S&ERFC v Bromley (11.04.26) by S&ERFC

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 2025-26 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 was particularly enjoyable with plenty of very closely-contested matches for the men’s 1st XV. Ultimately, they finished in a creditable fourth place, with the women’s 1st XV finishing eighth 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 2025-26 be a season to remember at S&ERFC – for all the right reasons!

John Hardy President

Multi-award-winning broker

Over 20 years in business, founded by Monica Bradley – a financial services expert with 30+ years’ experience and winner of multiple industry awards.

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Headline sponsor’s message

We are again delighted to be supporting S&ERFC in our ninth 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 2025-26 season, and of course enjoying some outstanding rugby in the coming months!

Monica Bradley Managing Director MB Associates

*Estate planning services provided via our Business Partners

Administration Office 16a The Broadway Cheam

Surrey SM3 8AY

MB Associates Adviser Office 14-16 Ewell Road Cheam Surrey SM3 8BU

020 8652 5240 info@mbassociates.net mbassociates.net

Our approach to branding and marketing communications is 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.

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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.”

BEEN KICKED INTO TOUCH?

2024-25 Regional 2 South East Line-ups

7th September

S&E 50 Old Colfeians 7 (HT 26-0)

O’Brien (2t), Watkins (1t), Scott (2t), Bibby, Huie, Bunting © (1t & 5c), Wise, Boaden, Gordon (1t), Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Pulvirenti, Jones and Hegarty (1t). Reps: Hilton, Rea and Elliott.

14th September

Beckenham 29 S&E 14 (HT 12-7)

Elliott, Watkins, Scott, Bibby, Mohr, Bunting © (1 c), Lovatt, Mount, Gordon, Gibson, Tame, McTaggart, Rea, Jones (1t) & Whitaker.(+1 PT) Reps: Boaden, Hilton and Munford.

21st September

S&E 43 Old Reigatian 48 (HT 17-17)

O’Brien (1t), Watkins (1t), Scott, Bibby, Huie, Bunting © (5c & 1p), Munford, Mount (1t), Gordon, Boaden, Glanville, McTaggart, Rea, Jones (1t) & Whitaker (2t). Reps: Hilton, Green and Elliott.

28th September

Battersea Ironsides 19 S&E 19 (HT 7-6)

O’Brien, Watkins, Scott, Elliott, Bell (1t), Bunting © (1c & 4p), Munford, Mount, Gordon, Boaden, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Jones and Whitaker. Reps: Gibson and Green. Unused: Symonds.

12th October

S&E 12 Sidcup 7 (HT 0-7)

O’Brien, Huie (1t), Scott, Elliott, Bell, Bunting © (1c), Munford, Boaden, Mount, Gibson, Glanville, Tame, Rea (1t), Jones and Hegarty. Reps: Hilton, Green and Findlay.

19th October

Old Tiffinians 41 S&E 19 (HT 17-5) Bell, Watkins, Scott, Bunting © (2c), Baker (1t), Lennard, Munford, Boaden, Gordon, Hilton, Glanville, Tame, Rea, Jones (1t) & Hegarty (1t). Reps: Johnson, Green and Findlay.

26th October

S&E 22 Medway 18 (HT 16-3)

Bell (1t), Findlay, Scott, Bunting © (1c & 5p), Bibby, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Jones, Hilton, Glanville, McTaggart, Gerhard, Davies and Hegarty. Reps: Madadangoma, Williams and Baker.

9th November

Dartfordians 26 S&E 30 (HT 21-3 )

Findlay, Huie, Bibby, Bunting © (3c & 3p), Symonds (1t), Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Boaden, Hilton, Tame, McTaggart, Jones (2t), Davies & Hegarty. Reps: Gibson, Gerhard and Wise.

16th November

S&E 33 Thurrock 29 (HT 15-17)

O’Brien, Findlay, Bibby (1t), Bunting © (1t, 3c & 4p), Huie, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Jones, Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart (1t), Tame, Davies and Hegarty. Reps: Hilton, Rea & Wise.

