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
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.
Matt Whitaker Joins the 200 Club
In September 2010 the club were in a parlous position on and off the pitch. The club had been relegated from National League 3 leading to an exodus of players and Old Mother Hubbard would have been familiar with the financial situation. Under the stewardship of Messrs Steel, Cheall, Parsons & Wallbank, and many more besides, the good ship Sutton & Epsom looked for calmer waters. They say that ‘no one expects the Spanish Inquisition’ but no one at Rugby Lane expected Matt Whitaker. In the subsequent seasons the club has rejoiced at a player who is a combination of the 7th Cavalry, Blücher and Hercules all rolled into one.
For those of a romantic disposition it was written in the stars. Matt was from the Vale of Lune RFC as was the skipper, Scott Wallbank. He was an engineer and, who knew it, there were engineering jobs in Sutton at Babcocks. Finally, and most importantly, he was a one-club man. The 2010-11 league campaign had a slow start, losing six of the opening seven matches, before beating the hapless Tunbridge Wells in a dire match at the St Marks Recreation Ground where the most memorable fact was the opposition coach was a double of the current England soccer manager, Fabio Capello. The following Saturday Rugby Lane hosted fellow strugglers Chobham and for the first time Matt Whitaker was going to start at Number 8 and what a debut. In the opening five minutes a scrum wheeled near halfway and Sutton went blind and the new boy ran in from 40 metres. There followed another solo effort from fifty out and a hat trick on debut in a 43-12 rout. It was enough to bring a tear to many a rheumy eye of the old faithful supporters in the stand.
From such a stellar start he had set the bar very high and continued set standards that may go unsurpassed. He was an integral part of three promotion campaigns in 2012-3, 2015-6 and, the annus mirabilis of 2018-9. The middle one of those three triumphs saw Sutton win the London 1 South title and he was in irresistible form scoring a record 24 tries in a league season surpassing Brian Milne’s 21 (2007-8). Records continued to tumble as he not only surpassed Keith Middleton’s league aggregate of 89 at Crescent Farm but also went on to reach the extraordinary milestone of 100 against Old Albanian at Rugby Lane. It was in that National 3 Championship season that perhaps his most iconic tries were recorded. The sense that Sutton could prevail that campaign gained considerable momentum with an away win at Tring when he scored a breathtaking try that was initiated behind our own line. In the key match away at rivals Westcliff he scored under the posts leaving Jacob Knight to convert the final play to win 27-25, Sutton having trailed by 22-0 after 30 minutes.
It is often said that people do not appreciate what they have until it is gone. For in the mind’s eye Matt Whitaker will always be a force of nature being able to change direction effortlessly, immensely strong in contact as his legs drive him ever onwards and being hoisted skywards to secure the lineout. We take for granted that incredible ability at Number 8 to pick up the ball from a reversing pack and still get over the gain-line. We will forgive him that aesthetically challenging phase when he held the ball at his feet at the base of the scrum and hopped as if on a pogo stick as it was only a passing whimsy. Ultimately for those who have watched his career it was in those crucial moments of a match that one prayed the ball would get to Matt because he would save us. Throughout it all he has remained the modest, unassuming character who loves to play rugby and we have been fortunate that he loves to play for Sutton & Epsom.
In ancient times ballads, poems and encomiums would have borne plentiful praise of Matt’s heroics. Statues would have been commissioned by a grateful city but perhaps we should end this brief thanks with the succinct words of Scott Wallbank: “He’s ace”.
Matt’s Stats
Season 2017-18: 21 Games 15 Tries
Season 2024-25: 5 Games 4
2018-19: 16 Games 12 Tries
19
WHITAKER SUMMARY
117 Tries v 47 Clubs
62 at Home v 35 opponents
55 Away v 33 opponents
Favourite Opponent: Chobham (10 tries)
Favourite Away Day: Sidcup (5 tries)
Hat Tricks (6): Cobham (H)
London Cornish (H & A)
Hove (H)
Maidstone (H)
Towcestrians (H)
Focus on Gravesend
Sutton & Epsom v Gravesend in the League Era
30.11.13
22.03.14
Gravesend 41 Sutton & Epsom 3
Sutton & Epsom 6 Gravesend 36
21.10.23 Gravesend 36 Sutton & Epsom 29
03.02.24
30.11.24
Sutton & Epsom 21 Gravesend 19
Gravesend 22 Sutton & Epsom 23
Although the present Gravesend club was formed in 1921, we also had one game with the original Gravesend club, Sutton winning 10-0 at Western Road in January 1889. Then there was a solitary friendly in 1994 with a victory for Sutton & Epsom before our two clubs met for the first time in league competition. Those first encounters were in Gravesend’s glorious title-winning season of 2013-14 when they completed a comfortable double over the Black & Whites. Last season, a decade later we were reunited in Regional 2 South East, when honours were shared with home advantage being the telling factor.
