By David Steel

Sutton & Epsom started 2013 eight points clear at the top of London Division Two South West, but after a 16-10 defeat at home to the new leaders Chobham, they are three points behind.

Matt Whittacker got Sutton’s sole try of the day, while Frankie Murray’s conversion and a penalty completed the scoring.

Sutton started the game brightly with a strong drive towards the Chobham line, however, Chobham were quick to turn this around and after 10 minutes found themselves with quick and clean ball which allowed them to put pressure on the Sutton line.

Although, Sutton defended well against some very good interplay by Chobham, eventually the defence was breached and Chobham scored a well-worked but unconverted try out by the left hand touchline, and it remained that way at the break.

After the break, Chobham scored first after a Sutton attack broke down.

The Chobham backs picked the ball up and quickly passed the ball into space, allowing the right winger’s unconverted score by the right hand touchline for 10-0.

This spurred the Sutton team into action and the forwards started to pound the Chobham line.

After a continual drive by the forwards, the Sutton pack broke through the Chobham defence and Matt scored close to the posts, and Murray’s conversion was successful.

After this score, Sutton were back on the offensive very quickly, forcing the Chobham forwards to go offside, allowing number nine Murray to level the scores.

At this stage, it was anybody’s game - however, it was Chobham who were able to finish the game the better of the two teams.

They put together a few strong moves towards the Sutton line resulting in three penalties – of which two were converted for an 16-10 final score.

This weekend, Sutton travel to struggling KCS Old Boys.

Pictures and reaction to follow.