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
S&ERFC 12-7 Sidcup
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.
Regional 2 South East Table 2024-25
This Afternoon’s Games: Sutton & Epsom v Medway; Dartfordians v Old Tiffinians; Gravesend v Battersea Ironsides; Old Colfeians v Beckenham; Old Reigatian v Reeds Weybridge; Sidcup v Thurrock.
Next Round (9th November):
Dartfordians v Sutton & Epsom; Battersea Ironsides v Old Colfeians; Beckenham v Old Reigatian; Old Tiffinians v Gravesend; Reeds Weybridge v Sidcup; Thurrock v Medway.
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 W 12-7
Oct 19 A Old Tiffinians L 19-41
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 Medway
Last Season at Rugby Lane: Sutton & Epsom 15 Medway 33
The Black & Whites had undermined their early season campaign by conceding far too many first quarter tries. This game provided another dose of unpalatable medicine for S&E players and onlookers alike. Gifting Medway a 5-metre lineout through indiscipline a perfectly executed move saw the ball popped to flanker Jonah Hyde who strolled over. Jack Johnson added the extras for a 7-0 Medway lead after five minutes. Then the visitors kicked a ball speculatively down the middle of the pitch and a combination of wind and cruel bounce turned it into a perfect assist for scrum half Ben Dance to gather and score. Jack Johnson added another telling blow with the simple conversion as the home team trailed 14-0 in under 10 minutes. Sutton weathered the storm and got on the scoreboard on the half hour mark. Jordan Huie demonstrated considerable strength to stay in play and pass to fullback Ciaran Mohr who ran in from 30 metres. Buoyed by this success the hosts monopolised possession for the remainder of the first period. Freddy Bunting added a penalty to make it 14-8 but then the Black & Whites’ prop Callum Gibson received a yellow for a tip tackle from the lowest of altitudes. The half concluded with no further incidents with the Rochester-based men 14-8 to the good.
On the resumption the Priestfields outfit pressed hard and scored in the corner following sustained pressure as influential Number 8 Deji Oyesola forced his way over the whitewash. Though the conversion from the flank failed the Kent team had extended their lead to 19-8 with a touch under half an hour left on the clock. A quick retort from the Black & Whites was imperative but the next score came the way of the visitors and secured them a bonus point. The centre combo of Clement and Sipawa were only just denied but the ball was recycled and open side Jonah Hyde touched down for his second try of the afternoon. Jack Johnson conversion landed another punch on the teetering body of Sutton who trailed 26-8 as the game entered the final quarter. In time added on it was Medway who added to their account as John Sipawa ran over tacklers as he maurauded down the touchline to score a try in the corner that his afternoon’s performance surely warranted. The heavyweight boot of Jack Johnson bisected the uprights for 33-8. With the game deep into the time referee Matthews had allocated for stoppages S&E went in search of a consolation. With admirably patience and control the forwards crashed against the apparently adamantine defence of the visitors and three penalties followed in rapid succession under the uprights. Finally, the wall of red and amber was breached by prop Callum Gibson who reached over to secure his first try for Sutton. In the blink of an eye Freddy Bunting added the conversion for 33-15. Moments later the referee’s shrill blast of his whistle signalled the end of the contest with Medway deservedly taking the glory with an emphatic 33-15 win.
Sutton & Epsom
Ciaran Mohr, Luca Shaw, Lawrence Elliott, Freddy Bunting ©, Jordan Huie, Gareth O’Brien, Ross Parsons, Will Lloyd, Jack Howes, Callum Gibson, Ewan McTaggart, Josh Glanville, George London, Rob Hegarty & Kean Orchard. Replacements: Alex Mount, Ben Tame & Jack Briggs.
Medway
Sean Marriott, Conor Chalmers, John Sipawa, Antony Clement, Robert Ellis, Jack Johnson, Ben Dance, Ryan Eastley, Josh Knight, Todd Johnson, Kyle Woollard, Dan Jackson, Tom Beaumont, Jonah Hyde & Ayodeji Oyesola. Replacements: Zeki Yesilmen, Josh Mason & Sam Sharpe.
The Rapid Round Up
For the second home game on the bounce we welcome the league leaders as Medway have reached the top of the greasy pole with Beckenham and Reeds Weybridge snapping at their heels. Our visitors mirrored our efforts with a mightily impressive win over Sidcup. In contrast, Thurrock must be cursing the administrators for dumping them in this league as they still search for a win.
Round 5: 12th October 2024
Dartfordians 14 Beckenham 15
Despite Messrs Sweeney and Rackley crossing the whitewash it was an agonising one-point loss for the hosts.
