Welcome to S&ERFC
Welcome to S&ERFC’s match-day programme, now produced in digital format.
The warmest of welcomes from S&ERFC to all those participating in or attending this match in the Regional 2 South East league.
The 2024-25 season brings a range of fixtures, several with old friends and rivals, others with new clubs whom we have not met at 1st XV level before. But wherever they hail from, and whoever they are, our opponents and all visitors will always be warmly greeted at Rugby Lane.
Last season proved challenging, particularly for the men’s 1st XV. Ultimately, they finished in a comfortable eighth place, with the women’s 1st XV going one better, and finishing seventh in Championship South 1. At our level, league rugby is highly competitive, and is bound to become more so as the season progresses.
The Minis and Juniors section, both male and female, continue to thrive. The legacy of Jamie Paxton, whose vision and foresight led to the founding of this section, is there to be marvelled at every Sunday, and the vibrancy and enthusiasm these young players (and their parents!) generate gives the Club a real ‘buzz’.
We are also delighted to welcome back our friends from the visually impaired sector, whose skill, dedication, and evident enjoyment prove (if proof were needed) that rugby really is a game for all.
No club of our size and status could survive in the modern age without the support of sponsors. Some of our sponsors are represented by advertisements in this programme. Foremost amongst them is our headline sponsor: MB Associates, the company whose Managing Director is the redoubtable Monica Bradley. The Club is very grateful to all its sponsors for their continuing support – and I take the opportunity to remind all members that sponsorship is a two-way street: the more business Club members give to our sponsors (often on advantageous terms), the more that entrenches the relationship between the sponsors and the Club – to the advantage of both.
So, welcome once again. Let season 2024-25 be a season to remember at S&ERFC – for all the right reasons!
John Hardy President
Headline sponsor’s message
We are again delighted to be supporting S&ERFC in our eighth year as the headline sponsor.
Our ongoing partnership with the club is a constant source of pride, both for myself and my team. To be a part of something that is such a cornerstone of the local community and is so inclusive, on so many different levels, is indeed a real privilege.
As a business based in Cheam Village which has traded in Surrey for nearly twentyfive years, we share many of S&ERFC’s values. Therefore, it’s a great pleasure to be involved again this year, both from a sponsorship perspective but also with members of our staff yet again playing for some of the senior teams.
Wishing everyone at the club all the best for the 2024-25 season, and of course enjoying some outstanding rugby in the coming months!
Monica Bradley Managing Director
MB Associates
Our approach to branding and marketing communications is quite straightforward. We help our clients gain the competitive edge by applying logic and strong creative ideas to get the right messages, to the right people, at the right times.
Brand Design & Communication
The Art of Rugby playing cards
Themed playing cards celebrating the Art of Rugby and its glorious past, when the game was played purely for joy. Memorable images from a golden age – every card features a different and unique image of the sport, from vintage posters to programme covers. Packs can be purchased from:
etsy.com/uk/shop/HotAndBothered
Sutton through the Ages
The Sutton & Epsom club – just Sutton until the reorganisation of London in 1971, is one of the oldest clubs in England. The original club was formed in 1871, the year of the RFU’s foundation, and although Sutton’s forefathers disbanded a few years later, many of those pioneers joined forces with rugby enthusiasts in the Sutton Bicycle Club to bring rugby back to Sutton. And that is the club we know today. It was the autumn of 1880 and the club first took the field under the banner of Sutton Bicycle Club (Football Section) – hence the iconic and much-loved symbol of the pennyfarthing.
And Sutton Football Club, as it soon became known, were quick to stamp their name on the football map, not only in the local area, but throughout the metropolis. Under the initial leadership of Yorkshireman Herbert Hooper, and later boosted by the arrival of international forwards Alfred Allport and George Fraser (the former Sutton born and bred) and a glittering array of backs, Sutton became a major force, capable of meeting and beating the likes of Saracens, Wasps and London Welsh, and even crossing the English Channel to beat the French Champions Stade Français in Paris. Thousands would flock to Grove Road, where a Sutton defeat was something of a rarity. Especially prized was the Surrey Challenge Cup, in which Sutton enjoyed a four-year stretch without defeat and once conceded not a single point in their triumphant cup run. One triumph coincided with the Victorian Era Exhibition at Earls Court in 1901, and there on a plinth in the Great Hall was the Surrey Cup itself, with Sutton’s name engraved upon it, alongside the Calcutta Cup recently won by England.
