Veteran fly-half Sam Frost has vowed to help Sutton & Epsom fight relegation from National Division Three London for as long as he is physically able.

The 39-year-old, who turns 40 in December, came out of retirement this week to inspire the Rugby Lane outfit to a 24-7 win over Hertford - their first triumph of the season.

Frost has been working on getting his golf handicap down to five since hanging up his boots two seasons ago, but is set to make this his 21st season of first-team rugby since making his debut as a 17-year-old.

Sutton remain at the foot of the league table despite the result, but are within touching distance of climbing out of the drop-zone with fellow strugglers Haywards Heath and Tring to come over the next fortnight.

And the club’s newest - and oldest - recruit reckons the weekend’s win will be for nothing if they don’t get on a winning run.

“Playing again wasn’t something I was anticipating. I needed my arm twisting, because I’ve been enjoying my golf, but having seen results I said I’d help as much as could,” he said.

“The young players have been thrown in at the deep end and have struggled to find their feet at this level, but there is no doubt they have the ability to avoid relegation.

“They just needed some experience in a couple of key positions. Hopefully, this win will give them much more confidence.

“The next two games are vital. Beating Hertford will mean nothing if we don’t win them.”

Tries from centre Steven Warnham (2) and prop Craig Bellringer provided the impetus for the win, which had been in the balance at the break with the scores level at 7-7.

Head Coach Terry O’Connor, who has had to contend with an extensive injury list, has kept faith with a large contingent of young home-grown talent and Frost was quick to praise his patience.

“The coaching team of Geoff Parsons, Jimmy Joyce and Terry have been surperb,” he added.

“There were players basically being paid to play, but they have gone and the new regime deserve credit for the work they have done thus far.”

Sutton’s next three games: Oct 31 Haywards Heath (a), Nov 7 Tring (h), 14 Bishop’s Stortford (a).