Saturday 17 October 2026 | Nolan Oils Ground, Ardley | Combined Counties Premier Challenge Cup, First Round | Ardley 2 Epsom & Ewell 2 (Ardley won 6-5 on penalties)

After a heavily delayed journey up the M40 following an incident on the M25, Epsom & Ewell received a warm welcome at Ardley, although the biting chill soon became the overriding feature of the evening.

Despite concerns over squad selection the night before, manager Max assembled a side that produced a highly creditable performance against opponents sitting third in the Northern Division.

Winning the toss, Toby wisely elected to play down the slope, with Epsom adopting a disciplined 4-4-2 formation.

Following a cagey opening five minutes, the Salts broke the deadlock.

Frankie delivered a free-kick that was cleared for a corner, which he took himself. The ball came back to him just inside the penalty area and he struck beautifully with the outside of his right boot through a crowd of players, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

It was an excellent first goal for the club.

Ardley equalised in the 24th minute after being awarded a free-kick just outside the box.

Tom Moore curled an impressive left-footed strike over Epsom’s four-man wall and into the top right-hand corner.

The award of the free-kick was strongly questioned by the Epsom bench, with Harry Murphy receiving a yellow card during the protests.

The Salts had opportunities to regain the lead, including a Djazton effort cleared off the line, but it was Ardley who struck again before the interval.

Another free-kick was taken quickly and a sharp one-two opened up the Epsom defence, allowing Declan to finish across Ben Grummitt and give the hosts a 2-1 half-time lead.

The second half was a tighter affair, with clear-cut chances at a premium.

Following an injury to Kionte, the Epsom management reshuffled the side, moving Callum Wilson into central midfield and Djazton back to left-back.

The change paid off in the 79th minute.

Toby’s throw-in was headed by Oba into the path of Frankie, who slipped a precise pass through to the advancing Djazton.

He kept his composure to finish neatly and register his first goal for the club, earning Epsom a deserved equaliser.

The closing stages were frantic.

Ardley struck both the crossbar and a post, but Epsom held firm and the score remained 2-2 at the final whistle, sending the tie to penalties.

After five spot-kicks apiece the sides remained level.

Naz struck the bar before Ardley’s number 16 hit the post. Leo then saw his effort saved by Hillier, only for Grummitt to respond by denying Ardley’s number 12.

Harry converted his penalty and Ardley’s number six replied.

Frankie, one of Epsom’s standout performers on the night, then saw his penalty saved, allowing Ardley’s number 15 to convert the decisive kick and secure a 6-5 shootout victory.

It was an agonising end for the Salts after a spirited and hard-fought performance against strong opposition on the road.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

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

Epsom & Ewell 4-0 Molesey. Southern Combination Challenge Cup Second Round – Monday 13th October 2026 – Chalky Lane, Chessington – Attendance: 87

The Salts progressed comfortably into the next round of the Southern Combination Challenge Cup with a convincing 4-0 victory over Molesey.

Epsom & Ewell, playing up the slope in the first half, created the game’s first opening but fired over the crossbar.

The Salts took the lead after 14 minutes. Following a goalmouth scramble, Antonios Nazareth reacted quickest at the far post to poke the ball home and give Epsom the advantage.

The match took a significant turn four minutes before the break when Molesey’s Elvis Kwashie was shown a straight red card following a reckless challenge on Jason Bloor. Bloor required several minutes of treatment before continuing.

There was further controversy just before half-time when a Molesey defender appeared to handle the ball while playing it back towards his goalkeeper, but the referee waved away Epsom’s appeals.

The hosts nevertheless went into the interval holding a deserved 1-0 lead.

Epsom & Ewell started the second half somewhat sluggishly, with Blessing Hombessa collecting a yellow card on 50 minutes. Further cautions followed for Alex Foord and Angel Montes as the game became increasingly competitive.

Hombessa’s evening was cut short on 58 minutes after a heavy knock, with Oba introduced in his place.

The Salts made further changes shortly afterwards as Niall Stilwell and Charlie Miller entered the action, while Courtney Swaby and Kionte Waul were also introduced as Epsom & Ewell looked to make their numerical advantage count.

The sides were reduced to ten men apiece on 69 minutes when Montes received his second yellow card of the evening and was dismissed.

Despite that setback, the Salts soon doubled their lead.

