Sutton and Epsom's latest game was a splendid spectacle on the South Coast as over 500 spectators enjoyed glorious sunshine, pulsating rugby and the host’s Rugby World Cup hospitality.
Both teams embraced the festive spirit and the match started at a frantic pace that was maintained throughout. Early exchanges saw the Blues trying to dominate through the forwards and disrupt S&E at the break down. Whilst the Sutton side tried to play with width and kicked to exploit space.
The Sussex side opened the scoring through scrum half Ben Herbe following sustained pressure. The conversion duly added and the hosts led 7-0 after 13 minutes.
The visitors response was immediate as Whitaker’s magnificent claim of the re-start led to a wave of attacks. The ubiquitous Whitaker appeared on the wing to score in the corner. But the hosts began to dominate the remainder of the half.
Despite creating several promising opportunities their efforts came to nought due to excellent Sutton tackling, defensive pressure and wayward passing. Just before the break their best chance led to a yellow card for Ian Knott who was penalised for playing the ball after a wonderful try saving tackling. Despite a 5 metre scrum Phil Williams took one against the head and the Black and Whites survived until the interval trailing 7-5.
The hosts had the perfect start to the second period taking advantage of their numerical advantage as winger Bredin scored in the corner to extend their lead to 12-7. This reversal initiated Sutton’s best phase of the match.
The game was turned on its head in a sensational burst as the visitors scored three tries in under ten minutes. Firstly, Chapman pounced on a deft Murray chip, then Whitaker powered over in typical fashion and finally debutant Phillip gathered Murray’s precision crossfield kick. Hurley converted two from three and a bewildered Brighton now trailed 24-12.
Forced to play a more expansive game the Sussex club were thwarted by excellent tackling. Only a desperate yellow card offence prevented Chapman creating another S&E try. But Hurley punished the 14 man South Coast side as he kicked a simple penalty to increase the lead to 27-12.
To their credit Brighton continued to attack and in the last 5 minutes scored a try and converted a penalty to get within a score with a minute to go. The Black and Whites held their nerve and closed out the game 27-20 to take five valuable points back to Rugby Lane.
This victory spoke volumes about Sutton’s character. Their success was built on relentless tackling, stoic defence and superior finishing. Despite injuries to Colclough, breaking an arm, and Stuckey-Clarke, a groan strain, disrupting the selection for this game, under James Caddy’s inspirational leadership S&E were deserved victors.
The London One South campaign returns to Rugby Lane next Saturday, 26th September, when newly promoted Maidstone are the visitors. Please note that due to the Rugby World Cup the kick off time will be 2:00pm.
Team: Knott, Hurley, Cook, King, Chapman, Murray, Munford, Bruce, Williams, Bellringer, Harwood, S. Burton, London, Caddy, Whitaker. Replacements (used): Al Khaldi, Ridgley, Phillip.
For more information on the club go to RUGBY