Earlier this Season: Gravesend 22 Sutton & Epsom 23
The fixture had a novel start as an accident in the environs of Clackett Lane delayed the arrival of Mr Goksaran and the kick off was delayed until 3:15pm. Captain Bunting settled the visitors’ nerves with an immaculate 45-metre strike for 3-0. Sutton & Epsom raced into an early 17-0 lead. Playing with excellent continuity as rapid recycling aided forwards and backs alike. The first try came from a perfectly executed catch and drive that ushered hooker Dan Jones over the whitewash. The second try may have been initiated by the familiar 5-metre ploy but it had another outcome. Winger Angus Findlay’s sublime footwork left the defender grasping thin air as he scored in the corner. The Gs looked for a rapid response and nearly scored a try but had some degree of consolation with a Rhys Betts penalty as the first period concluded with Gravesend trailing 3-17.
The second period saw a dramatic change in fortunes. Following ten minutes of intense pressure it was Gravesend’s centre Zac Filmer’s perfectly angled run that opened the second half scoring. Within five minutes the crowd sensed an equalising score but their team conceded a penalty one yard from glory. Undeterred by that misfortune the revitalised hosts continued to press for points. On the hour mark a raucous Rectory Field cheered as their team levelled the scores when the redoubtable Samraj Chahal forced his way over. In addition S&E were reduced to 14 and the pendulum had swung dramatically in the favour of the Kent side.
Despite the numerical inferiority Sutton were the next to score. As the Bunting boot notched a penalty for a 20-17 lead. S&E were returned to their full complement but only momentarily when a yellow for a high contact returned them to 14. Sensing blood, Gravesend declined an easy kick at goal and went for glory. From the ensuing penalty their bravery was rewarded as replacement Nathan Fouche powered over but Rhys Betts’ conversion drifted wide and the hosts led 22-20. This was a very familiar feeling for the regulars of Rectory Field and rather predictably for this campaign Freddy Bunting inched the visitors ahead with his third penalty. The denouement was nail-biting as the home pack secured a lineout ball. Numerous phases saw the Kent side crab their way under the posts. The heroic Sutton defence refused to be breached and turned over the ball. From the scrum they dismissed the ball from the paddock for a very hard earned 23-22 victory.
Sutton & Epsom O’Brien, Huie, Bibby, Bunting ©, Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Jones, Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Davies & Hegarty. Replacements: Boaden, Lennie & Hilton.
Gravesend White, Huckle, Cooke, Filmer, Bruce M, Bruce G, Betts, Alderson, Dadson, Brooker, Bird, Brett, Stener, Chahal & Hewitt.Replacements: Fouche, Hampshire & Fisher.
Regional 2 South East Table 2024-25
This Afternoon’s Games: Sutton & Epsom v Gravesend; Medway v Beckenham; Old Colfeians v Dartfordians; Old Reigatian v Old Tiffinians; Sidcup v Battersea Ironsides; Thurrock v Reeds Weybridge.
Next Round (22nd March):
Reeds Weybridge v Sutton & Epsom; Battersea Ironsides v Medway; Beckenham v Thurrock; Dartfordians v Old Reigatian; Gravesend v Old Colfeians; Old Tiffinians v Sidcup.