On 75 minutes, substitute Oba broke clear, drove towards goal and finished confidently to make it 2-0. A minute later, the Molesey goalkeeper produced an excellent diving save to prevent a third.

The hosts continued to press. Swaby struck the upright after beating his defender on 80 minutes, before Waul embarked on a surging run from inside his own half, only to see his effort saved by the goalkeeper.

Epsom & Ewell’s third goal arrived five minutes from time when Oba completed his brace with another determined run and composed finish. Swaby again threatened moments later but fired narrowly wide.

There was still time for one final flourish.

On 90 minutes, Harry Grant powered home a towering header from a corner to score his first goal for the club and complete an emphatic 4-0 victory.

The win sends Epsom & Ewell into the next round, where they will face either Kingstonian or Balham away.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

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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

Epsom & Ewell 3–1 Yateley United. Combined Counties Premier League South. Saturday 10th October – Chalky Lane, Chessington. Attendance: 81

Epsom & Ewell secured their first home victory of the season with an impressive 3–1 win over Yateley United at Chalky Lane.

With club captain Brendan sidelined through injury, the armband was handed to Toby Young, who led the line superbly and set the tone with a tireless performance.

The Salts started brightly and were almost ahead inside three minutes when Oba broke clear and delivered an inviting cross, but nobody was able to apply the finishing touch.

The hosts continued to press, with Blessing Hombessa beating two defenders before sending another dangerous ball into the area.

Epsom suffered a setback after 33 minutes when Harry Murphy was forced off through injury. New signing Angel Montes came on for his debut following his arrival from Corinthian-Casuals and quickly settled into the contest with a composed performance.

Despite creating the better chances, the sides went into the interval level at 0–0, with the Salts unfortunate not to be ahead.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 55th minute when Oba was rewarded for an energetic display by finding the net to give Epsom a deserved lead.

Just four minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. Leading scorer Hombessa surged past his defender before confidently finishing to make it 2–0. His celebrations earned him a booking, but the Salts were firmly in control.

Oba’s afternoon ended through injury after 68 minutes, with Jason Vincent replacing him. Luis Oliveira was then forced off four minutes later, with Daniel Conteh introduced.

There was a warm reception in the 78th minute for defender Anthonios Nazareth, who returned after a lengthy spell out with a shoulder injury. He replaced Harry Grant to a round of applause from the home support.

Luke Miller later replaced Charlie Miller as Epsom looked to see out the game.

Yateley pulled a goal back in the second minute of stoppage time with a breakaway finish to make it 2–1 and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.

The Salts responded emphatically.

Deep into added time, Hombessa broke clear and calmly drilled a low finish into the corner for his second goal of the afternoon, sealing a deserved 3–1 victory.

It was an encouraging performance from Epsom & Ewell, who combined attacking threat with resilience to record their first home win of the season and collect all three points.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

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Epsom & Ewell 0 Corinthian-Casuals 2. Saturday 3 October 2026 – Combined Counties Premier League South

Epsom & Ewell’s difficult home form continued as Corinthian-Casuals left Chalky Lane with all three points following a 2–0 victory in front of a healthy crowd of 322.

The first team news of the afternoon was that skipper Brendan Murphy-McVey had failed a fitness test and was therefore unavailable.

Before kick-off, a minute’s applause was impeccably observed in memory of former Salt Mick Stratford, who recently passed away. Mick made 325 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals, and was warmly remembered before the action began.

The Salts made a bright start and thought they had taken the lead after just five minutes when the ball found the back of the net. However, the celebrations were cut short as the referee ruled the effort out for a foul.

On 17 minutes Blessing Hombessa broke forward, beat his defender and delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but nobody was able to get on the end of it.

Just a minute later the visitors struck. Lee Quincey found the net to give Corinthian-Casuals an 18th-minute lead.

There was further frustration for Epsom & Ewell shortly before the interval. On 42 minutes they again had the ball in the net, only for the referee to rule the effort out. The decision was that the goalkeeper had one hand on the ball while it was on the ground and had therefore been fouled.

It ensured Corinthian-Casuals took their 1–0 advantage into the half-time break.

After Epsom & Ewell’s improved second-half performance the previous week, there was hope that the Salts could once again raise their game after the interval. Unfortunately, that did not materialise.

One player who certainly continued to battle was Alex Foord, who worked tirelessly in midfield and covered seemingly every inch of the pitch.

