From Vapid to Victorious as Sutton & Epsom Secure Status

Having lost to the basement boys of London Cornish, the Exiles gaining their first win on the road for over a year, Sutton supporters arrived at Rugby Lane with a sense of mild trepidation. Could the proverbial lightning revisit with the arrival of eleventh-placed Cobham who had lost their last eleven matches. For those fearing that the wheels had come off the Black & White charabanc it appears, on Saturday’s evidence, to have passed its MOT and was in perfect working order as the team ran in a magnificent seven tries for an emphatic 49-13 triumph. The victory mathematically secured Sutton & Epsom’s position in Level 6. 

Freddy Bunting kicked off into the breeze and initiated a period of high tempo attacking rugby that saw his team living in the Cobham 22 for the majority of the opening 15 minutes. The visitors defended impressively none more so than when from a tapped 5-metre penalty Josh Glanville was held up over the line by a superb tackle. Having had all of the game Sutton conceded the first points when, on their first sortie into the S&E half, Jonathan Holmes kicked a penalty for a 3-0 lead. A few minutes later and the Black & Whites received a second dose of unpalatable medicine as Holmes made it 6-0.

It was at this stage the classic debate of whether to kick for points or seek greater rewards was raging amongst the crowd. The hosts approach was to turn down every kick at goal and seek the higher tariff score. In the course of the first period they were to reject many kicks with several in front of the uprights. Finally on the half hour their bravery was rewarded. The ball went wide and Lawrence Elliott, running a superb line, broke through and using all of his strength powered over. Freddy Bunting splendidly bisected the uprights for a 7-6 lead. Cobham’s attempt to regain the lead with a third penalty failed as the first period neared its conclusion.

Approaching time added on Cobham were reduced to 14 when Mr Priddle issued a yellow card to blindside Max Hales who departed as a result of the cumulative effect of infringements in the 22. Sutton went for the tap penalty and it was the redoubtable Alex Mount who stretched out to secure the try. Freddy Bunting added the simple conversion for a 14-6 lead. The restart is often the most dangerous moment and the Black & Whites conceded a penalty but the visitors attempts to secure a platform to attack the Sutton line faltered and the referee blew for half-time. S&E had a vital 14-6 lead with a man advantage to take into the second period with the wind behind them.

Sutton and Epsom

The Rugby Lane team pressed hard to extend their lead in the opening exchanges of the second half attempting to benefit from their numerical and meteorological advantages. The Bunting boot put his team in the 22. Cobham survived for ten minutes before hooker Chris Farrell collected his sixth try of the campaign. Captain Bunting made it three out of three as Sutton led 21-6. The visitors then showed the fighting spirit one would expect from a team teetering on the brink of relegation. Awarded a penalty in the 22 they tapped and went. Sutton had failed to retreat and they repeated the option with captain and scrum-half Ryan Saunders scoring. Jonathan Holmes converted to put Cobham back in the hunt trailing 13-21.

Barely had the inspiring words of encouragement of a comeback drifted on the wind and Cobham were standing behind their posts awaiting another Sutton conversion. From the restart Dan Jones gathered the ball from a ruck outside the visitors’ 22 and exploited a gap to streak away for the try. With the extras S&E led 28-13 and had secured their try bonus point. That score thoroughly demoralised the men from the Memorial Ground as it inspired the Rugby Lane XV. The game entered the final quarter and the hosts provided their faithful fans with their most exhilarating rugby seen at home this season.

Sensible tactical kicking by half-backs Munford and Lennard kept the hosts on the attack. A wonderful break from Tom Lennard at 10 looked certain to lead to a try but he was felled by a tap tackle close to glory. The crowd did not have to wait long for try Number 5. The ball went to the opposite flank and a training ground routine was executed to perfection from a lineout. The ball was secured, the line-break made and the overlap exploited as Ciaran Mohr strolled in at the corner. Freddy Bunting made light of the testing conversion for 35-13.

Try number six again owed its success to repetition on cold winter nights. A 5-metre lineout was secured and the pack advanced forward to provide Rob Hegarty with his eighth try of the season. It was a fitting reward for the quality of the lineout from the triumvirate of McTaggart, Pulvirenti and Glanville who had given Sutton an excellent platform all afternoon. With a degree of inevitably Freddy Bunting converted and it was 42-13. For the first time this season at Rugby Lane the home crowd could enjoy a relaxing conclusion to a match. Previous contests might have been thrilling for the neutral observer but had provided far too much anxiety. Cobham attempted to end on a high point and looked destined to secure an otiose try. However a wayward pass bounced into the grateful hands of Angus Findlay who sped away from his own 22 for his first 1st XV league try. Freddy Bunting completed a perfect afternoon with the boot and the match concluded with Sutton & Epsom enjoying a resounding 49-13 win.