30th November

Gravesend 22 S&E 23 (HT 3-17)

O’Brien, Huie, Bibby, Bunting © (2c & 3p), Findlay (1t), Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Jones (1t), Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Davies and Hegarty. Reps: Boaden, Lennie and Hilton.

7th December

S&E 17 Reeds Weybridge 11 (HT 12-6)

O’Brien (1t), Symonds, Bibby, Bunting © (1c), Findlay (1t), Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Gibson, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Jones and Hegarty. Reps: Boaden (1t), Rea & Hilton.

14th December

S&E 20 Beckenham 19 (HT 10-5)

O’Brien, Huie, Bibby, Bunting © (2c & 2p), Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, Tame, McTaggart, Rea, Jones (1t) and Hegarty (1t). Reps: Mount, Hilton & Davies.

2022-23 Regional 1 South Central Line-ups (contd)

21st December

Old Reigatian 21 S&E 15 (HT 7-15)

O’Brien, Symonds, Rea, Bibby, Findlay, Bunting © (1t, 1c & 1p), Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Boaden, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Hegarty (1t). Reps: Mount, Finney and Scott.

4th January

S&E 21 Battersea Ironsides 20 (HT 13-7)

O’Brien, Huie (1t), Bibby, Bunting © (1c & 3p), Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie (1t), Boaden, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Hegarty. Reps: Gibson, Mount and Rea.

18th January

S&E 42 Old Tiffinians 46 (HT 21-29)

O’Brien, Scott, Bibby, Bunting © (5c), Rea, Lennard, Munford, Mount, Boaden, Gibson (1t), Glanville (1t), McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Hegarty (3t). Reps: Hilton, Davies and Wise. + 1 Penalty Try.

25th January

Sidcup 24 S&E 34 (HT 3-24)

O’Brien (1t), Symonds, Bibby, Bunting © (4c & 2p), Scott (1t), Lennard, Wise, Johnson (1t), Lennie, Boaden, Glanville, McTaggart, Rea, Jones & Tame (1t). Reps: Gibson, Hilton, and Howes.

3rd February

Medway 32 S&E 31 (HT 5-24)

O’Brien, Symonds (1t), Rea (1t), Bibby, Scott (2t), Lennard (3c), Munford ©, Johnson, Lennie, Gibson, Tame, McTaggart (1t), Jones, Davies & Hegarty. Reps: Howes, Madadangoma and Butt.

15th February

S&E 59 Dartfordians 20 (HT 26-15)

O’Brien (1t), Scott, Bibby (2t), Bunting (2t & 7c) ©, Findlay(1t), Lennard (1t), Munford, Johnson, Lennie (2t), Boaden, Glanville, McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Hegarty. Reps: Howes, Whitaker and Rea.

1st March

Thurrock 28 S&E 53 (HT 14-22)

O’Brien, Ghumra, Scott, Bibby (1t), Findlay(1t), Lennard (5c &1p), Munford (1t)©, Lennie (1t), Jones (2t), Gibson, McTaggart, Tame, Hegarty, Rea & Whitaker (2t). Reps: Madadangoma, Hilton and Symonds.

8th March

S&E 33 Gravesend 28 (HT 14-17)

Findlay, Scott, Bibby (1t), Bunting (4c) ©, Symonds (1t), Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie (2t), Hilton, McTaggart, Glanville, Tame, Jones (1t) & Hegarty. Reps: Boaden, Gibson and Nelson.

22nd March

Reeds Weybridge 28 S&E 33 (HT 15-14)

Findlay, Nelson, Bibby, Bunting (4c) ©, Scott, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie, Gibson (2t), McTaggart, Glanville, Tame, Jones (1t) & Hegarty (1t). Reps: Boaden, Whitaker (1t) and Rea.

5th April

Old Colfeians 36 S&E 22 (HT 17-17)

O’Brien, Scott, Bibby, Bunting (1c) ©, Findlay (1t), Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Lennie (2t), Gibson, McTaggart, Glanville, Hegarty, Jones and Whitaker (1t) Reps: Boaden, Tame and Rea.