Epsom & Ewell’s task became even more difficult in the 52nd minute when Balde Dansoko doubled the visitors’ advantage. Some poor defending gave Casuals the opportunity, while goalkeeper Ben Grummitt was unable to reach the ball before Dansoko made it 2–0.

A minute later Luis Oliveira picked up a yellow card.

Changes followed as Epsom & Ewell attempted to find a route back into the contest. On 73 minutes Jason Bloor replaced Charlie Miller and Toby Young came on for Courtney Levi.

Four minutes later Kionte Waul replaced Harry Murphy, while Luke Miller came on for Oba.

The final change arrived in the 82nd minute when skipper Callum O’Keeffe made way for joint-manager Craig Dundas.

There was to be no late recovery, however, and Corinthian-Casuals saw out the remaining minutes to secure a 2–0 victory.

It was another disappointing performance on home soil, leaving the Salts still searching for their first home points of the campaign despite another excellent attendance.

Epsom & Ewell are back at Chalky Lane next week when Yateley United are the visitors.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

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

An Ewell football coach has combined his experience on the touchline with his skills as a web developer to create a free tool designed to make matchdays easier for grassroots managers.

Davide Domenghini, who manages Ayat FC’s under-15s in the Tandridge League, has developed Gafferboard to help coaches select their teams, manage substitutions and keep track of each player’s time on the pitch.

He says the idea grew from the familiar weekend challenge of working out who is available, who is injured, who missed training and who has had the fewest minutes — before typing the team out for the parents’ WhatsApp group, often in the rain.

Gafferboard allows a coach to select available players, choose a formation and manage substitutions during the game. According to its creator, it also records every player’s minutes, helping coaches give younger players a fair share of the action.

“At the younger ages that matters, because the aim is that everyone gets a fair go,” Davide told the Epsom & Ewell Times.

The tool is free, with no advertisements or sign-up required. It currently works through a web browser on a phone, tablet or laptop, with nothing to install. Davide says an installable app will follow.

“I’ve kept it free because the people running these teams are volunteers already giving up their weekends,” he said.

Davide has coached grassroots football for more than seven years. He began when his son was playing for the under-nines at Cheam Sports FC. His son is now in the under-15 age group, and Davide currently coaches in the Mitcham and Croydon area.

A longstanding web developer, he describes Gafferboard as a practical response to needs he has experienced as both a parent and a coach.

“I’m a parent as well as a coach, so I know what a manager needs on matchday, what a parent wants to hear before kick-off, and what the players need on the pitch: clear feedback, a fair go, and a bit of discipline sometimes,” he said.

“I’m a practical person, so I built the thing I wanted on the touchline.”

Ayat Fútbol Club was founded about five years ago by two local coaches and took its name from a local restaurant. It has since grown from one team to seven. Davide stressed that Gafferboard is his own project, rather than a club initiative.

He has also contacted youth leagues across Surrey and Kent to offer the tool to their managers.

While other software focuses on running a club, Davide says his priority is the job facing the volunteer coach during a match.

“Most tools out there are built for running the club. This one is built for the 90 minutes on the touchline.”

Gafferboard can be accessed at https://gafferboard.com.

Lionel Blackman

Davide Domenghini with his app. Credit Gafferboard

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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

We had some typically competitive racing at Epsom on Sunday afternoon, with a good spread of results. Those going home happiest, though, were jockey and trainer combination Cieren Fallon and William Haggas, who together celebrated a double that afternoon. 

Read on for a report of the Epsom card, with horse racing odds from BOYLE Sports. 

We began with a seven-furlong nursery handicap (13.37). The result was less than expected, as the Archie Watson-trained Rogue Imperial came home as the winner at a price of 10/1. Favourite Give Hand could do no  better than fifth place, and the winner had made all and kept on well enough to win by just under a length.

Next we had a conditions stakes race run over an extended mile (14.12). Here, William Haggas and Cieren Fallon had the first of their two winners as Quite Cheeky crossed the line nearly two lengths in front at a price of 7/2. The colt had run on well inside the final furlong to lead and keep going away, with 11/1 Sword Salute back in second. 

Following was a 10-furlong novice (14.47). The winner here was short in price but not the favourite. William Haggas’ Rowlf had been expected to win, jumping out of the stalls at 6/4, but it was in fact the second favourite who came home in front; Richard Hannon’s Blue Noon, ridden by Sean Levey, winning well despite drifting left in the final furlong. 

