True grit has Sutton title surge on track (From Sutton Guardian)

Last-gasp winner shows Sutton's mettle and commitment, says coach

7:00am Friday 11th January 2013 in Sport By Tim Ashton

Sutton & Epsom coach Lee Cholewa says it was the spirit and commitment of his team that saw them to a last-gasp win over Guildford.

Saturday’s 21-19 victory, courtesy of Frankie Murray’s penalty with the last kick of the game, keeps Sutton on top of London Division Two South West.

Shawn Renwick got on the scoresheet twice and Murray would add 11 points – however, missing out on a bonus allowed second-placed Chobham to cut Sutton’s lead from eight to seven points.

But, despite being rusty after the Christmas break, Cholewa recognised the performance for what it was.

“We did not play well, but we still won, which is significant,” he said.

“The boys were a little rusty after three weeks away, but that will soon disappear. We worked hard in training on Tuesday night and we’ll do the same at the end of the week.

“But the spirit and commitment of the players is what got the team through against Guildford.

“They have a never-say-die attitude. We had all the possession and all the play. There is no way we can fault the lads’ commitment.”

Sutton travel to bottom club Camberley this weekend – a side they thrashed 72-7 at Rugby Lane at the start of the season – with Cholewa’s warning ringing in their ears.

“If we go to Camberley thinking we will win, we are likely to get beaten,” he said.

“They are fighting for their lives down there and we’re a big scalp for them because we’re on top of the table. They have a very big front five and they will put us under a lot of pressure right from the off.

“It is true to say that any team can beat any other team in this league and although we’re seven points ahead, that gap can disappear very quickly.”

Sutton are sweating on the fitness of full back Ian Knott and winger Mike Cartledge, both of whom picked up knocks in the Guildford win.