Apart from the security of success it was a red-letter day for two of the Sutton side. Steve Munford in playing his 215th league match for the club surpassed Steve Warnham’s total and lies second to the 251-game Sam Frost. Meanwhile, with his first successful kick of the afternoon, Freddy Bunting broke Sam Hurley’s 2015-6 record of 208 points in a league season. It was a redemptive afternoon for the skipper after he had appeared to have supped at the river Lethe on his last outing. Sutton & Epsom may be breathing easier but carnivorous creatures circle the Cobham carrion as descent into the abyss of Level 7 seems probable after Gravesend’s victory over Beckenham. With the ‘Jersey Reprieve’ there will be the incongruous site of Cobham supporters googling the results of Chosen Hill FP, Kirkby Lonsdale and Old Crossleyans in the weeks to come. Next Saturday S&E enjoy their last away day of the campaign with a first visit to Horn Park since January 2007 to take on Old Colfeians who they defeated 21-17 in December.

Sutton and Epsom

Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Huie, Elliott, Bunting ©, Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Mount, Farrell, Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Jones, Pulvirenti & Hegarty.
Replacements: Boaden, Tame & Mohr.

Cobham
Penfold, Springett, Boswell, Burnett, Yorke, Holmes, Saunders ©, Aujla, Muirhead, Bliss, Westgarth-Taylor, Farmer, Hales, Blackwood & Porter.
Replacements: Nunn, Keefe & O’Connor.

Match Report: John Croysdill
Photos by: Robin Kennedy

To keep up to date with everything going on nat Sutton & Epsom RFC visit their website at https://www.suttonrugby.co.uk/

 

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Epsom & Ewell FC V Redhill Match Report

On Saturday 9th March Epsom & Ewell FC (EEFC) visited the home of Redhill Football Club (The Lobsters) for what looked on paper a tough match with their hosts vying for a playoff position. Redhill had a very good recent record with only one defeat in their previous eight matches. EEFC were coming into the game after their very impressive victory over mid-table Sandhurst Town the previous weekend. 

As for EEFC team, they welcomed back Faebian Witter in goal and on the bench they saw the returning Jerry Antwi after completing the required concussion protocols after an incident against Alton FC 14 days before. As for Redhill, they included various former Epsom players in their line up so there was bound to be a bit of familiarity between the two sides. This showed that their hosts were very aware of the attacking threat that Jaevon Dyer has and were keen to starve him of possession.

Redhill had bolstered their crowd by inviting several local schools to the game which should be applauded as they try to increase support from their local community.  This is very similar to EEFC who invite along various ‘community partners’ to their games whenever they are available.

EEFC started the game in confident style and were certainly the better team in the opening exchanges. This included a shot that went just wide and a header that just went over the top of the cross bar.  What is true is that in the first half chances were very few and far between for both sides and neither goalkeeper had a lot to do. The half ended 0-0.

As the second half began Redhill had come out with much more of an attacking intent and forced EEFC back on several occasions, although EEFC were not without carrying a threat to their higher placed opponents as a Carl Obiltey header rattled their crossbar. At the other end, Redhill forced four consecutive corners and from the last one of those a Redhill player was unmarked and slotted the ball into the net from around 8 yards – 1-0 to Redhill on 57 minutes.  Redhill were certainly on top in the next period of play and EEFC goalkeeper kept them in the game with a very good low save.

EEFC made a couple of substitutions and one of those in Sirak Negassi had a good chance to level the scores but his shot went tamely wide. Then after a needless foul in the 85th minute by a Redhill player on the left wing, Adam Green put the resulting free kick into the box, it was headed on by Reece Tierney to an unmarked Thompson Adjemi who again headed the ball across the box to an another unmarked Epsom player in Zack Ingram-Wright who was on hand to head the ball into an empty net for his first goal for the club.

EEFC have had a propensity this season to concede various late goals so the Epsom supporters amongst the crowd were probably in for a nail biting finish.  When in fact the opposite was the case where EEFC had a glorious chance to wrap up the three points after Negassi, Luke Miller and Carl Obiltey missed the chance to score EEFC second goal and Redhill were able to clear the ball.  That was the last chance of the game so it ended 1-1.

All in all a good point for EEFC and they move onto to their next game against Balham FC next Saturday 16th March at the ground they share with AFC Croydon.  Let’s hope EEFC can continue their good form and get something out of that game as well.

For More Info on EEFC Visit https://epsomandewellfc.co.uk/

Match Report and Photo from Peter Mutton and Gemma Jarman

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Epsom & Ewell v Sandhurst Match Report

Epsom & Ewell FC (EEFC) entertained mid-table Sandhurst Town at the Reg Madgwick Stadium, Cobham on Saturday 2nd March, where the attendance was boosted by the fact they play on 3G and most of the league games were off due to the torrential rain we had all received over the last 36 hours. EEFC were also joined by a group of Chesterfield supporters who had left their match against Dorking Wanderers early when they were 4-1 down and they dropped in to watch our game on their way home; they will of course be welcome anytime in the future.

EEFC were without our Captain Nick Wilson who was serving the first match of a two-game ban – Carl Obiltey returned from his hamstring injury to take the central striking position.