Gravesend 23 Reeds Weybridge 25
After torrential rains and blustery winds the visitors lead by 18-13 at the break as the weather eased for the second period. Reeds Weybridge were indebted to a brace of tries and two long-range penalties from Pete Cole that gave them the advantage. The hosts having scored through Number 8 Matt Hewitt and a first league try from Rocky Sims before the break could never overcome the deficit despite a late score from Stan Dadson.
Old Colfeians 37 Thurrock 3
Joy unbounded for the OCs as they recorded their first win of the season over fellow strugglers, and still winless, Thurrock. Tries from Captain O’Malley and debutant Shane gave the hosts the upper hand at the break. That pair doubled up in the second period and with further scores from Conor Gray and Harry Taylor it was a night of celebration at Horn Park.
Old Reigatian 17 Medway 28
Tries from Harrison Fermor and Max Bullock gave Medway an 18-3 advantage as the sides turned around. They soon increased their lead through Cole Purslow before a plucky OR hit back with two tries. The win and bonus point for the visitors was secured by a Conor Chalmers’ try.
Old Tiffinians 32 Battersea Ironsides 36
Battersea’s odd fetish for nail-biting games continued with a narrow Grist Memorial Ground win.
Round 6: 19th October 2024
Battersea Ironsides 48 Dartfordians 19
A relief for those on blood pressure medication who follow Battersea Ironsides as, in a performance that was totally out of character for this campaign, they eased to a comfortable win.
Beckenham 47 Gravesend 22
Gravesend recorded five tries and won the second period 19-14 but the damage was done in the first half as Beckenham racked up 33 points at Balmoral Avenue. Though the hosts might be concerned that they accumulated five yellow cards during the afternoon.
Medway 39 Sidcup 14
In this top of the table clash the Priestfields men stormed to a 24-0 lead with an opening try from lock Pete Cole followed by a brace from Max Bullock. A second half score from Sipawa secured the bonus point and a fifth try from Jordan Stubbington added the gloss on an impressive success.
Reeds Weybridge 40 Old Colfeians 32
Reeds celebrated President’s Day in style with a bonus point win over the Old Colfeians. Tries from lock Michael Wasko and centre Josh Clark were countered by a score from OC winger Charlie Nagel as the hosts led 17-8 at the break. The visitors scored first in the second period but had their conversion charged down. RW replied with tries from wingers Aaron Endeley and Nick Brown. The visitors refused to go quietly and added two more tries before a fine solo effort from Reeds’ Number 10 Ben Sherry finally subdued the tenacious Old Colfeians.
Thurrock 17 Old Reigatians 38
At the start of the season there was optimism at Thurrock, albeit having been switched to the southern area division where historically Thurrock have not prospered, and they are winless after 6 matches. History now seems to be repeating itself as they are struggling with the gulf in experience from some of their younger players being brutally exposed.
Regional 2 South East
Sutton & Epsom RFC v Medway RFC
Saturday 26th October 2024 – KO 3.00pm
Your referee for today is: James Richardson (LSRFUR)
Sutton & Epsom Medway
15. Austin Bell Fullback 15. Harrison Fermor 14. Adam Bibby Wing 14. Conor Chalmers 13. Finlay Scott Outside Centre 13. Max Bullock
12. Freddy Bunting (c) Inside Centre 12. Anthony Clement (c) 11. Angus Findlay Wing 11. John Sipawa
10. Tom Lennard Fly Half 10. Charlie Wardzynski 9. Steve Munford Scrum Half 9. Mike Grice
1. Dan Johnson Prop 1. Jack Nickalls 2. Dan Jones Hooker 2. Josh Knight 3. Callum Hilton Prop 3. Harry Campbell
4. Josh Glanville Second Row 4. Pete Cole 5. Ewan McTaggart Second Row 5. Jordin Stubbington 6. Alex Gerhard Flanker 6. Dan Jackson 7. Jac Davies Flanker 7. Harry Gibbons 8. Rob Hegarty No. 8 8. Cole Purslow Replacements Replacements 16. Rich Madadangona
Noah Hyde
Phil Williams
Jonah Hyde 18. Alfie Baker
Ricky Reeves
Manager John Croysdill Peter Rann
DoR Andrew Spooner Gareth Knight
Coaches P Hodgson; A Dombrandt; C Leigh; M Blakeburn R Reeves; J Jenkins; J Pearce
Physio Cherry O’Sullivan
Caroline Surtees
Touch Dan Harris Peter Rann
Home-grown player
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
Alex Mount sponsored by Daksta Ltd
Callum Hilton sponsored by Ideal Medical Solutions
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 2024-25 season
BEEN KICKED INTO TOUCH?
– 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
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.
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
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