The Great War brought an end to Sutton’s dominance on the field – but not the growth of the club itself. The present Cuddington Court clubhouse was purchased in 1937 and the club resolutely stayed afloat during the war years, taking on the All Black and Wallaby inspired Royal Australian and New Zealand Services XV stationed in England. The president of the RFU opened the War Memorial stand in 1961 and within 30 years additional pitches had been purchased at Priest Hill, just half a mile away, reflecting the growth in playing numbers.
By 1987 leagues were upon us and it was a proud boast that Sutton, who had been placed in level five London One, retained their place in the top regional division for fully 18 years. There was also another period of dominance in the revived Surrey Cup, with seven cup triumphs in eleven appearances in the final. By 2019 Sutton had advanced to the National League Division Two. However, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction and the club are now plying their trade in Regional 2 South East this season.
Such is the vibrant state of Sutton rugby today that it can now claim the distinction of being one of the biggest clubs in the country, with over 2,000 playing and social members. It can put up to 25 sides in the field every weekend, with minis from U5 to U11, youth sides for boys and girls from U12 to U18, a flourishing Womens XV, competing in the Women’s Championship South 1, and five men’s sides, including the flagship 1st XV, whose achievements over the past few seasons have been among the finest in a history spanning 140 years.
We are reminded of those words of another Sutton scribe, who wrote: “We have in our hands a precious legacy… it isn’t ours to keep, but it is something to make the most of when it is our turn and cherish, sustain and strengthen for future generations.”
Pre-season vs Dorking II
– 1 to 1 Performance Coaching & Mentoring
– Development of Internal Coaching Systems & Cultures
– Organisational Team Coaching
– Leading through Coaching Proud to be developing Sutton & Epsom’s coaching workforce
The Opening Game of the Season
It is the first Saturday of September and for rugby aficionados up and down the country it means only one thing – the start of the league season. The veteran player with over a century of appearances wonders whether it is wise to invest in a new pair of boots. The youngster emerging from the junior section earnestly hopes not only to make his debut but also to establish himself in the team as an automatic starter. The coaches have scrawled down their ‘Best XV’ and naively expect it to appear for the opener despite years of evidence to the contrary. For past players and spectators they recall a bygone age, that probably never existed, when players were available for every game and none were absent for holidays, weddings or the plethora of feeble excuses.
For the 2024-5 fixtures we have bid a fond farewell to the upwardly mobile Old Alleynians and the unfortunates of London Cornish and Cobham. These three clubs have been replaced by Dartfordians, Old Tiffinians and Thurrock. Depending where followers sit on the spectrum of optimism from expectations of promotion to fears of relegation it promises to be another outstandingly competitive campaign. Last time of asking four clubs enjoyed the glory of being top of the league. Beckenham enjoyed most weeks in first place with ten and were on top of the tree at Christmas before going into decline. Battersea Ironsides were top dogs for nine weeks before being overhauled in the penultimate round by champions Old Alleynians. To complete the story Old Reigatian enjoyed a solitary week in the rarefied atmosphere at the summit after the first playing weekend of 2024.
For those of you who love statistics or who are looking for a fortuitous omen for the coming campaign the last time Sutton won their opening match, 1st September 2018, they defeated Bedford Athletic 49-25 and went on to secure the London & SE Premier crown. Last season both of today’s teams had to wait until Round 4, 23rd September, to taste the sweet elixir of victory as Sutton edged out Battersea Ironsides (26-25) and Old Colfeians brushed aside Old Reigatian (37-26). The Black & Whites will be looking to build on the ten victories secured last season after a rather lean spell when wins in the campaign could be counted on the toes of a negligent ice-skater.
