Sutton’s 14 men have all answers in end

PROMOTED duo Sutton & Epsom and Westcliff were both winless as they faced each other at Rugby Lane.

Both sides were eager to record their first victory at this level and it was Sutton who triumphed to secure a much-needed four points.

In a remarkable display of team spirit, they won playing 50 minutes of the game with 14 men due to a red card.

Chris March opened the scoring for Westcliff with Greg Bannister converting after five minutes.

Sutton replied at once when they were awarded a penalty try for a deliberate knock-on.

However, they failed to take advantage of the extra man and could not add to their score.

Indeed, in the 28th minute, George London saw red for a tip tackle and they suddenly found themselves right up against it with the odds stacked against them.

Bannister slotted the resulting penalty to make it 10-7.

The Black & Whites

stormed back, however, with the pack setting up Kyren Ghumra to score.

James Bourton converted for a 14-10 interval lead.

Within five minutes of the restart, the rampaging Westcliff pack secured a try from James Smith, who went twisting over from close range.

With the conversion added they led 17-14.

But Westcliff failed to make their numerical advantage pay.

Indeed, a further yellow reduced Sutton and Eposm to 13 with a few minutes left on the clock.

But man of the match Josh Smart spun through the defence to score under the posts.

That secured an unlikely triumph, with Bourton adding the conversion. to crown a satisfying day.