Race four was the Jump Jockeys Derby Handicap (15.22). Professional jump jockeys rode here, with James Davies aboard the favourite; Seeking Charles, who could do no better than seventh. Instead, it was the Gary and Josh Moore-trained Zarakerjack who took the lead and ran on well in the closing stages to win by over a length, ridden by Freddie Mitchell at a price of 12/1. 

The fifth race was a 10-furlong handicap (15.57). Here, William Haggas and Cieren Fallon brought in the second leg of their double, as Matins justified his price of 4/7F to win by a very impressive five and a half lengths. Carnival Day was second and Echalar was third. 

Second to last was an extended mile handicap (16.32). Ralph Beckett had a winner here with Rossa Ryan, as Swiped made all to stay on and win by a good margin of over two lengths. Thanos was second for Harry Charlton and Likeness was third for Jack Channon. 

Finally, racing concluded with a seven-furlong handicap (17.07). We had joint favourites here; Musical Angel and Eazy On The Eye, both at 7/2. It was the latter, though, who came home in front for Heather Main and George Wood, holding on gamely to win by a short head to Short Trumpet in second. 

Epsom results – Sunday:

13.37 – Rogue Imperial (10/1)

14.12 – Quite Cheeky (7/2)

14.47 – Blue Noon (13/8)

15.22 – Zarakerjack (12/1)

15.57 – Matins (4/7F)

16.32 – Swiped (100/30)

17.07 – Eazy On The Eye (7/2J)

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Image: Epsom racing idealised

Abbey Rangers 2 Epsom & Ewell FC 2 – Combined Counties League Premier Division South – Saturday 26 September 2026 Addlestone Moor

Epsom & Ewell recovered from two goals down to earn a point at Abbey Rangers, although their stronger second-half performance left them with chances to take all three.

The Salts made a slow start, and Alfie Essex put Abbey ahead after eight minutes. Josh Stepney doubled the hosts’ lead in the 22nd minute, capitalising on a mistake by Epsom goalkeeper Ben Grummitt.

Captain Brendan Murphy-McVey nearly pulled one back with a free-kick, but the Abbey goalkeeper saved well. The hosts then came close to a third when an attempted lob from around 25 yards beat Grummitt and struck the crossbar.

That escape sparked an improvement from Epsom. In the 36th minute, Jason Vincent supplied Blessing Hombessa, who fired home to make it 2-1 at the break.

The Salts were level just two minutes after the restart. Obasanjo Akinniranye marked his 50th appearance for the club by scoring in a goalmouth scramble.

Harry Murphy was injured soon afterwards and replaced by Kionte Waul. Epsom then thought they had taken the lead through defender Harry Grant, but the referee disallowed the goal.

Akinniranye, Courtney Swaby and Hombessa all had further opportunities as Epsom pressed for a winner. Callum O’Keeffe replaced Murphy-McVey with 10 minutes remaining, while Jason Bloor and Luke Miller came on for Vincent and Swaby. Toby Young, returning from suspension, replaced Hombessa in added time.

A point represented a strong recovery from 2-0 down. Epsom will next host Corinthian-Casuals in a local derby on Saturday 3 October.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

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Epsom & Ewell 0–2 Sutton United. Specsavers Senior County Cup, first round Chalky Lane, 22 September 2026

Epsom & Ewell held National League side Sutton United until the 72nd minute before two goals in quick succession ended their Senior County Cup run.

The Salts matched their full-time opponents through a goalless first half at Chalky Lane, with both teams creating chances but neither finding a breakthrough.

Epsom & Ewell came close to taking the lead after the interval. Oba escaped his marker and beat the Sutton goalkeeper, but his shot went narrowly wide.

Sutton broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when Ogbonna poked the ball in at the near post. Two minutes later, Urpens struck from distance and a deflection wrong-footed Salts goalkeeper Grummitt to make it 2–0.

Epsom & Ewell made several changes as the game went on. Luke Miller replaced Oba, while Frankie Lynn, Jason Bloor and Niall Stillwell also came on. Joint player-manager Craig Dundas received a warm reception from both sets of supporters when he entered the match against his former club.

The Salts continued to press for a goal, but Sutton held on. Epsom & Ewell return to league action away to Abbey Rangers.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media