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.”
– 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
Regional 2 South East Table 2024-25
This Afternoon’s Games: Sutton & Epsom v Old Reigatian; v Battersea Ironsides v Beckenham; Dartfordians v Thurrock; Gravesend v Medway; Old Colfeians v Sidcup; Old Tiffinians v Reeds Weybridge.
Next Round (28th September):
Battersea Ironsides v Sutton & Epsom; Beckenham v Old Tiffinians; Medway v Old Colfeians; Reeds Weybridge v Dartfordians; Sidcup v Old Reigatian; Thurrock v Gravesend.
1st XV Fixtures Regional 2 South East 2024-25
Sep 7 H Old Colfeians W 50-7
Sep 14 A Beckenham L 14-29
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
Dec 7 H Reeds
14
21
4
11
18
1 A Medway Feb 15 H Dartfordians Mar 1 A Thurrock Mar 8 H Gravesend
22
Focus on Old Reigatian
Last Season At Rugby Lane: Sutton & Epsom 21 Old Reigatian 38
In the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign Old Reigatian ultimately subdued a stubborn Sutton 35-29 after a game of fluctuating fortunes. This time S & E were enjoying a run of five victories, OR was lying third in the league and Chris Farrell was celebrating his 100th 1st XV league appearance in the game before the festive break.
Old Reigatian were to demonstrate clinical efficiency in the first half. Starting with a perfectly executed catch & drive that escorted prop Ciaran Nestor touch over the line. Lucas Overtoom stroked over the conversion for a 7-0 lead. Their second visit to the Sutton 22 was a sweeping play with great continuity providing centre Gareth Stephens with the try as he deftly recovered his chip ahead. Their next journey to the Black & White Red Zone saw their pack advance relentlessly before releasing centre Max Coyle to take the glory. Lucas Overtoom added the extras for a 19-0 lead. A sorrowful Sutton promptly conceded a soft score moments later with lock Jack Baart the beneficiary. The touchline conversion bisected the uprights and Old Reigatian led 26-0 with a bonus point secured before the interval. In comparison to the visitors lethal finishing the hosts had been most profligate in the first period.
Within five minutes of the restart the visitors were crossing the whitewash for a fifth time. A kick through, a ricochet and a helpful assist from a Black & White boot gifted Gareth Stephens his second try. Sutton & Epsom introduced fresh legs off the bench and were soon rewarded. The forwards controlled the ball from a 5-metre lineout and it could not have been a more popular try as it was the outstretched arm of Chris Farrell on his 100th appearance who touched down. Ten minutes later Sutton & Epsom were again benefiting from Reigatian indiscipline as they kicked a penalty into the corner. This time Alex Mount side-stepped would be tacklers to score. With Freddy Bunting’s conversions the home crowd dared to dream of a miracle at 14-31. Those dreams swiftly became a nightmare as the Black & Whites conceded an interception try just outside their 22 a minute later. Max Coyle had his second try and Lucas Overtoom his fourth conversion and the visitors had the healthy cushion again leading 38-14. It was left to Alex Mount to finish the try-scoring as the prop collected his second score as he muscled his was over the line. Freddy Bunting did the necessary to conclude the scoring at 21-38.
Sutton & Epsom:
Gareth O’Brien, Matt Symonds, Willem Ratu, Tom Lennard, Lawrence Elliott, Freddy Bunting ©, Chris Ballard, Tom Boaden, Chris Farrell, Alex Mount, Ewan McTaggart, Ben Green, Isaac Lea, Josh Pulvirenti & Rob Hegarty. Replacements: Callum Gibson, George London & Ross Parsons.
Old Reigatian:
Conor Woods, Finn Coyle, Gareth Stephens, Max Coyle, Harrison Mitchell, Lucas Overtoom, Alex Skinner, Ciaran Nestor, Harry Plowman, Toby Collister, Oliver Brooks, Jack Baart, Sam Foreman, Finlay Lock & Ryan Travers. Replacements: David Niven; Edward Cox & Ben Holder
Regional 2 South East
Sutton & Epsom RFC v Old Reigatian RFC
Saturday 21st September 2024 – KO 3.00pm
Your referee for today is: Tobias Whinney (LSRFUR)
Sutton & Epsom Old Reigatian
15. Gareth O’Brien Fullback 15. Thomas Baldwin
14. Arun Watkins Wing 14. Tom Woodford
13. Finlay Scott Outside Centre 13. Thomas Allen
12. Adam Bibby Inside Centre 12. Rob Williamson
11. Jordan Huie Wing 11. Finn Coyle
10. Freddy Bunting (c) Fly Half 10. Lucas Overtoom
9. Steve Munford Scrum Half 9. Alexander Skinner
1. Alex Mount Prop 1. Ciaran Lee
2. Pete Gordon Hooker 2. Nathaniel Kenyon
3. Callum Gibson Prop 3. Toby Collister
4. Josh Glanville Second Row 4. Reilly Franklin-Talbot (c) 5. Ewan McTaggart Second Row 5. Daniel Jones 6. Josh Rea Flanker 6. Seb Courtney-Walker 7. Dan Jones Flanker
Sam Lenihan 8. Matt Whitaker No. 8
Travers Replacements Replacements
Thomas Boaden
Callum Hilton
Ethan Monk
Ben Holder 18. Lawrence Elliott
Harrison Mitchell
Manager John Croysdill TBC
DoR Andrew Spooner Richie Andrews
Coaches P Hodgson; C Leigh; N Harris D Cooper; G Head
Physio Cherry O’Sullivan TBC
Touch Jack Pennant
Home-grown player
TBC
The Rapid Round Up
Round 1: 14th September 2024
Battersea Ironsides 15 Thurrock 14: Last season’s bridesmaids edged the regionally transferred Thurrock by a solitary point. It was nearly a perfect start for the Essex team under the stewardship of new captain Niall Clifford as fullback Harry Reynolds collected a brace of tries.