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 W 22-18
Nov 9 A Dartfordians W 30-26
Nov 16 H Thurrock W 33-29
Nov 30 A Gravesend W 23-22
Dec 7 H Reeds Weybridge W 17-11
Dec 14 H Beckenham W 20-19
Dec 21 A Old Reigatian L 15-21
Jan 4 H Battersea Ironsides
The Rapid Round Up
With five games to go, the fine form of Beckenham and a faltering chasing pack it looked like the relegation dogfight might be of more interest. Round 18 dismissed that theory to the dustbin as the leaders lost and their cushion was deflated to six points with second-placed Medway still to host their Kent rivals on March 8th. In addition, relegation threatened Old Colfeians ran in 50 points against promotion hopefuls Battersea to make a clear statement of their intent to survive.
Round 18: 15th February 2025
Gravesend 31 Old Tiffinians 31
I suppose with the remarkable number of close encounters of the losing kind at the Rectory Field that their supporters were bound to savour a draw this season. The hosts started brilliantly despite the elements being in Old Tiffs’ favour. Tries from Stan Dadson and Samraj Chahal gave Gravesend a 12-0 lead. But familiar errors and failings resulted in the Old Boys gaining the lead until Chahal’s second try restored the host’s advantage. Tiffs had the last say of the first half with another try to edge it 21-19 at the break. When the visitors were reduced to 14 Dadson crossed the whitewash for his second as the scoreboard read 24-24. Further tries were exchanged with home crowd in raptures when Chris Shorter levelled it at 31-31. It would not be unfair to say that the air of déjà vu descended on the ground but heroic defence by Gravesend ensured the draw.
Medway 26 Thurrock 12
Rearranged fixtures meant that this was Medway’s fourth consecutive home game. Not for the first time this season did lowly Thurrock take the lead against loftier opposition. Trailing 5-0 it took until the 23rd minute for John Sipawa to restore parity. Ten minutes later Medway had the lead with a goal from Conor Chalmers and the first period ended with Medway 12-5 up. An early try in the second half by Medway’s stretched the lead to 19-5. Harry Gibbons secured the bonus point before the visitors had the consolation of an otiose effort in a 26-12 defeat. This defeat condemned Thurrock to relegation.
Old Colfeians 50 Battersea Ironsides
19
To glance at the formbook this season the impartial observer might have expected the result to have been 50-19 to the Ironsides. Old Colfeians took a huge stride towards survival in a win that will give them much confidence for the last knockings of the campaign. For Battersea it has not ended their promotion hopes but one of their caterpillar treads appears to be wobbling.
Old Reigatian 35 Beckenham 29
On a weekend of shocks OR’s result produced shockwaves around the league as Beckenham’s promotional procession was derailed. From the first minute when Old Reigatian’s scrum half Alex Skinner scored it was clear that it might become a closer contest than anticipated. The leaders restored normal order with an interception try giving them a 12-7 lead. Five minutes later wing Will Parker levelled the scores before Tom Baldwin’s conversion edged the hosts ahead 14-12. The underdogs were not finished as a Finn Coyle goal saw them increase their advantage before the visitors had the last say with a goal that ended the first period: Old Reigatian 21 Beckenham 19. An early David Niven score in the second half stretched the OR lead. With echoes of the first half, the table-toppers, having reduced the deficit with a penalty, took the lead with a breakaway score running the length of the field. However, replacement prop Val Garrec, exploiting the blindside, scored his first try for the Reigatian 1st XV to secure a famous win.
Sidcup 59 Reeds Weybridge 12
Reeds were less effusive in their match report this week as the usual couple of pages was replaced by a solitary paragraph but we are all grateful that they are a rare club that still compiles a weekly match report. Sidcup bullied RW with their pack to go into a 24-point lead and never looked back. As has been a nagging theme for Reeds they lost a couple players to injury in the second period as Sidcup overwhelmed them.
The felines have descended upon the birdlife at Balmoral Avenue as Beckenham lost at home for the first time this season. Medway trail by a point and host the league leaders this afternoon. Thurrock are already doomed but the fight for survival continues as Old Colfeians are on the up and Dartfordians had a major boost by lowering the colours of relegation rivals Gravesend. Meanwhile Old Reigatian have been sucked into the equation.
Round 19: 1st March 2025
Battersea
Ironsides 27 Old Reigatian 17
The Ironsides kept their promotion bid alive whilst adding to the concerns of Old Reigatian.