EEFC also welcomed the Epsom and Ewell Colts under 9’s team as their mascots for the game, they will be more than welcome again if they want to attend another game this season.

EEFC were off to a great start after 4 minutes when the opposition keeper missed a simple back pass and we took the lead, just what the ‘doctor ordered’. We went further ahead in the 10th minute when Luke Miller crossed and found an unmarked Jaevon Dyer to put the ball into the back of the net. What of Sandhurst Town? They were being well contained by the Epsom defence and then after a defensive lapse they got a goal back in the 34th minute. The first half ended 2-1 to Epsom.

As any manager/coach will tell you, always ‘keep it tight’ in the first few minutes of the second half, unfortunately the Sandhurst Town did not do this and after just 20 seconds of the second half they were 3-1 down when Carl Obiltey scored with an easy tap in. It got better for EEFC team in the 60th minute when TJ scored their 4th and then probably their best goal of the match when Carl Oblitey set up the ball for Jaevon Dyer to score the 5th goal in the 67th minute The EEFC goals did not stop there and in the 92nd minute TJ was on hand to score his second goal of the match. In between the Epsom 5th and 6th goals Sandhurst did breach the Epsom back line to make the final score 6-2.


A great win which creates a good gap between us and the bottom-placed team. We have a tough game against play-off chasing Redhill away next week but if we show the same resolve and attacking prowess, you never know what might happen.

For all the latest news and match details make sure you visit EEFC website Click Here

Match Report: Petter Mutton & Gemma Jarman
Photos: Gemma Jarman

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At Last!!! Epsom & Ewell FC get full points away

Epsom & Ewell FC visited Camberley Town FC who beat them at home 42 days ago  5-0 in what was a chastening defeat for the club.  Epsom & Ewell were expecting another tough game, however, they dug deep and were about to record a 2-1 victory from a gritty and resilient performance from our team – Epsom & Ewell will need more of these performances as the season draws to a close.

Epsom & Ewell welcomed into the goalkeeper berth Faebian Witter who replaced Toby Colwill who was unwell; Faebian played very well and his goalkeeping skills belied his young age, it was an excellent debut performance.  Thompson Adjemi came back into midfield after missing out against Farnham Town in midweek after recovering from injury. Epsom & Ewell were missing Carl Obiltey through injury so TJ was put up front to lead the line.

In the opening exchanges, Epsom & Ewell were more than a match for their opponents on a pitch that was not conducive to playing free-flowing football.  It was a bit of a surprise when Epsom & Ewell went 1-0 down after a long throw-in that was not defended well.  However, Epsom & Ewell responded positively and drew level on the stroke of halftime through Ethan Nelson-Roberts who was on the end of a deep free kick into the Camberley defence which was not cleared and he was able to bundle the ball into the net.  HT 1-1.

As the second half began Epsom & Ewell were definitely in the ascendency and it was that man again who put them in front after great work from Sirak Negassi on the left wing who burst down the wing and crossed to TJ who then passed onto Ethan Nelson-Roberts to record Epsom & Ewell second goal, it was no more than they deserved.  With over 30 minutes to play Epsom & Ewell fully expected a Camberley onslaught but this never materialised and to be truthful they did not create many chances. Epsom & Ewell ended up seeing out the 9 minutes of injury time to record their first points in the league since just after Christmas.

This was an excellent result especially when the other results were known from the other teams in the relegation zone; there is still a lot more work to do but there is no doubt the team are playing very well and the future is very optimistic.

Epsom & Ewell return home to the Reg Madgwick stadium, Cobham on Saturday 24th Feb when they entertain Alton FC who are pushing for a play off place. If Epsom & Ewell play like they did against Camberley it should be a good game, why not come down and watch us? For details visit epsomandewellfc.co.uk

 Report by: Peter Mutton

Photos by: Gemma Jarman

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Match Report Medway v Sutton & Epsom

Medway 37 Sutton & Epsom 26

Sutton & Epsom returned to a most happy hunting ground on Saturday as their only previous trip to Priestfields saw them gain promotion in 2016 with an Andy Matthews hat trick. There were two survivors from that famous afternoon being back row brothers George London and Matt Whitaker. If nostalgia filled the air it was also because it was a red-letter day for Medway stalwart Tom Beaumont who was making his 200th league appearance. For the veteran flanker the hosts obliged with a 37-26 win in a hard fought and entertaining encounter.

Sutton saw a welcome return to Ellis Rudder, last seen four years ago at Westcliff in National 2, and Lawrence Eliott after injury breaks of vastly contrasting lengths of time. The Priestfield playing surface was in excellent condition considering the recent vagaries of the weather as Freddy Bunting kicked off on a dry but chill winter afternoon. S&E were on the attack immediately with a surging break to the opposition 22 from the prolific Matt Whitaker after the initial line break from Gareth O’Brien. An early riposte from the hosts gather the ball on the blindside on halfway with great prospects the ball inexplicably fell to earth. After this entertaining start the opening score was rather more mundane. The visitors conceded a penalty and were penalised for not retreating> The second infringement lead to a lineout in the corner. It was third time unlucky as the referee gave Owen Church-Mills the opportunity to open Medway’s account. The Number 10 assuredly bisected the uprights to put Medway 3-0 up after five minutes.