In addition to the contest on the pitch the first fixture is always a joyous reunion for spectators starved of rugby action during the summer and a glorious opportunity to catch up and reflect on days gone by whilst wondering who are the new recruits who will be sporting the S&E colours. It is a delight to welcome the Old Colfeians this afternoon as the convivial atmosphere at not only Rugby Lane but also at Horn Park last season upheld the finest traditions of the game we hold dear to our hearts. In the manner of recent years we will look forward to concluding the campaign in SE12 where we will no doubt be entertained with generous bonhomie.
Sutton & Epsom have never drawn their league opener so after the final whistle, probably, it will be a tale of agony or ecstasy. Come what may, never be discouraged by any disillusionment of first result for it was forever thus and one should reflect that there are 21 more hurdles to clear in the months to come. Defeat in the first game of the season can be met with fugues of self-pity that lap up the hush communion of despair but perhaps the more sensible option is to adopt the wise words of Peter Cunnah, “Things Can Only Get Better”... hopefully.
Regional 2 South East Table 2023-24 Final Standings
*Reeds Weybridge were deducted 5 points for failing to field a team v Sidcup 16.03.24
Old Alleynians: Automatic promotion to Regional 1 South Central as Champions. Cobham: Relegated to Counties 1 Surrey Sussex.
London Cornish: Relegated to Counties 1 Surrey Sussex.
The above are replaced by:
Thurrock: Regional Transfer from Regional 2 Anglia.
Dartfordians: Promoted from Counties 1 Kent (Champions Canterbury II not allowed above Level 7).
Old Tiffinians: Promoted from Counties 1 Surrey Sussex.
This Afternoon’s Games:
Sutton & Epsom v Old Colfeians; Battersea Ironsides v Thurrock; Beckenham v Reeds Weybridge; Dartfordians v Sidcup; Gravesend v Old Reigatian; Old Tiffinians v Medway.
Next Round (14th September):
Beckenham v Sutton & Epsom; Medway v Dartfordians; Old Reigatian v Old Colfeians; Reeds Weybridge v Battersea Ironsides; Sidcup v Gravesend; Thurrock v Old Tiffinians.
1st XV Fixtures Regional 2 South East 2024-25
Sep 7 H Old Colfeians
Sep 14 A Beckenham
Sep 21 H Old Reigatian
Sep 28 A Battersea Ironsides
Oct 12 H Sidcup
Oct 19 A Old Tiffinians
Oct 26 H Medway
Nov 9 A Dartfordians
Nov 16 H Thurrock
Nov 30 A Gravesend
Dec 7 H Reeds Weybridge
Dec 14 H Beckenham
Dec 21 A Old Reigatian
Jan 4 H Battersea Ironsides
Jan 11 A Sidcup
Jan 18 H Old Tiffinians
Feb 1 A Medway
Feb 15 H Dartfordians
Mar 1 A Thurrock
Mar 8 H Gravesend
Mar 22 A Reeds Weybridge
Apr 5 A Old Colfeians
Focus on Old Colfeians
Last Season at Rugby Lane: Sutton & Epsom 21 Old Colfeians 17
There was a serious risk that the freezing weather might sabotage the game but thankfully a moderately milder morning saved the day. Colfeians opened the scoring as phase after phase they remorselessly advanced under the posts until prop Tom Rameaux powered over. Chris Harris added the simple conversion for a 7-0 lead. In the closing moments of the first quarter Sutton had an attacking lineout. Josh Pulvirenti took the ball and the pack advanced. The referee noted an indiscretion by the visitors but he played the advantage and was soon raising his arm to signal Rob Hegarty’s try. Freddy Bunting’s conversion drifted wide as S&E trailed 5-7. On the half hour S&E had another opportunity with a 5-metre lineout. The ball was safely secured and Matt Whitaker exploded from the pack powering over the line with would be tacklers hanging off him. Normal service resumed as Freddy Bunting added the extras to put his team into a 12-7 lead. Old Colfeians reply was immediate with the jinking Chris Harris scoring a stylish solo effort though he missed the conversion and the half concluded 12-12
An early Bunting penalty in the second period for 15-12 restored the host’s lead. In contrast Chris Harris missed his chance to equalize before Freddy Bunting extended the advantage to 18-12 with an exceptional strike from halfway. OCs shunned the next kicking option and went for the corner and were rewarded for their bravery as hooker Daniel Orubo dismissively broke through the tacklers to score. With the conversion going awry there was now only a solitary point in the game with Sutton & Epsom holding the advantage at 18-17. As the tension mounted Captain Bunting added another penalty for 21-17 with a couple of minutes left on the clock. Colfeians final effort was thwarted when the Sutton pack forced a scrum penalty in front of their own posts and with great relief they closed out the game.
