the posts. The heroic Sutton defence refused to be breached and turned over the ball. From the scrum they secured the ball and dismissed it from the paddock for a very hard earned 23-22 victory.

Sutton played some of their most effective rugby of this campaign in the first half. Their defence was miserly, they were quick to capitalise on errors and impressed with ball in hand. They were clinical in the opposition 22 when scoring two tries. The second half transformation said more for the attributes of Gravesend than Sutton’s deficiencies. Rob Hegarty’s dynamism was a focal point throughout, Jordan Huie’s running out of defence was exhilarating and Tom Lennard’s all around game won plaudits. Close games come down to small margins and in Freddy Bunting S&E held all the aces in all the decks.

For Gravesend this was an unwanted hat trick being their third loss in a row by a solitary point to add to a single point defeat on the opening day to Old Reigatian, not to mention a 2-point deficit to Reeds. Such a run would make Jonah feel fortunate by comparison. The hosts defended aggressively denying Sutton time and space. They varied their game with forwards, backs and some astute kicking. They were undone by missed opportunities as more than one vital line out was lost and overlaps in the 22 were not perceived. In addition, they were up against a formidable kicker who missed nothing as he made the challenging look elementary.

Next Saturday December kicks off at 2pm with a visit from Reeds Weybridge who are proudly perched third in the league. The equivalent fixture last season culminated the campaign with Sutton winning with a Rob Hegarty try on the final play for a 12-7 success.

Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Huie, Bibby, Bunting ©, Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Jones, Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Davies & Hegarty.
Replacements: Boaden, Lennie & Hilton.

Gravesend
White, Huckle, Cooke, Filmer, Bruce M, Bruce G, Betts, Alderson, Dadson, Brooker, Bird, Brett, Stener, Chahal & Hewitt.
Replacements: Fouche, Hampshire & Fisher.

Saturday 16th November: For Sutton supporters of a pessimistic disposition the arrival of Thurrock, winless after eight
matches, would have brought back miserable memories of a trip to Southend in November 2017.
The Saxons broke their duck with a last second penalty that gave them a 32-31 first win of the
season after eight straight defeats. For the optimists, that was years ago, away from home and
the Black & Whites had defeated the league leaders in their last two Rugby Lane appearances. On
this occasion the Rugby Gods smiled on Sutton & Epsom as they sneaked home with a last play try
to inflict an agonising 33-29 loss on Thurrock who continue their quest for their Holy Grail of a win.

Sutton saw a welcome return from injury for Gareth O’Brien at 15 and for Josh Glanville
following his Marrakesh meanderings. On an overcast afternoon Thurrock initiated proceedings
attacking the clubhouse end. They were once more into the search for a first win for their dear
friends back at Oakfield. It was a scrappy start with a penalty and a free kick awarded at the first
two scrums and the S&E line out, that has been a source of strength this season, proving to be
unreliable. The Black & Whites opened the scoring with a Freddy Bunting penalty for 3-0.
Undeterred the visitors proceeded to monopolise the game. Their forwards went through the
phases and advanced steadily. Thurrock opened their account with a moment of the highest
quality. Number 10 Charlie Chitty, with immaculate precision, chipped to the flank where winger
Elliot Chew timed his leap to perfection to gather the ball under pressure and score in the corner.
Harry Reynolds impressively converted from the touchline for a 7-3 lead.

The Black & Whites proceeded to litter the paddock with new and interesting ways to
thwart their progress: misjudging a kick; kicking out on the full; gifting penalties and losing line
outs. Eventually the visitors were presented with a kickable penalty that was gratefully accepted
by Harry Reynolds as the Essex men extended their advantage to 10-3 at the end of the first
quarter. A degree of urgency awoke the hosts and Tom Lennard recovered a charge down as
Thurrock tried to clear from their 22. Fluent passing found Jac Davies in space and his deft
footwork presented Freddy Bunting with a try. The Captain clipped over the conversion to level the
scores at 10-10. The flow of the game was negated by errors and no infringement went
unpunished under the gaze of Mr Morris. For example, a baffled Sutton pack were halted as they
tried to execute a catch and drive from 10 metres out due to one of their fraternity joining in.

With the interval approaching both sides looked to the boot for territorial advantage but
more often than not gifted possession to the opposition. Sutton had recaptured their defensive
relish and cut down the visiting ball-carriers who barely made a yard despite many phases. They
were rewarded with a turnover from a knock on and a subsequent penalty in the middle of the
park. The Bunting boot failed to find touch but the captain made amends by collecting the return.
The Black & Whites surged into the 22 and won a penalty. Steve Munford pounced with a quick
tap and flanker Dan Jones put through Adam Bibby for his first Sutton try. Freddy Bunting added
the extras for a 17-10 lead.