Sutton & Epsom only took five minutes to not only open their account but claim the lead. Another Whitaker carry and support by the forwards led to a penalty. It was the hosts’ turn to defend a lineout near their line. The men from Surrey secured the ball and Alex Mount was the beneficiary of their control as he forced his way over for a try. Freddy Bunting added the extras for a 7-3 advantage. Five minutes later the Black & Whites were celebrating a second try. Advancing into the 22 Freddy Bunting’s probing kick behind the defence was gathered by winger Kyren Ghumra who finished with panache. Captain Bunting made it 14-3 with a relatively simple conversion. At the end of the first quarter the productive opening by the Rugby Lane XV was undone by a fatal self-inflicted wound as a woeful clearance in their 22 was predictably charged down. Medway took advantage of the retreating defence as Captain Antony Clement’s perfectly timed pass gifted his centre partner, Sean Marriott, a try. Owen Church-Mills conversion made it 10-14.

The Black & Whites had a chance to reprise their opening score but Freddy Bunting overcooked the penalty and instead of a 5-metre lineout his team set up to receive a drop out. As the half continued to ebb and flow Medway were playing with great continuity and Sutton were indebted to a splendid tackle from Kyren Ghumra and an over-eager forward going off his feet at the ruck. Medway made their first change as Deji Oyesola replaced Ryan Eastley in the front row. S&E were hampered by poor kicking from hand as two kicks in as many minutes found opponents with perfect precision who gratefully called ‘mark’. As the errors mounted it was a great relief for the travelling supporters when fluency returned from the familiar source of Matt Whitaker. Gareth O’Brien and Tom Boaden continued the move that was only halted by foul play. The result was a yellow card, Medway reduced to 14 and Sutton with the penalty. The forwards took control and Chris Farrell burrowed his way over for his sides third try. Freddy Bunting’s precise kick left the scoreboard reading Medway 10 Sutton & Epsom 21.

In time added on a long clearance kick unfortunately rolled through the dead ball area to the advantage of the home team. Whether you view that as careless or unlucky is up to the generosity of your spirit. However, this territorial penalty was compounded by then conceding a penalty. Owen Church-Mills stepped up to conclude the first period with his second penalty of the afternoon which took some of the gloss off the visitors first half performance but Sutton still led by 21-13 as the teams turned around.

Medway seized the initiative early in the second period. They camped in the Sutton 22 and carried relentlessly with powerful runs ably supported. However, defiant defence by Sutton averted the try that seemed imminent as a frustrated home team decided to opt for the three points at the third time of asking. Owen Church-Mills made it three out of three for penalties and his team were within a score at 16-21. It was becoming one-way traffic in the third quarter with Captain Clement at his influential best orchestrating the backs. But the stoic Sutton defence were a match for each and every carry and it was a mark of their defence that again the hosts opted for a kick at goal. It was rather a surprise when the latest strike slid wide. The despair of the home crowd was immediately replaced by a joyous cheer. The drop kick was taken by Number 8 Todd Johnson and the previously adamantine defence dissolved as he broke through a couple of tackles on his way to the 22. Then Deji Oyesola exploded through the ruck to run in untouched under the posts. The easiest of conversions was added and Medway had taken the lead 23-21.

This setback inspired Sutton who finally got some attacking ball having won a penalty at a scrum they kicked to the corner. It was the turn of the Medway defence to face the music. Willem Ratu, Freddy Bunting and the pack advanced to the line. One, two and three penalties were awarded. From the third the irrepressible Matt Whitaker added another try to his record-breaking career tally. The blustering breeze carried the conversion narrowly wide but a resurgent Sutton held a slender advantage at 26-23. Suddenly it appeared to be anyone’s game with ten minutes left on the clock.

After what had gone before the denouement of the match was most disappointing for the visitors. Great credit must go to Medway who raised their game to play with urgency, accuracy and potency. They declined a kickable penalty for the lineout in the corner. This time the sustained pressure resulted in a try for lock Dan Jackson. Owen Church-Mills increased the gap to 30-26 with the game still in the balance. But the hosts were in no mood to sit back on so precarious a lead. At once they went in search of the bonus point and another try to secure the win. Ewan McTaggart appeared to have won an important lineout steal but the he tapped back bounced cruelly away from the visitors and was gathered by the alert Kent pack. Once more the hosts burst through a ruck but this time it was an assist to Deji Oyesola who was perfectly placed to trot in under the posts for his second try of the afternoon and an impregnable 37-26 lead as Owen Church Mills made his personal tally 16 points. The hosts had no problem running down the clock to secure the 37-26 bonus point win.