Beckenham 7 Sidcup 16
Beckenham’s loss kept Sidcup’s outside hopes of the title mathematically feasible. The major beneficiary of this hard fought encounter was Medway and with the hosts also narrowly missing out on a bonus point it became an even more demoralising experience for the Balmoral Avenue crowd who had witnessed unbroken success at home this season.
Dartfordians 27 Gravesend 10
Gravesend have been the team most likely to have a close match this season and were in resurgent form so their heavy loss to fellow strugglers Dartfordians was as surprising as it was significant. In the first half the visitors failed to take advantage not only of dominating territory and possession but also a yellow card and trailed 10-3 at the break. An emboldened Dartfordians increased their advantage with an early try in the second period as their forwards gained superiority at the breakdown. The Rectory Field men were thrown a lifeline when Ryan Chandler was dismissed for a second yellow card and the hosts were left to play the last 15 minutes with 14 men. Hope arrived in the form of a Stan Dadson try to reduce the deficit to 10-15. However, the Bourne Road Boys showed great character and resilience as well as lethal finishing as they punished two errors from their Kent rivals to complete a most vital bonus point triumph by 27-10.
Old Tiffinians 35 Old Colfeians 40
Old Colfeians are striding towards safety with another impressive try-laden success. Summer Avenue has not been an easy venue for any visiting XV this campaign. In addition, the Horn Park men scored the most points in an away day this season. Old Tiffs are safe in the knowledge of mid-table obscurity and may well be joined by their fellow Old Boys but the final table will not reflect just how tough a season it has been for Colfeians.
Reeds Weybridge 19 Medway 34
The hosts, taking advantage of an early yellow card, opened the scoring through winger Will Jones. The Priestfields side stormed back. Firstly, Noah Hyde’s converted try levelled the scores. Undeterred by a Max Bullock score that was chalked off for an earlier knock on the visitors pressed on for the lead. Perhaps feeling aggrieved, the prolific centre stormed past seven statuesque Reeds’ players and Jamie Ford scored. Jonah Hyde followed his brother onto the score sheet. The bonus point was secured with a Dan Jackson try as Medway led 22-7 at the break with Reeds lack of discipline having them playing with 13. An early 50-metre run from Max Bullock saw him score his umpteenth try of the season to stretch the visitors’ lead. The Whiteley Village outfit were giving a glimmer of hope with a Jack Bennett goal. However, chasing the lost cause Max Bullock picked off an interception as the home team tried to run it from their 22. With the visitors down to 14, Chugg Wallis added an irrelevant try for Reeds on the final play as Medway enjoyed a comprehensive win by 34-19 to take full advantage of a faltering Beckenham.
This afternoon sees Medway host Beckenham and Dartfordians visit Colfeians on a weekend that may prove to be most telling in the affairs not only at the top but also at the bottom of the table.
Regional 2 South East
Sutton & Epsom RFC v Gravesend RFC
Saturday 8th March 2025 – KO 3.00pm
Your referee for today is: Mark Scoular (Hampshire Rugby Union Referees Society)
Sutton & Epsom Gravesend
15. Angus Findlay Fullback 15. Rhys Betts
14. Finlay Scott Wing 14. Finley White
13. Adam Bibby Outside Centre 13. Andrew Cooke
12. Freddy Bunting (c) Inside Centre 12. Ethan Sims
11. Matt Symonds Wing 11. Matthew Brady
10. Tom Lennard Fly Half 10. George Bruce
9. Steve Munford Scrum Half 9. Nirees Kanaharajah
1. Dan Johnson Prop 1. Harry Brooker
2. Sam Lennie Hooker 2. Stanley Dadson
3. Callum Hilton Prop 3. Christopher Shorter
4. Ewan McTaggart Second Row 4. Thomas Bird 5. Josh Glanville Second Row 5. Andrew Hampshire
6. Ben Tame Flanker 6. William Stener
7. Dan Jones Flanker 7. Samraj Chahal
8. Rob Hegarty No. 8 8. Matthew Hewitt Replacements Replacements 16. Tom Boaden 16. Gvidas Kuzminskas
17. Callum Gibson 17. Ben Reeve
18. Angus Nelson 18. Benjamin Kite
Manager John Croysdill Ziggy Stevens
DoR Andrew Spooner James Percy
Coaches P Hodgson; A Dombrandt; M Blakeburn; S Munford J Forsyth; D Dorton
Physio Cherry O’Sullivan TBC
Touch Dan Harris TBC
Home-grown player
BEEN KICKED INTO TOUCH?
