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.”
Building Technology to Deliver Expertise
– 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 Sidcup; Dartfordians v Beckenham; Gravesend v Reeds Weybridge; Old Colfeians v Thurrock; Old Reigatian v Medway; Old Tiffinians v Battersea Ironsides.
Next Round (19th October):
Old Tiffinians v Sutton & Epsom; Battersea Ironsides v Dartfordians; Beckenham v Gravesend; Medway v Sidcup; Reeds Weybridge v Old Colfeians; Thurrock v Old Reigatian.
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 L 43-48
Sep 28 A Battersea Ironsides D 19-19
Oct 12 H Sidcup
Oct 19 A Old Tiffinians
Oct 26 H Medway
Nov 9 A Dartfordians
Nov 16 H
14
21
4
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
Focus on Sidcup
Last Season At Rugby Lane: Sutton & Epsom 30 Sidcup 20
S&E opened their account early on in the proceedings as George London powered over from a lineout and Freddy Bunting added the extras for a 7-0 lead. The Kent team replied from a lineout but not in the classical manner. Mr Tobias Whinney had taken objection to winger Max Russell’s involvement, issued him yellow card and awarded Sidcup a penalty try. This was the fourth time this season that the hosts had suffered this draconian sanction as the visitors levelled the score at 7-7. The guests took advantage of their numerical superiority as Josh Twyford’s steepling kick descended from the heavens creating havoc that led to their second try. Josh Twyford’s significant boot added the conversion for a 14-7 lead for Sidcup. The fly-half then concluded the first period by adding a penalty to extend their lead to 17-7 at the interval.
After ten minutes of the second half S&E scored through their most familiar method as Freddy Bunting collected three points and repeated the medicine to reduce the deficit to 13-17. The penalty pendulum swung back in the favour of the Kent men as Josh Twyford made it 20-13 in Sidcup’s favour. In the final quarter the Crescent Farm team were reduced to 13 and despite heroic defence they were undone by two S&E goals. The ubiquitous Chris Farrell’s runs providing the assists for firstly Rob Hegarty and then for a spectacular finish from halfway by Robbie Martey. As the game entered time added on Captain Bunting made it six successful strikes out of six for another penalty that secured the win by 30-20 for the Black & Whites.
Sutton & Epsom:
Ciaran Mohr, Robbie Martey, Lawrence Elliott, Freddy Bunting ©, Max Russell, Gareth O’Brien, Chris Ballard, Callum Gibson, Chris Farrell, Alex Mount, Ewan McTaggart, Josh Glanville, George London, Josh Pulvirenti & Matt Whitaker. Reps: Tom Boaden, Rob Hegarty & Steve Munford.
Sidcup:
Charles Pooley, Luke Sheridan, Dan Masters, Zak Jones, Louis Keeley, Josh Twyford, Sam Leamon, Joe Brady, Harry Large, Teddy Gibbons, Jack Dutton, Steven Evans, Tom Epps, Liam Healey & Jonathon West. Reps: Jonathan Fordham, Harry Gibbons & George Bird.
Regional 2 South East
Sutton & Epsom RFC v Sidcup RFC
Saturday 12th October 2024 – KO 3.00pm
Your referee for today is: Philip Willis (LSRFUR)
Sutton & Epsom
15. Gareth O’Brien Fullback 15. Sebastian Ellison
14. Jordan Huie Wing 14. Dan Masters
13. Finlay Scott Outside Centre 13. Sam Leek
12. Lawrence Elliott Inside Centre 12. Fraser Smith
11. Austin Bell Wing 11. Louis Keeley (c)
10. Freddy Bunting (c) Fly Half 10. Josh Twyford
9. Steve Munford Scrum Half 9. Brandon Sullivan
1. Thomas Boaden Prop 1. Ted Gibbons
2. Alex Mount Hooker 2. Jon Fordham 3. Callum Gibson Prop 3. Sam Carmen
4. Josh Glanville Second Row 4. Tom Clarke) 5. Ben Tame Second Row 5. Ben Stock 6. Josh Rea Flanker 6. Liam Healey 7. Dan Jones Flanker 7. Zak Jones 8. Rob Hegarty No. 8
Jon West Replacements Replacements 16. Callum Hilton
Josh Watson 17. Ben Green
Fred Ruff 18. Angus Findlay
Manager John Croysdill Trevor Pooley
DoR Andrew Spooner Chris Jones
Coaches P Hodgson; A Dombrandt; C Leigh; N Harris Danny Mizen
Physio Cherry O’Sullivan Sarah Webb
Touch Dan Harris Paul Bensley
Home-grown player
The Rapid Round Up
There was a veritable torrent of tries in the third round of fixtures in Regional 2 South East. The sunshine and hard pitches led to a cavalcade of running rugby. Rugby Lane witnessed the most action with 91 points but the rest of the league were equally enthusiastic. Whether it was a case of rapacious running rugby or profligate defences will have to be left to the spectators as a mountainous 406 points were scored in six matches.