From the restart the Tees were awarded a penalty that they kicked to the corner to provide
the perfect attacking platform. They secured possession and their advance was halted. The initial
thrust was denied but moments later they exploited the narrow side to squeeze in at the corner.
Replacement prop Ben Flatt’s try was music to Thurrock ears. Though the conversion failed the
visitors finished the first period trailing 15-17 with the contest very much in the balance.
The second half opened with the first opportunity coming to the hosts after five minutes.
Freddy Bunting took a simple three points from a penalty adjacent to the uprights near the 22.
Leading 20-15 Sutton were fortunate moments later when Thurrock squandered a huge
advantage. Overwhelmingly outnumbered by the visiting hordes who were sweeping into the S&E
22 the hosts were saved by an unforgiving pass that arrived at the bootlaces rather than the
midriff. Moments later Freddy Bunting was adding a dollop of sodium chloride to the freshest of
wounds. With a fabulous penalty from near to halfway the captain put his side 23-15 up. The Black
& Whites appeared to be in the ascendancy and put together their best passage of play.
Wonderful interchanges and telling support saw the joyous site of Rugby Lane’s replacement prop,

Callum Hilton, diving over the line to score a fabulous try. Celebrations were cut short as the
referee was concerned over the grounding of the ball and awarded Thurrock the drop out. A
deflated Sutton suddenly saw a probable 15-point lead snatched from their grasp.

The game entered the final quarter with Sir reminding the hosts that the mounting penalty
count in their 22 had reached the point of no return and he would be reaching for his pocket
sooner rather than later. The Oakfield team took their chance. Despite dogged defence in the
corner flanker Ben Timson forced his way over. Harry Reynolds made it a one-point game with
another fine conversion as Thurrock trailed 22-23. Not for the first time, and certainly not for the
last time, the Rugby Lane fans were delighted to applaud another Bunting penalty as he made
light work of a 45-metre effort from the middle of the pitch. The hosts were 26-22 up with ten
minutes on the clock. Sutton pressed hard to put away their stubborn opponent. Another quickly
taken penalty looked like paying dividends again but the stunning break ended when a speculative
inside pass in the 22 that came to nought.

Tension rose and the momentum switched to Thurrock as they entered the Black & White

A combination of careless play and poor discipline undermined the hosts and resulted in a
Thurrock line out 10 metres from the line. The catch and drive was halted but at a cost as the
referee lost patience and removed Josh Glanville with a yellow card. Now it was a 5-metre line out.
The Thurrock forwards threw themselves time and again against the Sutton line. It was classic
defence against patient and controlled attack with every inch being contested to the full. Finally, it
went to flyhalf Charlie Chitty who dummied and skipped through the gap to score. Harry Reynolds
added the extras and Thurrock led, in time added on, by 29-26.

Right on cue the Black & Whites produced their best rugby of the afternoon. The Bunting
restart descended with the pack perfectly just outside the 22 and the ball was regained. The
referee awarded Sutton a penalty but they declined the opportunity to level the scores. It was all
out attack against heroic defence. The referee indicated a penalty advantage and S&E pressed on
and spun it wide. The crowd roared as Jordan Huie sprinted down the touchline in classical style to
score but there was a forward pass. Back for a penalty in front of the posts and again the kick was
rejected. From the tapped penalty flanker Dan Jones exploited a tiny gap in the defensive wall and
lock Ewan McTaggart was on hand for the glory of the winning try. Freddy Bunting, having
wrapped up his half century of caps at Dartfordians last week, notched his century of points for
the season with the last kick of the game. Sutton had won 33-29.

At present for Thurrock it must feel like they have offended the Goddesses Tyche and
Fortuna with clowders of black cats haunting their every turn. The team are no doubt exhausted
from taking the positives from every game. However, this match brought their first bonus point for
four or more tries and saw their highest points tally to date. Their effort and spirit could not be
faulted as illustrated by taking the lead in time added on whereas despondency and a ‘here we go
again’ feeling would have been understandable. Their pack carried well, the Chitty brothers at
halfback offer great potential and in Harry Reynolds they have a quality kicker. Hopefully the tide
will turn for them sooner rather than later.

Sutton have started to get into that pleasing habit of winning close games which speaks
volumes for their fitness, camaraderie and determination. Adam Bibby was outstanding in defence
with his ability to make the tackle and be back on his feet in a instant being invaluable and his try
was a fitting reward for an excellent afternoon. On a day when the team struggled to find their
rhythm they still found a way to win because their defence was again of the highest quality. Next
Saturday is another rest from the hurly-burly of league action. The campaign continues on 30th
November when the charabanc heads for the Rectory Field for a match with Gravesend.

Sutton & Epsom

O’Brien, Findlay, Bibby, Bunting ©, Huie, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Jones, Gibson, Glanville,
McTaggart, Tame, Davies & Hegarty.
Replacements: Hilton, Rea & Wise.

Thurrock

Frear, Reynolds, Poole, Clifford ©, Chew, C. Chitty, S. Chitty, Miles, Percival, Catchpole, Libby,
Watts-Adams, Orr, Timson & Jennings.
Replacements: Flatt, Aminu & Giroud.

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.