Sutton & Epsom:
Gareth O’Brien, Kyren Ghumra, Steve Munford, Ciaran Mohr, Matt Symonds, Freddy Bunting (c), Chris Ballard, Tom Boaden, Chris Farrell, Alex Mount, Ewan McTaggart, Josh Glanville, Rob Hegarty, Josh Pulvirenti and Matt Whitaker. Reps: Callum Gibson, Ben Tame & Jack Howes.
Old Colfeians:
Ryan Napper, Chris Harris, Miles Jones, Victor Spaczil, Louis Baker, William Smith, Jed Wylie, Tom Rameaux, Daniel Orubo, Lloyd Evans, Andy O’Malley, Leo Cunningham, Ethan Collins-Oberman, Jake Carter & Conor Gray. Reps: Albert Agorioge, Frank Blythe and Oliver Burkett.
Regional 2 South East
Sutton & Epsom RFC v Old Colfeians RFC
Saturday 7th September 2024 – KO 3.00pm
Your referee for today is: Ben Stewart (LSRFUR)
Sutton & Epsom Old Colfeians
15. Gareth O’Brien Fullback 15. David Edwards
14. Arun Watkins Wing 14. Tom Chapman
13. Finlay Scott Outside Centre 13. Olly Sleep
12. Adam Bibby Inside Centre 12. Jack Griffiths
11. Jordan Huie Wing 11. Daniel Salau
10. Freddy Bunting (c) Fly Half 10. Ryan Napper
9. Laurence Wise Scrum Half 9. Victor Spaczil
1. Thomas Boaden Prop 1. Tom Rameaux
2. Pete Gordon Hooker 2. Freddie Holland-Oliver
3. Callum Gibson Prop 3. George Whichello
4. Josh Glanville Second Row 4. Andy O’Malley (c) 5. Ewan McTaggart Second Row 5. Tom Walker 6. Josh Pulvirenti Flanker
Matt Walker 7. Dan Jones Flanker
Jake Carter 8. Rob Hegarty No. 8
Conor Gray Replacements Replacements
Callum Hilton
Josh Rea
Nathan Seva
Leo Cunningham
18. Lawrence Elliott 18. Estefan Ellis
Manager John Croysdill –
DoR Andrew Spooner Vicky Chapman
Coaches P Hodgson; C Leigh; N Harris A Bateson; T Chapman; V Chapman
Physio Cherry O’Sullivan Dele Agorioge
Touch Jack Pennant
Home-grown player
TBC
Player sponsorship
Rob Hegarty sponsored by Davis-Skeggs Wealth Management
Ewan McTaggart sponsored by Walbrook Law LLP
Freddie Bunting sponsored by IT4Automation
Thomas Boaden sponsored by Ayming UK Limited
Pete Gordon sponsored by The Hegarty Family
Angus Findlay sponsored by The Hegarty Family
Dan O’Brien sponsored by Free Partners LLP
Joanne Evans sponsored by Evans Swim School
Beth Evans sponsored by Evans Swim School
Ellen Evans sponsored by Nippers2Flippers
Player sponsorship @ £300.00 covers cost of player’s membership, sponsor included in match programmes, club website and social media teamsheet and MOTM posts.