The Kiwi Connection
Our three visitors from the Land of the Long White Cloud have made a very positive impact to life at Rugby Lane. Messrs Bibby, Lennie and Rea have been significant assets both on and off the pitch. Cheam Village has yet to be twinned with another place so perhaps Prebbleton in New Zealand would be an appropriate choice. For the record, Sutton has greedily connected already with five European locations: Gagny (Paris); Gladsaxe (Copenhagen); Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf (Berlin); Minden (Germany) & Tavarnelle (Italy).
Josh Rea
Josh is the youngest of the trio having celebrated his 21st birthday last Saturday with the win over Thurrock. He started playing at Prebbleton RFC at the age of six and played through the age groups. He had the honour of captaining the club to back-to-back U21 titles. He made his debut off the bench in the league opener against Old Colfeians at Rugby Lane. He is very much an all action back row forward. His first try was against Sidcup, the first of the club’s three home triumphs against league leaders, when he appeared from nowhere, showing great pace for a flanker, to win the race to touch down and initiate the successful comeback. That pace and his handling skills has meant that he has provided invaluable versatility by playing in the backs.
Adam Bibby
Adam was born in Hawke’s Bay and was playing rugby as a 4-year old at Havelock North Rugby Club. He enjoyed a very successful school career at the prestigious Hastings Boys School. As the Secondary Schools National Champions they won a place at the Sanix World Youth Tournament. A move to Canterbury for University led to his joining Prebbleton and being part of the Colts and Division 1 Coleman Shield winning team. Playing predominantly in the centres this season for the Black & Whites he has been at the heart of our defensive revival with a phenomenal work rate, astute reading of the game and the wonderful ability to rapidly get back on his feet to make the next tackle. He has also been at the core of our recent attacking success, gliding past opponents, breaking tackles and putting players away. His four tries are far outnumbered by the ones he has created.
Sam Lennie
Last, but not least, arriving in November was Sam who is that valuable player who is a prop who can also hook. Born in Rotorua he was a late starter, playing for Marist St Michael’s Rugby Club aged 10. He was a natural and from the ages of 10 to 14 played representative rugby for Central Bay of Plenty. He received higher honours playing Maori representative rugby from U13 to U19 with the highlight being the tournament win in 2017. There was more success for his John Paul College XV as title winners in 2018 which saw him earn a place in the Bay of Plenty representative U18 side the following year. He then moved to Prebbleton and was part of the winning Colts side in 2023 as well as the Division 1 team gaining representative honours for Ellesmere. He made his Sutton debut off the bench at Gravesend and from the outset made a huge impression with his powerful carrying, superb handling skills and appetite for work. With his brace of tries against Dartfordians including a remarkable solo effort from 40 metres that will live long in the memory.
2023 was a special year for Prebbleton RFC as they won the Coleman Shield with a magnificent 37-3 victory over Waihora that saw the trophy return to the club after a gap of 49 years and following the agony of successive losses in the previous two finals.
Now in 2024-25 the Prebbleton trio have been at the heart of the Black & White resurrection this season and the good news is that they will be with us for the next campaign. Though for the sake of fashion we hope the moustache and mullet look does not catch on with the indigenous population at Rugby Lane.
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 Johnson sponsored by Parsons Building Services
Sam Lennie sponsored by Parsons Building Services
Dan Jones sponsored by S&ERFC U16
Alfie Baker sponsored by S&ERFC U16
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 @ £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
Gazing at the Crystal Ball
This may be the last programme of the current season but there are two more rounds of matches to follow this fixture against Gravesend. However, speculation on promotion and relegation does affect most clubs in the league pyramid. Even those teams enjoying the comfort of mid-table obscurity might speculate on who their new opponents might be in the forthcoming campaign.
