In recent times this fixture has provided bountiful points and games of wild fluctuations. Despite their ninth place in the table Havant have specialised in close finishes this campaign with 5 games decided by two or less points of which they have lost three. Saturday’s encounter was a tense affair with Sutton ultimately benefiting from a marvellous start but unable to gain the vital fourth try bonus point.
The league leaders continued to apply relentless pressure. Ollie Clements, starting at 10, kicked intelligently with good effect. From a well worked line out Matt Whitaker strolled in for the second try. 14-0 up in thirteen minutes was the perfect start but such ascendancy would not be achieved again.
Ironically the yellow carding of the experienced Havant scrum half Jacob Hewlett galvanised the visitors. Superbly they denied the hosts any possession despite their numerical inferiority.
Joel Knight, playing fly half rather than his usual inside centre, orchestrated the backs. However the home defence was of the highest quality. Knight also kicked astutely to the flanks to provide territorial advantage. Just after the half hour the men from Hooks Lane deservedly scored through multiple forward drives. Knight converted from near the touchline to trail 7-14. It was S&E who ended the scoring in the first period with a late Sam Hurley penalty to turn around 17-7 to the good.
The visiting pack started the second half carrying the ball effectively with hooker Jerome Trail to the fore. After multiple penalties had been conceded Felix Symonds was yellow carded. Havant took advantage forcing a 5 metre line out and the impressive young lock Ross Parkins forced himself over in the corner. The conversion was missed but the game was in the balance at 17-12. With the home backs failing to make an impression it was down to the pack to revive the Sutton cause. Raynn Bruce carried relentlessly with good effect as the hosts attempted to gain a foothold in the game.
The forward pressure resulted in a penalty with 10 minutes to go. The reliable boot of Sam Hurley extended the lead to 20-12. Within 5 minutes the crucial moment of the game arrived. Neil Mauger broke through the Havant defence on the half way, offloaded to Raynn Bruce and the ball went wide for Kyren Ghumra to finish splendidly in the corner. Sam Hurley converted from the touchline for a 27-12 lead.
The Rugby Lane crowd heaved a collective sigh of relief. Despite another yellow card against Aaron Phillip there was not enough time left for the Hampshire side to exploit this advantage. Ultimately it was the purple patch at the start that won the day for Sutton & Epsom and the quality of their defence. However, their lead at the top was trimmed to 4 points as Guildford gained a bonus point win over lowly Twickenham.
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