Building Technology to Deliver Expertise

Who plays where

Battersea Ironsides

Openview, Burntwood Lane, London SW17 0AW

Tel. 020 8874 9913 ironsidesrugby.com

Beckenham

The Clubhouse, Balmoral Avenue, Beckenham BR3 3RD

Tel. 020 8650 7176 beckenhamrfc.com

Brighton

Waterhall Playing Fields, Waterhall Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 8YR

Tel: 01273 562729 brightonblues.co.uk

Bromley

Barnet Wood Road, Hayes, Kent BR2 7AA

Tel: 020 8462 3430 bromleyrfc.org

Canterbury

Merton Lane North, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DZ

Tel: 01227 761301 cantrug.co.uk

Dartfordians

War Memorial Clubhouse, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1LW

Tel: 07707 039784 dartfordiansrfc.co.uk

Gravesend

The Rectory Field, Donald Biggs Drive, Gravesend DA12 2TL

Tel. 01474 534840 gravesendrfc.co.uk

Horsham

Coolhurst Ground, Hammerpond Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 6PJ

Tel: 01403 265027 horshamrufc.com

Old Colfeians

Horn Park, Eltham Road, Lee, London SE12 8UE

Tel. 020 8852 1181 ocrfc.co.uk

Old Reigatian

Geoffrey Knight Fields, Park Lane, Reigate RH2 8JX

Tel. 01737 339777 oldreigatianrfc.com

Sidcup

Crescent Farm, Sydney Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6RA

Tel. 020 8300 2336 sidcuprfc.co.uk

Focus on Bromley

This afternoon’s fixture may be the first time that Sutton & Epsom has hosted Bromley in the league era but it harks back to the era of the 19th century when both clubs were held in much higher regard for their performances on the pitch. Bromley Rugby Football Club was founded in 1886 as Catford Bridge Football Club and Sutton had not adopted the modern appendage of Epsom. It was an era when Rugby was at its height and local press coverage was superb. Catford Bridge were early opponents for Sutton and the 1897 fixture is featured later in this programme to demonstrate the staggering depths of local interest as portrayed in the local press.

The original club colours of Catford Bridge were terracotta jerseys with purple collars, but in 1895 the club adopted the black and amber colours of the disbanded Middlesex Wanderers and they have remained ever since. The Club’s early pre-eminence was illustrated by winning the Kent County Cup six times between 1900 and 1911. They have maintained that cup hunger as Bromley RFC won the inaugural Kent Vase in the 2001-02 season, defeating Erith 8-0 with a 59th-minute try from No. 8 Ben Bromage who is the current club chairman.

The club’s current location at Barnet Wood Road was secured courtesy of Bill Warman who became President in 1948 and bought the freehold. In addition, he provided the Clubhouse which today houses Warman Sports Club Limited sharing with Hayes (Kent) Cricket and Lawn Tennis Clubs. From the 1964-65 season, the Club became known as Bromley Rugby Football Club.

This season Bromley have become a new league opponent for Sutton & Epsom. The Kent club’s rise to Regional 2 South East followed a triumphant 22-7 display against Ashford. An early Johnny Griffiths penalty gave Bromley the lead that was followed by a try from skipper George Scott that put Bromley into the ascendancy. Despite their valiant efforts Ashford could not overcome their Kent companions. Bromley finished last season sandwich between the 2nd XVs of Canterbury and Sevenoaks. This trio of clubs were 18 points clear of Crowborough in 4th place. Today’s opponents deservedly won promotion losing only three matches during the campaign as well as outscoring all the clubs in Counties 1 Kent by racking up 748 points.

Their opening salvoes at Level 6 were fired against the Black & Whites. On a sunny but breezy afternoon at the Warman Sports Club the hosts kicked off against the genteel backdrop of Hayes CC 2nd XI v Chislehurst CC 2nd XI. This meant that the game was not played on their clubhouse pitch. Sutton won the contest 49-19 securing a bonus point with a hat trick from Kyren Ghumra. Today the Kent club conclude their league fixtures at Rugby Lane with both clubs not yet safe from the threat of relegation.

