Surrey Cup holders Sutton & Epsom have confirmed they will not defend their title after withdrawing from the competition in protest against rule changes introduced this year.

County RFU officials have removed stipulations insisting club’s currently in the National Leagues - such as Esher (National One), Richmond, Rosslyn Park and Barnes (all National Two south) - must field second team players in the competition.

Sutton, currently in National League Three London, lifted the title with a 41-27 triumph over rivals Dorking last season, but under a re-shuffle will face only sides from the two leagues above them in this year’s event.

And chairman Ian Lovatt, who pointed out his side were effectively still part of the regional league structure, has described the situation as a complete farce.

“The introduction of the Championship means we are a National League club in name only and receive none of the benefits of being in that structure,” he said.

“The gulf in skill and professionalism between us and the league above - let alone National One - is huge. The decision is a complete farce.

“In the past teams further up the leagues have been asked to play second teams. We have played against second teams. We have won and lost, but we have lost players through injury as a result.

“Wiithout that stipulation we didn’t think it was fair to ask the players to play in a competition they have little or no chance of winning.

“As holders of the Cup it is disappointing we should surrender without a fight but we do not make the rules.”

Sutton gave themselves a lifeline in their battle against National League Three London relegation when a last-minute penalty try gave them a 17-16 win at fellow strugglers Portsmouth.

And Lovatt reckons it is a result that gives his men real hope.

“We’ve beaten the likes of Hertford already and there is no reason why we can’t go out and beat more teams like them,” he added.

“It wasn’t pretty, but it is winning these dog-eat-dog games that gives us a real chance.”

Sutton’s next three games: Dec 12 Basingstoke (a), 19 Jersey (h), Jan 9 Dorking (h).