Player sponsorship @ £500.00 as above but also includes one social membership for the season and an invitation for 4 to a pre-match league lunch.
Enquiries: bob@haime-butler.com
League playing records 2023-24 season
selected as a replacement are shown in brackets and included in
Results Grid
BEEN KICKED INTO TOUCH?
Club structure
PRESIDENT
John Hardy
LIFE VICE-PRESIDENTS
J J R Austin 1982
W S Bellenger 2002
B G Chapple 1971
R J Cheall 2012
J Croysdill 2022
P J Dommersen 1985
Jackie Dowden 2009
J C Evans 2003
A J Fernihough 2011
I M Frazer 2000
R J Haime 2017
J Hardy 2010
N Harries 2005
D R S Harris 1976
P Hatch 2002
D Hegarty 2015
G Howford 2022
J Hume 2001
M J Hunter 2000
P Jenkins 2007
D Kieran 2006
I M Lovatt 2001
Jo Martin 2009
CLUB OFFICERS
Chair
R Reino
Honorary Secretary
R Davies
Assistant Secretary
G Jones
Honorary Treasurer
Chris Hodges
Main club contacts
PRESIDENT
John Hardy
John.Hardy@3rblaw.com
CHAIR
Ryan Reino
I McGraw 2022
K Mohr 2022
Janet Moore 1990
D E Moore 2002
P J O’Hagan 2000
P O’Sullivan 2005
J Parsons 2013
P Phillips 2016
R R Poole 1998
L H Quested 2003
R Reino 2016
Ann Saunders 2001
J R M Saunders 2004
S M Shaylor 2007
R J Sinclair 2000
J A Tedder 2003
Ann Towers 2001
J N Vale 2000
A J Woods 1996
Rachel Wright 2009
D M Yadoo 1979
G Yadoo 1976
Chair Sponsorship & Marketing
R Haime
Chair House & Grounds
D Luxon
Director of Rugby
A Spooner
HONORARY TRUSTEES
J J R Austin; J Parsons; G Hill
ryan.reino@blueyonder.co.uk 07734 452427
HONORARY SECRETARY
Rob Davies
robert.davies@walbrooklaw.com 07900 167376
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Garry Jones garry.jones@mac.com
HONORARY TREASURER
Chris Hodges serfctreasurer@outlook.com
CHAIR SPONSORSHIP & MARKETING
Bob Haime
bob@haime-butler.com 07702 419195
CHAIR HOUSE & GROUNDS
David Luxon david.luxon@hotmail.com
CHAIR EVENTS
Alice Clarke alice.clarke20@gmail.com
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Mark Asten suttonrugby.membership@gmail.com
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Bob Haime
bob@haime-butler.com 07702 419195
PRESS LIAISON OFFICER
Paul Beken pbeken@virginmedia.com 020 8643 2456
DIRECTOR OF RUGBY
Andrew Spooner dor-serfc@outlook.com 07458 680767
HEAD COACH
Paul Hodgson
hodgey_no9@hotmail.com
1ST XV MANAGER
John Croysdill
johncroysdilljc@gmail.com 07852 487798
CLUB CAPTAIN
Rob Hegarty rhegarty99@gmail.com
SENIOR FIXTURES SECRETARY
Iain Frazer
Iain.frazer@virginmedia.com 020 8643 4835
CHAIR WOMENS’ SECTION
Jayne Meadows
sandeladiesrfc@gmail.com
WOMENS’ FIXTURES SECRETARY
Hannah Smith
sandeladiesrfc@gmail.com 07900 663961
CHAIR MINI & JUNIOR RUGBY
John Potts
Johnpotts06@hotmail.co.uk 07769 941862
CHAIR JUNIOR GIRLS
Michael Snaith snaith@unseennetworks.com
MINIS FIXTURES SECRETARY
James Teuten-Shaw fixturesec@serfcmini.co.uk
CLUB COACHING CO-ORDINATOR
Nick Harris
nickaharris@gmail.com 07939 253649
SAFEGUARDING
Ian McGraw
ianmcgraw@btinternet.com 07961 808545
Kellie Rutledge
kellie_rutledge@yahoo.co.uk 07808 719150
REFEREE CO-ORDINATOR
Cameron Murtagh cameron.murtagh@icloud.com
L SRFUR LIAISON OFFICER
Dave Carty
davidcarty08@icloud.com 07775 883939
I NTERNATIONAL TICKET SECRETARY
Iain Frazer
Iain.frazer@virginmedia.com 020 8643 4835
WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
Bob Haime
bob@haime-butler.com 07702 419195