Sutton & Epsom offer the warmest of welcomes to Bromley spectators this afternoon. With self-interest to the fore it would not be unwelcome for all those in attendance if results around the country concluded with both clubs guaranteed to meet in 2026-7 in Regional 2 South to continue the friendships forged this season.

Controversial Cresswell Comments at Catford Bridge

Sutton first played Catford Bridge (Bromley) away in October 1897 and won 3-0 with a solitary try. E.C. ‘Teddy’ Surridge arranged for cheap transport for Sutton as reflected by The Advertiser :

“These Rugby clubs met at Catford on Saturday when Suttonians were well represented. Sanction having been given by Sir Allen Sarle for the issue of cheap return tickets to London Bridge, the arrangement having been made through Mr E.C. Surridge, a keen supporter of the Sutton Rugby Club, a large number travelled by train, whilst those who did not leave work in time for the train followed in brakes, so that there must have been close upon 200 spectators from Sutton.”

The report continued with only the briefest air of controversy:

“The game was of a give-and-take nature all through, but it must be admitted that superior football told at the end, and gave Sutton the victory by a try to nil, the try being claimed by Downes, after some good dribbling amongst the Sutton forwards. When this try was gained the voices of the Sutton contingent could be heard at home if it “Wasn’t for the houses in between.” The defeat of Catford Bridge was a heavy blow to the supporters of yellow and black, more especially coming as it did after Catford Bridge last season declining to play Sutton on account of their being considered so inferior to the Catford team. We venture to hope that this reverse will be the issue of Catford Bridge giving Sutton two matches next season.”

However, in the rival publication of the County Herald Harkaway’s report resulted in much consternation and correspondence that was published in the paper as follows:

‘Having now had my own say about the game, my readers may like to see what a correspondent has to say about it. I may premise that I give his letter just as it reached me, and that I do not agree about his observations with regard to Cresswell’s play, nor do I think will many others who saw the game’: -

“…There was not much for the three-quarters to do in the first half, and judging by the form at centre, especially of Cresswell, this was as well.”

“... Morrison was snatchy, now and then tackling really well, but it was difficult to understand what Cresswell was doing at all.”

“…The try had a great effect on Sutton, and they went away again, and would most certainly have scored had not Cresswell, as usual, stuck to the ball instead of passing to Morrison or Gooch, who both had a straight run in with no one in front of them.”

“…The game was thoroughly interesting right up until the close, and when Sutton had won there was plenty of cheering, especially from one gentlemen who, at the beginning, had offered to lay the somewhat extravagant odds of 2s to 1d on Sutton.”

There followed this disclaimer from Mr E. C. Surridge: “Having been accused of being the writer of the remarks in last week’s Musings on the match between Sutton and Catford, I beg you will allow me an opportunity of publicly denying the accusation. I should also like to be permitted to say that I was present at Catford, and do not agree with your correspondent. To my mind his criticisms are most unfair, and the personal attack made on Cresswell, one of the three-quarters, can only be actuated by malice or ignorance. As to the remark that ‘Sutton would certainly had scored had Cresswell, instead of sticking to the ball as usual, passed to Morrison and Gooch,’ your informant is quite at sea; it was not Cresswell who had the ball. Your correspondent’s eyesight must be failing him. As one who follows closely the Rugby game as now played, I am at a loss to understand the reason of such an attack, because the game at Catford was confined almost entirely to the forwards and half-backs all through. I am anxious to see whether your correspondent will have the courage to give the player whom he attacked praise for the manner in which he performed against Park House.”

The 19th Century equivalent to online abuse but it also reflects the enthusiasm for local sport in this period and the superb coverage it was given in the local press.

Overview of the 2025-6 Campaign

Back in September 12 clubs approached the season with relish, optimism or stoic caution depending on their circumstances. There were four new members to this most competitive of leagues and a new format for the coaches to consider with half of the teams to be involved in matches to determine promotion and relegation. Brighton and Horsham had endured the misfortune of relegation and, no doubt, sought to bounce back to Level 5 at the first opportunity. Bromley had won promotion and the regulations had been amended to permit Canterbury II, ‘The Pilgrims’, to compete at Level 6.