This has never been a simple task as regional transfers and a shortest travelling distance formula has been used. To add to the amusement the financial failings in the higher echelons have a ripple effect. Last season we had the ‘Jersey Reds Reprieve’. The beneficiary at Regional 2, Level 6 involving Sutton, was Kirkby Lonsdale in the North West section. The other clubs who were thrown a lifeline were: Horsham (Regional 1); Hull Ionians (National 2) and Leicester Lions (National 1). The survival of the Ionians was most unfortunate for our friends and neighbours at Wimbledon RFC. The Dons had an identical Points Per Game percentage and had identical statistics for wins and draws. So the fourth default setting of Average Points Difference was applied and Wimbledon were relegated by –1.04 points per game. This was even unluckier for our nearest and dearest as they had heroically earned a losing bonus point on the last day against high-flying Dorking. Meanwhile at Brantingham Park, Hull Ionians were defeating already relegated Huddersfield 94-26 thus transforming their points’ difference. The expression ‘if you did not have bad luck you would not have no luck at all’ springs to mind as does a rather less charitable phrase.
This season the RFU confirmed that the Tier 2 Championship would be expanded to 14 clubs and it meant a reprieve, once again, for one fortuitous club all the way down to Level 6. Below us it is rather more complicated due to a number of clubs being from the same ‘Constituent Body’ (eg Canterbury II) and on a worst case scenario up to 6 clubs could be relegated from one league which one might consider is an absurd state of affairs for those who might be affected.
At the time of coming to print the ups and downs that may impact the 2025-26 Regional 2 South East composition are as follows:
The Departures
Promoted: One of Beckenham, Medway, Battersea Ironsides or Sidcup.
Relegated: Thurrock + 1 from Gravesend, Dartfordians, Old Colfeians or Old Reigatian. Golden Ticket for Survival at Level 6: Currently held by Gravesend with a 1 point advantage over Old Crossleysians (North East) and 2 points over Guildford (South Central) & Market Bosworth (Midlands East).
Possible Replacements
Relegated from Regional 1 South Central: Brighton, Horsham, Hammersmith & Fulham, Tunbridge Wells or Maidenhead. Relegated from Regional 1 South East: Bedford Athletic, Amersham & Chiltern, Harpenden, North Walsham or HUEL Tring Promoted from Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex: Twickenham, Old Rutlishians, Weybridge Vandals or Cobham Promoted from Counties 1 Kent: Bromley*.
*= Amusingly this league has been dominated again by Canterbury II who were top last season and Sevenoaks II are second, both of whom are barred from promotion as Club 2nd XVs are not permitted above Level 7.
To add to the confusion there is the additional factor of the regional transfer that lead to Thurrock appearing in our fixture list. It would be hard to imagine creating a more complicated system.
Papa Johns Draw
1st Round 2nd Round Quarter Final Semi-Final Final 12th April 26th April 3rd May 10th May 17/18th May
Reeds Weybridge TBC
London Irish Wild Geese TBC
Grasshoppers TBC
Sutton & Epsom TBC
Sidcup Sidcup
Bye TBC
Medway Medway
Bye TBC
Wymondham Wymondham
Bye TBC
Harlow Harlow
Bye TBC
Belsize Park TBC
Eton Manor TBC
Wanstead Wanstead
Bye
If Sutton & Epsom progressed to the final they would play one of the following from the top half of the draw at the Allianz Stadium: Thornbury; Drybrook; Longlevens; Keynsham; Winscombe; Bournemouth; Wimborne; Winchester; Chobham; Beaconsfield or Marlow.
Results Grid
Club structure
PRESIDENT
John Hardy
LIFE VICE-PRESIDENTS
J J R Austin 1982
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
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
G Yadoo 1976
Main club contacts
PRESIDENT
John Hardy
John.Hardy@3rblaw.com
CHAIR
Ryan Reino
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
CLUB OFFICERS
Chair
R Reino
Honorary Secretary
R Davies
Assistant Secretary
G Jones
Honorary Treasurer
TBC
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
Nick Corby nickcorby@hotmail.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
Zoe Smith
Zoesmith1992@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
Steve Boardman
S.boardman@bilendi.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
Felix Symonds magpiesgolfsociety@gmail.com 07976 062567
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:
Felix Symonds (Captain) 07976 062567 magpiesgolfsociety@gmail.com
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