CLUBHOUSE MANAGERS
Frankie Murray
suttonrugbyclubhouse@gmail.com 020 8642 0280
HONORARY CHAPLAIN
Rev Derek Brice derekbrice@blueyonder.co.uk 020 8642 0241
MAGPIES GOLF SOCIETY CAPTAIN
Steve Sparrow steve@countydistribution.co.uk 07973 370456
SOUTH WEST LONDON AND SURREY’S PREMIER SCAFFOLDING COMPANY are proud to support Sutton & Epsom RFC
L & R Scaffolding pride themselves on being one of the leading scaffolding companies in South West London & Surrey. With professional tradesmen and great health and safety, we aim to deliver your scaffolding project on time at an affordable price – and always to the highest standards.
Whatever your domestic or commercial scaffolding needs, contact us today to arrange a free no obligation quotation.
All aspects of garden and tree work undertaken by fully insured, qualified and experienced professionals including:
• Tree felling and pruning
• Stump grinding
• Driveway and patio installation
• Paving and brickwork
• Fencing and decking
• Pond installation and maintenance
• Turfing and landscaping
• Water features
• Garden maintenance
CALLING ALL S&ERFC MEMBERS DO
YOU PLAY GOLF?
The Magpies are Sutton & Epsom RFC’s very own Golfing Society and all club members automatically qualify as members. You don’t need any particular high level of golfing skill although a sense of humour and ability to ‘lunch’ well will help!
Come and join players, past and present, and enjoy your fantastically entertaining Golf Society – a warm welcome is assured. We have four meetings a year including the legendary Christmas meeting and Captain’s Away Day. For further information contact:
Steve Sparrow (Captain) 07973 370456 steve@countydistribution.co.uk
Phil O’Sullivan (Treasurer) 07753 931625 phil.osullivan@newmarketholidays.co.uk
Club Hire
The clubhouse and grounds are available for hire at very reasonable rates. We can host a range of social functions, including parties, dinners, weddings and wakes, as well as indoor and outdoor facilities for clubs and societies of all descriptions.
Generous discounts and special terms are offered for club members. To enquire or make a booking contact:
Co-Chairs Events
Alice Clarke alice.clarke20@gmail.com
Angus Findlay angus.findlay@cbre.com
Sponsorship
We are always looking for new business partners with whom we can build relationships for long-term mutual benefit.
In return, we can offer our sponsors a range of benefits, including opportunities to promote their business and their products, to generate direct sales via club membership and to entertain their clients, both at the club and at Twickenham.
We have a range of packages available to suit all budgets and objectives. For an initial discussion, without obligation, please contact:
Bob Haime
Chairman Sponsorship & Marketing 07702 419195 bob@haime-butler.com
PROUD SPONSOR OF SUTTON AND EPSOM RFC
CARLING ARE PLEASED TO BE PARTNERING WITH SUTTON AND EPSOM RFC, A CLUB WITH SUCH A PROUD AND PRESTIGIOUS HISTORY. AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE THAN WITH A REFRESHING PINT OF CARLING!
At Molson Coors (UK) we offer sponsorship and support packages and would be delighted to meet so that we can understand your club’s needs.
If you would like to find out more please call us on 0845 6000 888.
Best of luck for the season!