Sutton triumph ends years of hurt (From Sutton Guardian)

Sutton triumph ends years of hurt

9:23am Wednesday 9th April 2008

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Sutton & Epsom skipper James Clark says Sunday's Surrey Cup triumph makes up for years of hurt suffered at the hands of London Division One rivals Richmond.

Tries from New Zealand U19 centre Bryan Milne and man-of-the-match Joe Goatley steered Sutton to a 14-3 win over London Division Two South side Chobham.

Sutton have lost three finals to Richmond in the past seven years and Clark, who has played at Rugby Lane since 1983, thinks the historic win - which came after a semi-final victory over their nemesis - was his side's just desserts.

"We have played better in cup finals and lost them," he said.

"It wasn't pretty, but we scored a couple of good tries and they were never going to cause us many problems after that.

"This makes up for all the disappointments we have had against Richmond.

"It think they have won it for the past six years and I have played in all the defeats.

"The league was our priority this year, but we did this the hard way by beating Barnes, Chobham and Richmond along the way, which makes it even sweeter.

"It is chairman Ian Lovett's last season in charge and, if anyone deserves this success, it is him."

Sutton, who are coached by former Richmond boss Martin Knights, were never really in trouble once Milne and Goatley had touched down, but the second half might have been more tricky had Chobham not had a try disallowed.

For next season, Knights has targeted a tilt at a second promotion in three years, after a mid-table finish in their first season back in London One this time around.

But Clark, 30, who played a key part in Sutton's defensive effort as Chobham tried to get back in the game, admitted he may not be around to see the club reach the National Leagues.

"We are aiming for at least a top-four finish and, if we are in that sort of position, we could push for promotion," he added.

"I don't think I will recover from this for a couple of days.

"Next season could be my last.

"I have been playing here since I was five years old and my body is telling me it is almost time."

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