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
Regional 2 South East Table 2024-25
This Afternoon’s Games: Sutton & Epsom v Beckenham; Battersea Ironsides v Reeds Weybridge; Dartfordians v Medway; Gravesend v Sidcup; Old Colfeians v Old Reigatian; Old Tiffinians v Thurrock.
Next Round (14th December):
Old Reigatian v Sutton & Epsom; Beckenham v Battersea Ironsides; Medway v Gravesend; Reeds Weybridge v Old Tiffinians; Sidcup v Old Colfeians; Thurrock v Dartfordians.
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
Nov 16 H
Dec 7 H
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
Focus on Beckenham
Sutton & Epsom v Beckenham in the League Era
24.9.05
Earlier this Season at Balmoral Avenue: Beckenham 29 Sutton & Epsom 14
After the thrilling matches of last season it was unlikely that this fixture could live up to those two pulsating encounters. The one consolation was that this match was played in normal conditions after the searing September temperatures and the howling December gale provided contrasting challenges to the teams last season.
Sutton & Epsom opened brightly as Matt Whitaker and Lawrence Elliott both were denied by excellent Beckenham defence as they stretched to score. Then it was the hosts who were frustrated by cussed defence as Gabriel Jordan and Andrew Knowles efforts came to nought. Eventually, winger Gabriel Jordan crossed the whitewash to open the scoring for a Beckenham 5-0 lead. The visitors responded moments later when Mr Burchell not only awarded a penalty try from a lineout but flourished a yellow card to the home skipper Richard O’Keefe. Despite the numerical disadvantage the Kent side regained the lead with a fine finish by scrum half Craig Thomson. Lewis Bunton’s successful strike concluded the first half with Beckenham leading 12-7 despite the wind and being a player down on the naughty step.
Beckenham soon extended their advantage with commendable vision a long bouncing pass reached Matt Lovell in splendid isolation for him to score with ease on the flank. Lewis Bunton added to the growing lead with the conversion for 19-7. Moments later the Kent men looked likely to score a marvellous try as they swept down the pitch exhibiting superb support play but scrambling Sutton denied them a spectacular score. With the hour rapidly approaching Sutton were indebted to a wonderful solo effort from flanker Dan Jones who showed great pace and nimble footwork to score. Freddy Bunting nonchalantly added the extras to put his team back into the contest as they entered the final quarter trailing by 19-14. Elation became deflation from the restart as S&E gave away a penalty. Lewis Bunton punished the error as he chipped over the penalty for a 22-14 lead and he now sensibly used the wind to keep Sutton at arm’s length by pinning them in their 22 with well-placed kicks. In time added on Gabriel Jordan scored his second try by demonstrating great strength and determination to run 30 metres. Lewis Bunton bisected the uprights from the touchline for 29-14 as a bonus point win was secured.
Sutton & Epsom
Elliott, Watkins, Scott, Bibby, Mohr, Bunting ©, Lovatt, Mount, Gordon, Gibson, Tame, McTaggart, Rea, Jones & Whitaker. Replacements: Boaden, Hilton, & Munford.
Beckenham
Kennedy, Lovell, J. Caddy, L. Caddy, Jordan, Bunton, Thomson, Baker, Willden, Richards, Latouche, Moran, Keefe ©, Stapleton & Knowles. Replacements: Hatfield, Bernard-Moore & Feldhaus-Davies.
The Rapid Round Up
It is halftime for Regional 2 South East as the midpoint of the campaign means that this afternoon is the first of the reverse fixtures. So perhaps it is an opportune moment to reflect on what has gone before. Sidcup were the early pacesetters reeling off four bonus point victories in September and scoring most points (188) and conceding least (48). The Crescent Farm bubble burst at Rugby Lane the following Saturday. October saw the rise of Beckenham to the summit with a solitary and narrow 29-2 loss to the Ironsides in Round 3 the only blemish on their record. However the Balmoral Avenue boys faltered at Sidcup allowing Battersea Ironsides to edge ahead at the end of November. At this stage last season Beckenham had just suffered a shock 20-19 to struggling Sidcup who were bottom of the table. Despite that setback this afternoon’s visitors had accumulated 45 points and led the league by eight points from Battersea Ironsides. So the table has a somewhat familiar appearance in light of recent history with Beckenham leading and taking full advantage of Battersea’s postponement.