It was the third game in a row that Sutton & Epsom had led in the second half but failed to hold onto their advantage. For long periods their defence was of the highest quality but unfortunately errors were punished. Medway, as they had at Rugby Lane, carried aggressively with great continuity created by timely offloads to excellent support players. Antony Clement was at his influential best whilst Todd Johnson and Deji Oyesola impressed in the pack. For S&E there was a great sense of frustration despite a try-scoring bonus point they had the chance for more. For long spells the defence was first rate but there was a sense that more than one of the scores could have been avoided. In attack the Black & Whites conversion rate in the 22 was high and four tries on the road should be the foundation for a victory. There is an urgent need to find a way of seeing out these close finishes to win matches that are in the balance.

Next Saturday Sutton entertain Gravesend, at Rugby Lane at 2:30pm, who like the hosts and Sidcup have a 10-6 loss record in the rather congested nether regions of the league.

Sutton & Epsom:

Gareth O’Brien, Kyren Ghumra, Lawrence Elliott, Freddy Bunting ©, Ellis Rudder, Tom Lennard, Steve Munford, Alex Mount, Chris Farrell, Tom Boaden, Josh Glanville, Ewan McTaggart, George London, Rob Hegarty & Matt Whitaker.

Replacements: Callum Gibson, Ben Green & Willem Ratu.

Medway:

Perry Macauley, John Sipawa, Sean Marriott, Antony Clement, Conor Chalmers, Owen Church-Mills, Ben Dance, Ryan Eastley, Josh Knight, Jack Nickalls, Dan Jackson, Jordan Stubbington, Harry Gibbons, Tom Beaumont & Todd Johnson.

Replacements: Deji Oyesola, Joseph Byrne & Robert O’Brien.

Match Report by John Croysdill
Image From Medway RFC

For More Information on Sutton & Epsom RFC CLICK HERE

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Old Boys Turn The Tables At The Death

Sutton & Epsom 15 Old Alleynians 19

On Dulwich Common at the start of the league campaign the Old Alleynians won an exhilarating encounter 29-25 with a Will Malins hat trick grabbing the headlines. Both sides were much changed for the return fixture at Rugby Lane. After the Battersea Ironsides defeat Sutton had mixed blessings from the physio hut as Tom Lennard had recovered from his back injury to make his first start at 10 but Willem Ratu’s knee failed the fitness test. History repeated itself at Rugby Lane as the OAs again triumphed by four points but this time they had to come from behind to win 19-15.

On a cold but thankfully wind free afternoon Freddy Bunting initiated proceedings. Alleynians put themselves under pressure from the kick off as a forward met the kick with a technique better served for volleyball than rugby union. The unforgiving ball was spiked backwards and snatched by the Black & White pack from the retreating visitors. Encouraged by this immediate success Sutton stormed into the opposition 22 in search of the opening score. Excellent work by the forwards saw Tom Boaden carry to within a couple of strides before the ball was knocked on a couple of phases later. However, the backpedalling defence of the visitors had incurred the wrath of the referee and Sutton had the bonus of a five-metre penalty. The simple kick at goal was declined and the attacking option was chosen. Matt Whitaker rewarded the faith of his captain with a vintage score as he stepped past the first defenders before his telescopic reach stretched for the line. Freddy Bunting’s conversion drifted wide but Sutton led 5-0.

Alleynians went in search of an immediate reply and imitated the hosts by regaining the restart. The men from Dulwich eagerly went through their phases and quickly entered the 22 and looked likely to make amends for their early reverse. The determined defence of S&E managed to prevent an equalising score as the visitors spilled the ball in contact with the line at their mercy. Sutton failed to adequately clear their lines and moments later the OAs were attacking once more. Again the referee awarded a penalty to the attacking side but on this occasion the kick at goal was the more obvious option being some distance from the try-line. The attempt fell short and the Black & Whites were able to clear their lines.

Buoyed by their early success Sutton were playing with confidence and a high tempo with the halfback combination of Munford and Lennard orchestrating the attacks. The hosts were faster in thought and deed than the visitors who were struggling to find their familiar rhythm. S&E on the front foot were impressive as forwards and backs combined and they took advantage of a penalty awarded at a scrum to kick to the corner. The hosts failed to capitalise dropping the ball but a poor clearance from the subsequent scrum led to another S&E lineout on the 22. Excellent continuity was matched by robust defence lthat ed to Tom Lennard floating a kick to the corner where Ciaran Mohr under scrutiny just failed to catch the ball a metre from the line. Fortune favoured Sutton as they were awarded a free kick for foot up in the scrum. Matt Whitaker carried the ball to the line and Tom Boaden was rewarded for his support play to receive the ball and score. Freddy Bunting converted for a 121-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.


