Sutton & Epsom’s season was summed up by Saturday’s National Three London & Southeast defeat at Dorking.

For 65 of the 80 minutes, Sutton’s pack hemmed Dorking deep in their own half while Dorking scored on four of their five visits to Sutton’s 22.

With five changes to the side that has played so much better in recent weeks, Sutton lacked spirit and fire and, at times, brains.

There was a general lack of support when players made breaks, players became isolated and most of their back play was so predictable that Dorking’s defence had an easy time.

Dorking on the other hand made use of the little possession they obtained, their backs taking the ball flat and at pace, running great angles and off loading with a skill Sutton can only dream of.

Sutton can only hope that with the missing players restored they can get back on track, they sorely missed the aggression and spirit of Hooker James Bennett, the power of prop Jamie Pearson and the pace, strength and trickery of scrum half Lyndon Burrell.

Sutton’s flankers Ian White and Scott Wallbank played their hearts out and their Captain Steve Munford tackled like a demon but with only wing Andy Nicholl regularly making ground in the backs the effort was to no avail.

Playing down the slope in the first half Sutton pinned Dorking deep in their own half but after 30 minutes of unrelenting pressure the well organised and strong Dorking defence kept them out.

With 10 minutes to go in the half Dorking broke out of defence, fly half Matt Noble running a great inside angle took the ball at pace and went in under the posts. He converted his own try.

Almost from the kick off Dorking came back, wing Gary Johnson breaking three weak Sutton tackles made 30m up-field before being stopped 15m short, he popped the ball up to flanker Ben Lucas who went in under the posts. Noble converted.

Sutton took control for the remainder of the half but could not conjure a score despite huge pressure.

The second half was a repeat of the first with Sutton pounding at the Dorking line without success for nearly 30 minutes eventually having to settle for a penalty from captain fly half Steve Munford to get some points on the board.

Having weathered all Sutton had to throw at them Dorking then broke out, their pack rumbling the ball over from a 5m penalty.

After this Dorking developed the only bit of sustained pressure they managed in the match and were eventually rewarded when full back Ben Tyler scored wide on the right to give the home side the try bonus point. The conversion attempt, the last kick of the match, went wide.

Sutton visit Tring this Saturday (2.30pm), having narrowly won the home fixture.