In this London Division 1 South match on Saturday, Old Elthamians celebrated their centenary with a 27-6 victory over Sutton the side which beat them in their very first match back in 1911.

From Sutton’s point of view the pre match entertainment, mini rugby matches between Old Elthamians’ and Sutton & Epsom’s U7s, U8s and U10s went well with Sutton’s sides winning every match proving the future of Sutton is bright.

However, for the Sutton first XV it was yet again a tough day. OEs led by ex Blackheath fly half Matt Vaughan were just too sharp and strong for their visitors. Sutton’s pack was comprehensibly shunted backwards in tight play and whenever there was 50.50 ball Elthamians won it. Despite this and losing two props to injury during the game, Sutton’s players stuck at it and made life difficult for the side 2nd in the league.

Elthamians took the lead on 10 minutes when their pack drove over from 20 metres for No8 Andrew Reeve to get the touch down. Sutton reposted almost immediately when following a dynamic 50 metres break by their No8 Matt Whitacker centre Steve Warnham kicked a penalty to narrow the scores. OEs then mounted a lengthy period of pressure which was obdurately defended by Sutton and the home side had to settle for a penalty kick by full back Tom White.

Elthamians’ next try was the best of the match, they came out of defence showing superb off loading skills and with players coming onto the ball at pace and running great angles before massive centre Lewis Owens using his great power smashed over next to the posts. White converted and at half time Elthamians led 15-3.

Sutton started the 2nd half with some gusto but when their scrum was shunted backwards 25 metres out a huge gap appeared in Sutton’s previously rock solid defence and OEs winger Ed Velasco scooted through to score. Again White converted.

Sutton then lost prop Harry Paul who had suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the match and despite his brave efforts was forced eventually to retire. His place was taken by replacement prop Gary Nash but by now prop Neville Harrington was also struggling with injury. Despite these setbacks Sutton continued to try to take the game to Elthamians and when centre Steve Warnham was high tackled in front of the posts fly Half Jak Martin stepped up to kick the penalty.

Again having made every effort to stay on the pitch Harrington was eventually forced to leave and as Sutton had no further front row replacements they were forced to go to uncontested scrums and lose a player from the pitch. Shortly after Elthamians won scrum ball 15 metres out the ball went to full back White who slice over in the corner. He missed the conversion but the home side had the bonus point try.

Sutton now have next Saturday off before facing Guernsey at home on 3rd December kick off 3pm at Rugby Lane, Cheam.