Two seasons ago, Sutton & Epsom were fighting for survival in London Division One South, now they are fighting for promotion into the National Leagues.

And although the 23-20 win at fellow title chasers Chobham on October 24 was only rewarded with being knocked off the top by Guildford, head coach Lee Cholewa is loving every minute.

Tries from Joe Ridgley and Matt Whitaker, and Sam Hurley’s extras, proved too much for Chobham.

But while those names are in the limelight this week, Cholewa knows there are many more who deserve a shout out.

He said: “Even though we’ve not been able to put out the same team every week because of availability and injuries, we know it is about a squad of players and about having 30 to 40 players who are capable of playing in the first team.

“We are putting a big emphasis on the second team this year, they have had some good results so far.

“They know if they perform well in the second team, they will get an opportunity in the first team if the person in the first team has not played well.

“That is part of the reason of the success, we have more players capable of playing London One, and top end of London One.”

There is also a renewed confidence in the camp, born out of a team spirit built on a remarkable eight-match unbeaten run.

“The winning streak showed the lads that we are capable of performing and winning in this level,” said Cholewa.

“We have that inner belief that if we do go behind in games, we don’t panic, we trust each other with a fantastic rapport among the players.

“They dig deep and fight. There were games last year when we’ve gone behind and could have lost, but we came back and won even though we have not played well.

“It is all about getting that habit of winning.”

S&E return to action on Saturday at home to Gosport & Fareham.