A vocal Old Alleynians XV huddled behind the posts and called upon a greater collective effort after the second try and urged the team to match the S&E team’s pace at the breakdown. From the restart Number 8 Gillam Crouch caught the ball and advanced at pace into the Sutton half. From the next scrum they drove the Black & White pack off their ball. The OAs looked favourites to score but tremendous tackling not only denied them but won Sutton & Epsom a relieving penalty. The match ebbed and flowed as the clock entered time added on in the first period. OAs continued to press for a vital score and belatedly got on the scorebioard. They kicked a penalty to the corner and secured the ball at the lineout. Though the forwards were denied the ball went wide and Robert Outram chose the perfect line to carve through the defence to score. Josh Winduss added the extras as Alleynians trailed 7-14. All their good work was nearly undone as they failed to kick the ball to touch on the final play of the half and conceded a penalty for an accidental offside. Freddy Bunting failed to compound their misery as his penalty attempt went narrowly wide and Mr Richardson blew for half-time with Sutton leading 12-7.

Sutton & Epsom were the first to score in the second period. Ten minutes into the half they were awarded a penalty as the men from Dulwich strayed offside. Captain Bunting stepped up and bisected the uprights to extend Sutton’s advantage to 15-7. Both sides looked threatening in attack but equally the well organised defences neutered the offensive play. As the match progressed it was Old Alleynians who began to have the majority of the possession and territory. As the match entered the final quarter S&E were indebted to Gareth O’Brien who made a superb mark in the corner that not only prevented a possible try but allowed the hosts to relieve the siege. Stubborn Sutton defence was frustrating the visitors who conceded a penalty in the hosts’ 22. However, it was becoming one-way traffic and only a cover tackle from Ross Parsons averted a score. But the Black & Whites just could not find the comfort of the opposition half.

With ten minutes remaining after a rather scrappy sequence of rucks with each side turning over the ball Old Alleynians were awarded a scrum lees than 10 metres from the Sutton posts in a central position. From the perfect platform winger Rory Holford touched down and replacement Ollie Hobman added the conversion. S&E’s lead was now by the narrowest of margins at 15-14.

The visitors were in the ascendancy and pressed ahead in search of the victory. Under pressure the Rugby Lane men responded in style as they advanced to the opposition 22 with their best sequence of the half. Sadly for the home supporters, unlike the first period, they did not come away with points after their foray in the opposition 22. As the match entered time added on the Sutton defences were breached near halfway. The visitors swarmed through and Ollie Hobman scored the crucial try. Though the conversion never threatened the posts Old Alleynians had the lead for the first time in the match, 19-15, with precious few minutes remaining.
The Black & Whites played with desperation trying to attack from deep in their half and Ben Osuntokun charged down a clearance and was only thwarted by the depth of the in-goal area from adding a fourth try. If that had been the case not only would Alleynians have secured a bonus point it would have given them an opportunity to deny Sutton a losing bonus point.

In so evenly contested a match it would have been unduly harsh if the hosts had been denied the solitary point for their endeavours. Moments later the referee blew the final whistle. A keenly contested match concluded with Old Alleynians victorious 19-15 in a fixture that could have gone either way.
If the first encounter in September was entertaining fare enlivened by an excessive error count by both teams Saturday’s match was of a far higher standard reflecting the improved status of both clubs. Old Alleynians gained promotion with a solitary blemish on their 2022-23 league record and are thriving at the higher level rather than struggling to acclimatise as is the case with many an elevated side. Their set piece scrummage was dominant in the first period and arguably had the upper hand throughout. Their back division has pace and quality and from the first minute they looked to play 15-man rugby. Ben Osuntokun was formidable and his ubiquitous presence became more apparent the longer the game continued.

For the Black & Whites there was greater fluency and tempo in the first quarter which created the early advantage. In addition the scrambling and committed defence in their 22 frustrated their opponents. It was a match that could have gone either way but OAs finished the stronger side and at the eleventh hour broke through the Black & Whites defences for the vital score.

For Sutton & Epsom next Saturday is a rest weekend before the league campaign resumes on January 27th with the charabanc taking the team to Priestfields. In the reverse fixture an impressive Medway ran away 33-15 victors at Rugby Lane but in this league prior success appears to be almost irrelevant as a guide to form. In contrast next Saturday the Old Boys have to play their postponed fixture against Cobham. The visitors took exception to the playing surface at Dulwich Common and headed back to the Memorial Ground whilst the hosts enjoyed the afternoon watching their 3rd XV play on the unplayable surface.

Sutton & Epsom:
Gareth O’Brien, Kyren Ghumra, Ross Parsons, Freddy Bunting ©, Ciaran Mohr, Tom Lennard, Steve Munford, Alex Mount, Chris Farrell, Tom Boaden, Josh Glanville, Ewan McTaggart, Rob Hegarty, Josh Pulvirenti & Matt Whitaker.
Replacements: Callum Gibson, Ben Green & Matt Symonds.