The enabling of Canterbury has obvious and foreseeable consequences but the RFU appear to have had scant regard for two areas. Firstly, this league has a 22-game season and Canterbury 1st XV play in a 26-game league. Surely, it cannot be beyond logic and logistics that The Pilgrims never have a league fixture when their 1st XV is having a break weekend. This was not the case. Secondly, as with most sports, there must be restrictions on players who have played 1st XV rugby during the season representing The Pilgrims. There were no restrictions at any stage of the campaign. Perhaps these two issues need to be examined by the lawmakers.

This afternoon Sidcup host Dartfordians at Crescent Farm knowing that a bonus point win will guarantee their elevation to Level 5. The old sporting mantra of ‘defence wins championships’, attributed to Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant during his stint as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide (1958-82), seems most appropriate for Sidcup. The leaders parsimonious ‘points against’ column reads ‘349’ which is 141 points better than Gravesend who are second in the Scrooge League. After consecutive losses to Brighton and Bromley mid-season the Kent club has been on a ten-game hot streak. The highlight being their recent 26-22 win over Brighton when they fought back after trailing 14-0 at the break.

The Brighton Blues despite losing their opening fixture to Beckenham set the early pace. They went into the Christmas game at Horsham leading by 8 points and having won 11 on the spin. Not only did their Sussex rival down their colours in a thrilling 55-43 match but in the first game of 2026 they lost to The Pilgrims to leave Sidcup snapping at the heels a point adrift. For most observers the league had become a two-horse race. For others with loftier ambitions the recent successes of Old Alleynians and Medway reminded them that a club could emerge from the chasing pack to claim glory on the final Saturday of the season. In the end Sidcup and Brighton continued their formidable form and the rest had to consider the play-off route.

Overview of the 2025-6 Campaign

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table it has been a miserable time for Old Reigatian drawing parallels with their notable alumnus. They, like Thurrock last season, avoided the tag of ‘Winless Wonders’ when they defeated Bromley 34-26 in Round 19. We wish them well in their inevitable process of rebuilding as they have already been relegated.

For those in between, the RFU will be delighted that the play-off system is producing great excitement for some and high anxiety for others as the league enters the final week. Though the meningitis outbreak has added an extra layer of potential drama when Sutton host Canterbury next Saturday. Eyes this Saturday will be upon not only Rugby Lane but also Crescent Farm and Garratt Green to see who will be making up the final places in the play-off drama.

Whether such a drawn out spectacle will prove popular, with the chance of promotion requiring four wins, remains to be seen. Perhaps others recall simpler times when the second-placed clubs in parallel leagues faced each other for promotion. This methodology was used first in 2001 when London Nigerian defeated Canterbury 27-21. It was the format until the Covid season when Westcombe Park gained the ascendancy via their overall record. RFU restructuring followed and the play-off match was consigned to history. But in 2025-6 its bastard offspring has emerge to encourage the jeopardy factor with regard to relegation and offer the chance of glory to four clubs rather than one when the dust settles after a thrilling 22-game campaign

The Play-Off Scenario After Round 21

It seems to be a common thread of the august bodies that are the guardians of our treasured sports to organise them in a manner that is perhaps questionable to the interested observer. The current players have made it clear they wish to play fewer games and travel shorter distances than their predecessors. The love of Cup rugby is probably reflected in the declining prestige of County Cups. It would be hard for any logical argument to be made that the Papa Johns was a success as ‘AWO’ and ‘HWO’ proliferated the results page and then clubs voted with their feet and declined to participate. Perhaps this was an indication that players at the grassroots level were happy to complete the league campaign and hang up their boots and rest. Remarkably the RFU in their infinite wisdom ignored all of the above and instigated the ‘Play-Offs’. The RFU are not alone in bemusing participants and spectators lest we forget the ECB create the County Championship fixture list with the overwhelming majority of fixtures being played in April, May and September which is bizarre for an alleged Summer Sport.