Round 3: 21st September 2024
Battersea Ironsides 29 Beckenham 26
The Ironsides current penchant for keenly contested contests continued at Garrett Green. The Batttersea version of ‘Close Encounters of The Third Kind’ left their audience happy.
Dartfordians 29 Thurrock 19
It was a joyous afternoon in Bexley as it was third time lucky for Dartfordians as they posted their first win of the season. Tries from Chapman, Hetherington, Rackley, Taylor and Whyte saw off the Essex visitors whose late score could not take the shine off a fine win for the hosts.
Gravesend 28 Medway 40
Despite their standing in the table Gravesend had managed to do the double over their local rivals last season. So it was a satisfying success for visiting Medway. Jonah Hyde opened the scoring for the Rochester men before a Ben Stelfox try and George Bruce drop goal nudged Gravesend into the lead. The seesaw nature of the contest continued with a brace from Medway’s Max Bullock countered by a Zac Filmer retort. Despite relentless pressure the home team never regained the lead and they were finally subdued by further tries from Jordan Stubbington, Harrison Fermor and Noah Hyde.
Old
Colfeians 23 Sidcup 46
In the ‘321 Derby’ an improved performance by Colfeians was not enough to halt Sidcup. In the first half the hosts squandered chances losing possession to the tenacious visiting defence at the most inopportune times. With a Freddie-Holland Oliver try OCs trailed the clinical Sidcup 8-22 at the break. Despite the opening score of the second period by Dan Hepden Sidcup replied with a brace of their own. Injuries reduced the home XV to 14 for the final 15 minutes and they showed great spirit to score again through Conor Gray.
Old Tiffinians 34 Reeds Weybridge 41
In another high scoring game in week three it was the visiting Reeds who edged out their familiar rivals in a contest that was in the balance throughout. Hooker Rhys Day opened the floodgates for Reeds before winger Harry Jowett replied for OTs. Marcus Clark scored the try of the day finishing off a move he started 5 metres from his line to restore Reeds lead. However, the Tiffinian pack held the upper hand and lock Noah Noeh gave the hosts a 14-12 interval lead. RW centre Matt Stevenson was next to cross the whitewash as the boot of Will Sharp kept the Old Boys in contention. Flanker Chugg Wallis secured Reeds their bonus point as Reeds led 24-20 entering the final quarter. Matt Stevenson was denied a second score but the Whiteley Village outfit were awarded a penalty try. But Tiffinians have not lost at home for a couple of years and fought back as captain Ross Hobbs scored. In a frenetic finale the teams exchanged goals before the referee concluded proceedings with Reeds 41-34 victors.
Overview
It took until 6th January 2024, Round 14, for Sidcup to record their fourth victory of the season at the last time of asking. How times have changed at Crescent Farm this season. Continuing the fine form of the second half of the 2023-4 campaign they are now, after four rounds, the only unbeaten team in the league and top the table with a maximum 20 points. In contrast, there remains the duo of Old Colfeians and Thurrock who are winless. However, that unfortunate state of affairs is likely to change this afternoon at Horn Park when Colfeians host Thurrock.
With the league going into abeyance after only four matches it is interesting to reflect on the number of players the clubs have used. The accuracy of the statistics is hampered by that ubiquitous character Mr Name Withheld who mysteriously appears on a regular basis.
Round 4: 28th September 2024
Beckenham 36 Old Tiffinians 18
The Balmoral Avenue crowd enjoyed a bonus point win as Beckenham stayed in contention with the early league leaders Sidcup.
Medway 36 Old Colfeians 20
It was the third win on the bounce for the hosts. Lock Pete Cole opened the scoring for the Priestfields outfit before Colfeians battled back to lead 10-7. Scrum-half Noah Hyde’s try restored the host’s lead but the visitors edged again once more with a penalty. Prop Deji Oyesola put Medway ahead for a third and final time. Further tries by flanker Dan Jackson and winger Connor Chalmers secured the points despite a consolation try for OCs.
Reeds Weybridge 52 Dartfordians 17
Once again hooker Rhys Day opened the scoring for Reeds. Further tries were added by Michael Wasko and Nick Brown followed by a stunning solo effort by outside half Jack Jesty before Dartfordians scored to make it 28-7 at the break. Additional RW tries from Pete Cole and Herbie Finn were recorded before Rhys Day and Nick Brown doubled up. There were also consolation tries for the visiting Ted Rackley and Kieran Clark.
Sidcup 59 Old Reigatians 7
The Sidcup juggernaut is gaining momentum as they recorded their biggest win of the season so far.
Thurrock 10 Gravesend 25
Gravesend finally got off the mark on the 94th anniversary of this fixture. A brace of tries by debutant flanker Brandon Dhesi gave Gravesend a 10-5 lead at the interval. Then Number 8 Samraj Chahal doubled up to secure a much needed bonus point win.
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
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 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
It is always happy hour for members of Sutton & Epsom RFC at their local wine bar. Please present your membership card for 10% off your bill.