Old Alleynians
Josh Winduss, Tom Williams, Robert Outram, Andrew Jones-Davies, Rory Holford, Henry Dewing, Tristram Holden, Jeremiah Manning, Charles Thompson, Tom Weightman, Will Hinchcliffe, James Mair, Ben Osuntokun, Hadley Eames & Gillam Crouch.
Replacements: Cameron Saunders, Brian Lennard & Ollie Hobman.

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Christ Church Utd Football Club

Move over Maradona, there’s another football team who’ve enjoyed lasting success thanks to the Hand of God Christ Church United Football Club

At the end of last year a popular community football club founder hung up his cassock after over 30 years at the St John’s Evangelist Church in the Surrey village of Milford. Local Vicar, the Rvd. Clive Potter, also founded the Christ Church United Football Club which has been coaching the children of Epsom since the early ’90’s

Having arrived at the parish, Rvd Clive was looking for somewhere for children to play, but the problem was that youth football traditionally takes place on a Sunday morning and this prompted him to start thinking about starting a club.

Having been involved with football all his life he got the idea during a church service one morning to set up a team. He approached the vicar at Christ Church who initially suggested a cricket club instead.  However, being an Eastender by birth, with a working-class background, he felt much more comfortable starting a football team.

Current coach, Paul Wilson, takes up the story: “They started in September 1992 with just 12 kids in the first week.  At the end of the first session, he asked all the children to bring a friend the following week, saying that if they did and then they all also brought a friend they would get to about 50 children and that would be enough for a club.  And that’s how it began.”

The membership grew to over 100 children, but it wasn’t easy. Getting a pitch was the first task.  They played at a local primary school, Stamford Green, before growing out of that and moving to Blenheim High School, where the club remains to this day.  Like now, the coaching staff was made up of volunteers and he began convincing people to do coaching courses to take the club to the next level.

Rvd Clive then began the missionary work to take the ideas to others in the community.  He became a sports advisor for the diocese and encouraged the setting up of many more clubs.  Other clubs bought into the opportunity for competition with a Bishop’s League, a Bishop’s Cup and a Bishop’s Shield.

The Christ Church United Football Club was then affiliated with the Football Association with an aim to become professional in style if not attitude.  The club still holds its affiliation to the FA and coaches benefit from training on many of its Coaching and Safeguarding courses.

Rvd Clive met Ted Powell, the then England U18 Coach, who came to a presentation evening, and they formed a long-lasting friendship.  Rvd Clive got involved with organisations like Christians in Sport and the British Sports Trust until, in late 1996, he moved to Guildford and repeated the process.

Speaking about his role, Rvd Clive said: “The vision was always to relate the church to the community, to build a good ethos and to develop friendships.  I’m delighted to see the club still running after all this time, it’s brilliant for the community.”

Paul added: “He was delighted to hear that today’s Christ Church United Football Club embraces much of that first ethos.  The fees are still affordable and the club is open to girls and boys regardless of ability.  Some of our current coaches are kids who were once players at the club and the club is also providing support to the Refugee Network with players being drawn from the Ukrainian community in Epsom. We want to thank Rvd Clive for having the foresight and drive to create the club, and we are hoping for another 30 years and beyond of kids (and their families) enjoying the beautiful game. We’re always looking to welcome new members so please get in touch if you are interested.”

About the club

The club trains girls and boys at Blenheim High School every Saturday morning during term time, from 9:00-10:30 am. Half season fees for new members are £25 per child and £35 per household. Further details can be found on the website www.christchurchunited.co.uk.

Personal Recommendation:

Both my daughter and my son were part of CCUFC. A great friendly club where the children come first. What’s On highly recommends this wonderful community club. 

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Tooting Tamed

Epsom & Ewell FC , The Salts,  travelled to sixth placed Tooting and Mitcham United and were expecting a tough examination, when in fact what turned out was a consummate victory for them, 3-0.

The Tooting squad consisted of many familiar players from the Salts successful promotion winning campaign of last season so there was always going to be an extra edge to this game.

There were a couple of changes to the Salts team from our recent loss to Sutton United in the Surrey Senior Cup the previous Tuesday, but they had in the main a team that was able to compete without much higher placed hosts.

There was a minutes silence before the match began as it was Armistice Day which was impeccably observed by the crowd present.  As the first half progressed  the Salts were much the better team and most of the play was in the Tooting half.  The Salts had a number of corners and eventually one paid off as TJ was on hand in the 34th minute to head the ball home; it was nothing more than we deserved.  The first half ended 1-0 to the Salts.


As the second half began, the game turned on a decision by the referee when he had no choice but to send off the Tooting No 4 for a bad tackle on Rory Edwards in the 47th minute.  Then with a one man advantage the Salts could not totally relax but they were in control of the game; there was one scare for them but their Captain and goalkeeper Harvey Keogh was on hand to save with his feet.  The Salts increased their lead in the 81st minute in rather comical style when the Tooting goalkeeper missed a back pass and the ball trundled into the net; it will not be a video  that the hapless goalkeeper will want to see again in too much of a hurry.  The Salts went 3-0 up when Luke Miller controlled a pass deftly in the area and slotted the ball into the net.  All in all a very ‘satisfactory’ day at the office for the team and another indication that the Salts management team of Steve Springett and Sam Groombridge are beginning to get the team playing better and hopefully moving up the table.