The position as it stands before this afternoon’s final round of fixtures is as follows:

18th April

Round 1

Match A

2nd: Brighton

25th April*

Round 2

Match C

Winner Match A

2nd May*

Round 3

Match D

Winner of Regional 2 South Central Play-Offs 5th: Old Colfeians

Match B

3rd: Horsham

4th: Gravesend

*Highest Seed at Home

Winner Match C

Winner Match B

9th May Grand Final of Play-Offs

The Winner of Match D plays against the loser of the Regional 1 Accession Final which is the loser of the following fixture: Regional 1 South Central: (9th) Wimbledon v Maidenhead (10th). The home club of this match is the team from Level 5.

25th April: Regional 2 Relegation Play-Off (10th) Canterbury II v (11th) Dartfordians Winner remains in Regional 2 South East Loser descends into applicable Counties 1 league (Level 7)

This afternoon the Regional 2 South East scenario might be complete but it all could change when Sutton & Epsom play the Pilgrims next week.

Regional 2 South East Table 2025-26

This Afternoon’s Games:

Sutton & Epsom v Bromley; Battersea Ironsides v Canterbury II; Beckenham v Brighton; Gravesend v Horsham; Old Colfeians v Old Reigatian and Sidcup v Dartfordians.

Postponed match (18th April): Sutton & Epsom v Canterbury II.

1st XV Fixtures Regional 2 South East 2025-26

Sep 06 A Bromley W 49-19

Sep 13 H Dartfordians W 33-29

Sep 20 A Old Reigatian W 49-14

Oct 04 H Old Colfeians W 40-24

Oct 11 A Sidcup L 12-22

Oct 18 A Gravesend W 29-12

Oct 25 H Beckenham W 22-19

Nov 08 A Battersea Ironsides

Nov 22 H Horsham

Nov 29 A

Dec 06 H Brighton

29-36

Dec 13 A Dartfordians L 33-34

Dec 20 H Old Reigatian W 61-17

Jan 10 A Old Colfeians L 22-44

Jan 17 H Sidcup L 12-28

Jan 31 H Gravesend L 26-37

Feb 14 A Beckenham W 22-14

Regional 2 South East

Sutton & Epsom RFC v Bromley RFC

Saturday 11th April 2026 – KO 3.00pm

Your referee for today is: Tom Roberts (LSRFUR)

Sutton & Epsom Bromley

15. Gareth O’Brien Fullback 15. George Hawkins

14. Kyren Ghumra Wing 14. James Rushton

13. Adam Bibby Outside Centre 13. Louis Weekes

12. Freddy Bunting (c) Inside Centre 12. Jonathon Griffiths

11. Jordan Huie Wing 11. Stephen Pillow

10. Tom Lennard Fly Half 10. Harvey Young

9. Euan Findlay Scrum Half 9. George Scott (c)

1. Sam Lennie Prop 1. Dan Carroll

2. Jack Howes Hooker 2. Harry Milne

3. Tom Boaden Prop 3. Ben Smith

4. Ewan McTaggart Second Row 4. Kieran Elliott 5. Josh Glanville Second Row 5. Robbie Brown

6. Josh Pulvirenti Flanker 6. Tommy Scott

7. Josh Rea Flanker 7. Joseph Saunders

8. Rob Hegarty No. 8 8. Aydan Godden Replacements Replacements

16. Richard Madadangoma 16. Aidan Devane

17. Ben Tame 17. Oscar Gray

18. Jamie Flatley 18. Harrison Friday Manager John Croysdill Carl Smith

DoR Andrew Spooner Ben Bromage

Coaches P Hodgson; A Dombrandt; S Munford N Freds; J Connors; H Young

Physio Cherry O’Sullivan Lucy Howard

Touch Scott Gadsden Daniel Bromage

Home-grown player

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.

