However add in that Sutton & Epsom had been on a six game winning streak whereas Reigatian are struggling with injuries this season Sutton had to have start as favourites. Reigatians were missing eight 1st XV regular players particularly in the back five of the scrum with injuries to Dan Jones, Sam Foreman, Finlay Lock, Joey Goldsmith & Seb Courtney Walker a reshuffle of the pack was requirement. Fortunately being near Christmas some lads were back from Uni so 1st XV debut for student Jude McRobbie starting at 6 and Ed Cox making a welcome return to bench. First 1st XV start for scrum half Ali Webb and a surprise return for Lucas Overtoom who has been travelling in South America and is back for Christmas before heading off to Australia in the New Year who kindly benched to offer his support!
The first 15 minutes was all Sutton & Epsom as the Home players tried to find their role and gel as a Team and within 19 minutes Sutton had scored two good tries and their Captain had slotted a Penalty.
However Jude McRoobie was finding the pace of the game and The back line with three of last season’s Colts amongst them , Joining Webb was now 1st regular Tom Baldwin and Will Parker starting in the Wing.
They looked dangerous with ball in hand. Firstly after some pressure from the forwards Jude McRobbie reached out over a ruck to touch down and claim OR’s first try.
Tries followed at the beginning of the 2nd half when more experienced Will Godwin scored to move the home side within a point at 14-15.
The game stayed this way until twenty minutes into the second half when Jonny Bridges only called into the team on Friday when regular Winger Finn Coyle was taken ill, scored down the right wing Tom Baldwin converted to take the score to 21-15.
Reigatian held out to take what must be their best win of the season. Great performance and with the 2nd XV winning again the Club is in great shape for 2025. Dan Grant was awarded his 50th Cap. So a great finished to 2024.
Last Saturday 1st XV
1. Paul Marshall 2. Ciaran Nestor 3. Ciaran Lee 4. Dan Grant 5. Reilly Franklin Talbot © 6. Elliot Anderson 7. Sam Foreman 8. Ryan Taylor Travers 9. Alex Skinner 10. Ben Holder 11. Finn Coyle 12. Tom Baldwin 13. Tom Allen 14. Harrison Mitchell 15. Tom Woodford 16. Will Godwin 17. Ali Webb