The Salts now have some momentum, but move onto a difficult away game at Sandhurst this Tuesday evening 14th Nov and then they will follow that with a home game against Croydon Athletic or should we say ‘Stromzy and Zaha’s’ team – your support would be gratefully appreciated and with the parking restrictions now lifted so that you can park on one side of the road that leads down to the Reg Madgwick stadium there is no reason not to come.

Finally, it would be remiss of us not to wish our Club President, Stella Lamont well after falling ill recently, everyone at the club from the playing staff, supporters and committee wish you all the very best.

For More Info and To Follow Epsom & Ewell FC CLICK HERE

Report by Peter Mutton
Photos Gemma Jarman

The U’s have it

Epsom & Ewell FC, Salts,  were drawn against Sutton United in the first round of the Surrey Senior Cup and they knew they would be a good test for the team.  Sutton United fielded most of their Academy side and the Salts made a few changes from their recent home loss to Knaphill.  Most notable of the changes was their Manager, Steve Springett playing in the holding role in midfield something he told us after that he had not played in for at least 40 years!!! – only joking Steve.


A healthy crowd of over 140 turned up to watch the game on a cold night at the Reg Madgwick stadium in Cobham and the fans had their first sight of the “Zac Powell’ appreciation society, unfortunately Zac was injured and was unable to turn out, but this did not dampen the groups enthusiasm for their hero throughout the evening.

The first half was good to watch with both teams having chances and the Sutton attack finding the Salts goalkeeper and Captain Harvey Keogh in fine form, he made a string of great saves.  The pace of George Owusu for the home side was causing all sorts of problems for the Sutton rearguard.  The half ended 0-0.


The second half started in much the same vein as the first half with both teams playing well and creating the odd chance or two.  In the 60 minute, the Salts were awarded a penalty which Luke Miller took and it was well saved by the Sutton keeper low down to his left.  From the penalty the ball was turned away for a corner which the Salts manager Steve took, as the ball swung in from the corner it was headed home at the far post by Ethan Nelson-Roberts from around 12 inches!!!

The Salts were then put under increasing pressure from their visitors with our attacks becoming few and far between, it was no surprise that Sutton equalised as the game reached its closing stages and then the Salts fell behind 8 minutes later to Sutton’s winning goal.  The game then began to fizzle out and the Salts did not create too much more in the way of chances. Final score 2-1 to Sutton Utd


What can the Salts take from the game? they played well in parts and it gave them a chance to see their new centre back signing, Louis Elsom from the Aldershot U19’s who acquitted himself well when he came on in the second half.

The Salts now move onto a local visit to play Tooting and Mitcham next Saturday 11th November which again looks like a good test for the team as they attempt to rise from our current position in the table.

To Follow the Salts visit their website CLICK HERE 

Report by Pete Mutton
Photos by Gemma Jarman

Three points at last for The Salts

A thumping 5-1 victory at last for ‘The Salts’ as they earned their first three points of the season against the close neighbours of Colliers Wood United.

It was the first game in charge for Steve Springett with his new coaches of Sam Groombridge and Ash Snadden and what a start for this new team.

The crowd was boosted by a group from the under-11 team from Epsom and Ewell Colts and their parents with an attendance of just over 70.

What of the match? The Salts had the perfect start after a penalty was awarded in the 5th minute after a foul on Ethan Nelson-Roberts and Jaan Stanley cooly slotted the penalty home to make it 1-0.  The Salts pressed home this advantage and increased their lead in the 20th minute after a bit of ping pong in the oppositions penalty area which left Marlon Pinder to score his second goal for the club and against his most recent team.  The Salts made it 3-0  just 8 minutes later after a deep cross was met by Ade Batula who headed back across the keeper.  In truth it was no more than they deserved.  HT 3-0.

In the second half The Salts expected the opposition to come out but in truth The Salts more than held their own and then T J scored what can only be described as an unstoppable shot – by the way T J is Tjani Eshilokum.  This made it 4-0.  The Salts  began to use the substitutes bench a bit more than usual with this comfortable cushion, plus it was an unseasonably hot day for all concerned so energy conservation was very important.

Unfortunately they conceded with a few minutes remaining to make it 4-1 but very soon after The Salts were awarded another penalty which George Owusu converted to make it 5-1 which was the final score.

All in all a very satisfactory day at the office, Epsom & Ewell FC still remain bottom but they have at least got on the scoreboard.  The Salts now face a tough fixture away at Alton next Saturday where they hope they can keep the momentum going from this victory.

How nice it is to win at last on a Saturday and see so many happy faces leaving the ground after the game – long may that continue.

Keep up to date with The Salts at their official website CLICK HERE

Match Report By: Peter Mutton

Photos by: Gemma Jarman