Player sponsorship

MEN

Ewan McTaggart sponsored by Walbrook Law LLP

Dan Johnson sponsored by E2W Fleet Solutions

Jack Spooner sponsored by Parsons Building Services

Kyren Ghumra sponsored by Parsons Building Services

Rob Hegarty sponsored by Esher Fireplaces

Laurence Wise sponsored by The Fuller family

Tom Lennard sponsored by Artemis Talent

Freddie Bunting sponsored by IT4Automation

Callum Hilton sponsored by The Magpies Golf Society

Thomas Boaden sponsored by Ayming UK Ltd

Tom Agu Benson sponsored by Mustard IT

Dan Jones sponsored by S&E Boys Colts

Josh Rea sponsored by S&E U16 Boys

Adam Bibby sponsored by S&E U16 Boys

Sam Lennie sponsored by S&E U16 Boys

Alex Mount sponsored by What a Fat Mess Ltd

Eric Duey sponsored by C3 UnitedLife

WOMEN

Zoe McTear sponsored by InTouch Capital Markets Ltd

Abby Brassey sponsored by Smith and Byford

Olivia Lambe sponsored by Relove Technology

Sarah Methven sponsored by Artemis Talent

Nevaeh Saungweme sponsored by The Magpies Golf Society

Charlotte Mahoney sponsored by T Brown

Isabelle Keith sponsored by Pink Elephant Consulting Ltd

Maddy Major sponsored by Delta Chocolate

Anja Cooper sponsored by Delta Chocolate

Lauren McPartlin sponsored by Parsons Building Services

Millie Breeden sponsored by Story Clothing

Men’s player sponsorship @ £350.00 covers cost of player’s membership, sponsor included in match programmes, club website and social media teamsheet and MOTM posts.

Women’s player sponsorship @ £300.00 covers cost of player’s membership, sponsor included in match programmes, club website and social media teamsheet and MOTM posts.

Enquiries: bob@haime-butler.com

The Complete Building & Roofing Company

Jack Auletta Ltd is a local building firm based in Brockham, Surrey, that has built its unrivalled reputation for high quality building over the last decade. We understand that one of the most important investments for people today is their home and as such every project undertaken is carefully researched and considered in order to exceed our client’s expectations.

Jack Auletta Ltd

Unit 5

Tanners Court

Tanners Meadow

Brockham

Surrey RH3 7NH

07796 440000 01737 333366 info@jackauletta.co.uk

jackauletta.co.uk

League Playing Records 2025-26 Season

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

M Felsted 2025

A J Fernihough 2011

I M Frazer 2000

R J Haime 2017

J Hardy 2010

N Harries 2005

D R S Harris 1976

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

CLUB OFFICERS

Chair

R Reino

Honorary Secretary

R Davies

Assistant Secretary

G Jones

Honorary Treasurer

TBC

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

J Potts 2025

L H Quested 2003

R Reino 2016

Ann Saunders 2001

J R M Saunders 2004

S M Shaylor 2007

R J Sinclair 2000

A Spooner 2025

J A Tedder 2003

Ann Towers 2001

J N Vale 2000

K Webber 2025

A J Woods 1996

Rachel Wright 2009

G Yadoo 1976

Chair Sponsorship & Marketing

R Haime

Chair House & Grounds

TBC

Director of Rugby

A Spooner

HONORARY TRUSTEES

J J R Austin; J Parsons; G Hill

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

TBC

ryan.reino@blueyonder.co.uk

CHAIR EVENTS

Nick Corby nickcorby@hotmail.com

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

Mark Asten suttonrugby.membership@gmail.com

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Bob Haime

bob@haime-butler.com 07702 419195

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

Ben Tame ben.tame@hotmail.com

SENIOR FIXTURES SECRETARY

Iain Frazer

Iain.frazer@virginmedia.com 020 8643 4835

CHAIR WOMENS’ SECTION

Zoe Smith Zoesmith1992@gmail.com

WOMENS’ FIXTURES SECRETARY

Anya Cooper sandeladiesrfc@gmail.com

CHAIR MINI RUGBY

Sam Gooder

sgooder@aol.com 07968 180333

CHAIR 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

Kellie Rutledge

kellie_rutledge@yahoo.co.uk 07808 719150

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

TBC

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

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

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:

Bob Haime Chairman Sponsorship & Marketing

07702 419195

bob@haime-butler.com