Round 11: 7th December 2024
Medway v Battersea Ironsides: Postponed Storm Darragh put paid to the match at Priestfields. Mercifully it was the only venue in Regional 2 South East that had to concede defeat to Mother Nature.
Old Colfeians 22 Gravesend 20
After a pointless first quarter the hosts established a 22-point advantage. A brace from Charlie Baker and a third try from Tom Rameaux seemed to have decided the outcome. However, a Gary Brett try and a Rhys Betts penalty made it 22-8 at the break. Gravesend dominated the second period and were aided by three OC’s yellow cards. Chris Shorter and Matt Bruce crossed the whitewash but yet again the Gs fell short and were left pondering missed kicks at goal.
Old Reigatian 30 Dartfordians 10
Old Reigatian welcomed back their captain Reilly Franklin-Talbot. Since their thrilling 48-43 win at Rugby Lane on 21st September the ORs had only beaten the whipping boys from Thurrock. So this win was a much needed boost for Old Reigatian.
Sidcup 26 Old Tiffinians 7
Crescent Farm is one of the fortress locations of this league. This win made it 5 from 5 and 211 points scored and only 60 points conceded. Even the Old Tiffinians could not conjure up their usual bonus point.
Thurrock 8 Beckenham 35
An early Harry Reynolds penalty gave false hope to the hosts that this would become Golden Saturday. Bad weather is a great leveller but their best chance would have been if the elements had prevented some of the visitors making the scheduled kick off. Beckenham were far too strong and took the chance to seize top spot with a bonus point win. The Thurrock Nub must be exhausting the thesaurus to discover new and kindly adjectives to describe a winless season. As they are keen followers of my scribblings might I suggest ‘lamentable’ or ‘challenging’ depending on the generosity of their disposition as they search for positives after 11 depressing defeats.
Regional 2 South East
Sutton & Epsom RFC v Beckenham RFC
Saturday 14th December 2024 – KO 2.00pm
Your referee for today is: Spencer Pearce (Somerset Rugby Referees Society)
Sutton & Epsom Beckenham
15. Gareth O’Brien Fullback 15. Bradley Bateup
14. Jordan Huie Wing 14. Matthew Lovell
13. Adam Bibby Outside Centre 13. Jake Caddy
12. Freddy Bunting (c) Inside Centre 12. Liam Caddy
11. Angus Findlay Wing 11. Gabriel Jordan
10. Tom Lennard Fly Half 10. Lewis Bunton
9. Steve Munford Scrum Half 9. William Curtis
1. Dan Johnson Prop 1. David Aoake-tiamu
2. Sam Lennie Hooker 2. Lamar Sinclair
3. Tom Boaden Prop 3. Logan Badger
4. Ewan McTaggart Second Row 4. Darragh Moran
5. Ben Tame Second Row 5. Richard Keefe (c) 6. Josh Rea Flanker 6. Geordie Boyce
7. Dan Jones Flanker 7. Thomas Ward
8. Rob Hegarty No. 8 8. Andrew Knowles Replacements Replacements
Alex Mount
Rimarni Richards 17. Callum Hilton
Cameron Prince
18. Jac Davies 18. Gregory Lawlor
Manager John Croysdill John Eaton
DoR Andrew Spooner Graham Purdy
Coaches P Hodgson; A Dombrandt; M Blakeburn; S Munford D Brown; G Dipple; O Marriott
Physio Cherry O’Sullivan TBC
Touch Truman Wright TBC 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 Ltd
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 Ltd
Ciaran Mohr sponsored by Cutting Edge (Sets) Ltd
Alex Mount sponsored by Daksta Ltd
Callum Hilton sponsored by Ideal Medical Solutions
Josh Pulvirenti sponsored by Parsons Building Services
Dan Jones sponsored by S&ERFC U16
Alfie Baker sponsored by S&ERFC U16
Player sponsorship @ £300.00 covers cost of player’s membership, sponsor included in match programmes, club website and social media teamsheet and MOTM posts.
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 Ltd
Isabelle Keith sponsored by MSP Organisation
Esme Newton sponsored by GMJ Coaching Ltd
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
Games selected as a replacement are shown in brackets and included in the total * = Penalty Tries: 1 v Beckenham (A) 14th September 2024
BEEN KICKED INTO TOUCH?
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.
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
TBC
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
TBC
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
TBC
TBC
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
TBC 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:
Frankie Murray Clubhouse Manager suttonrugbyclubhouse@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