Beckenham 27 Reeds Weybridge 13: Influential Australian Geordie Boyce kick of the campaign with a hat trick in an impressive opening day success for last season’s early pace-setters. Jack Jesty collected a late otiose score for the visitors.
Dartfordians 12 Sidcup 37: Despite Stephen Garrett and Jarlath Hetherington crossing the whitewash for the new boys it was a baptism of fire as Sidcup enjoyed a comfortable win at the War Memorial Ground.
Gravesend 21 Old Reigatians 22: It was heading for a comfortable win for Old Reigatian as they led 22-7 with ten minutes left on the clock. Then Gravesend’s Samraj Chahal led the spirited comeback scoring two tries that were converted by George Bruce but the visitors hung one to win by a point.
Old Tiffinians 18 Medway 12: It was a red-letter day for Medway’s John Sipawa as he recorded his 50th 1st XV appearance. He celebrated this landmark with the opening try. Despite lock Peter Cole adding an interception try that was converted by Harrison Fermor the celebration were rather muted as three yellow cards cost them dear as the metronomic boot of OTs Will Sharp punished the visitors with six sweetly struck penalties.
Round 2: 14th September 2024
Medway 29 Dartfordians 12: In an all Kent affair the newly promoted Dartfordians search for a maiden win, and even a first point, will continue for another week. Medway brushed off their opening day disappointment with a bonus point win.
Old Reigatians 50 Old Colfeians 26: The battle of the Old Boys saw the Reigatian team run up a half century in an impressive win full of the attacking rugby for which they are known. However, Colfeians, smarting from their S&E defeat, rallied in the second period with a brace of tries from James Amor coming off the bench.
Reeds Weybridge 29 Battersea Ironsides 26: Reeds took the notable scalp of the Ironsides. They established a 14-0 lead via tries from lock Lewis Jones and wing Will Jones and the trusty boot of Pete Cole. It was an afternoon where Battersea refused to lie down but never quite got on terms. The turning point came when the visitors looked certain to equalise when Pete Cole ran back an interception from his own line to make it 21-7. Then it was than man Cole who sealed the victory with a nerveless penalty late on.
Sidcup 46 Gravesend 6: Sidcup showed the value of the consistency of selection as the same 18 men trotted out for the second week on the spin. The visitors endured a torrid second half after a couple of George Bruce penalties implied a tight contest as they trailed 6-7. The hosts scored their second try just before the break and never looked back. Sidcup were simply bigger, faster and fitter and Gravesend’s cause was not helped by losing Messrs Faultly, Marks and Brooker to injuries.
Thurrock 24 Old Tiffinians 51: The opening day form hinted at success for the hosts as they had run Battersea Ironsides so close and the tryless visitors had been assisted by an undisciplined Medway in their win. Tiffinians did not need to rely on the boot of Will Sharp as they ran in the tries and were the top point scorers of Week 2 with a 51-point display. There was the slight consolation for Thurrock with tries from Aminu and Orr.
Player sponsorship
MEN
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
Pio Louis sponsored by Better Spirits Limited
Ciaran Mohr sponsored by Cutting Edge (Sets) Ltd
WOMEN
Joanne Evans sponsored by Evans Swim School
Beth Evans sponsored by Evans Swim School
Abby Brassey sponsored by U14 & U16 Girls
Zoe McTear sponsored by InTouch Capital Markets Limited
Isabelle Keith sponsored by MSP Organisation
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
Games selected as a replacement are shown in brackets and included in the total * = Penalty Tries: 1 v Beckenham (A) 14th September 2024
RECORD POINT SCORERS IN A LEAGUE SEASON
1. 230 Freddy Bunting (2023-24: 22-Game Season)
2. 208 Sam Hurley (2015-16: 26-Game Season)
3. 196 Sam Frost (2006-07: 22-Game Season)
4. 184 Sam Hurley (2013-14: 26-Game Season)
5. 181 Steve Munford (2010-11: 26-Game Season)
RECORD TRY SCORERS IN A LEAGUE SEASON
1. 24 Matt Whitaker (2015-16: 26-Game Season)
2. 21 Bryan Milne (2007-08: 22-Game Season)
3. 20 Mike Cartledge (2012-13: 22-Game Season)
4. 18 Andy Matthews (2014-15: 26-Game Season)
5. 15 Matt Whitaker (2017-18: 26-Game Season)
NB: Geoff Green scored 13 tries in 1991-92 which was a 10-Game season and the last season when four points were allocated to a try
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 MANAGER
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:
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:
Alice Clarke Chair Events alice.clarke20@gmail.com
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!