Cobham 0 Sutton & Epsom 15

Sutton had to battle hard to overcome Cobham 15-0 in the Surrey Cup semi-final on Saturday and earn a place in the final against Richmond at Imber Court on Sunday April 29 (kick off 4pm).

Richmond, who finished fourth in London Division 1, will provide the stiffest test of the season for Sutton, the runaway winners of London division 2 South this season.

Cobham, who had won London 4 South even more easily with a 100 per cent record, scoring over 600 points and conceding less than 100 in 18 matches, put up stout resistence in a tense semi-final.

Their much larger pack was well organised by their captain and coach Billy Davison, formerly of Harlequins. In the quarter-final they had dispatched Wimbledon, another London 2 South side, largely due to two catch and drive tries, and they threatened to do the same against Sutton.

They enjoyed the lion's share of possession and it was remarkable that they failed to score a single point. There were two reasons for this. Firstly, Sutton's outstanding defence was rock solid throughout and, secondly, Cobham had no Plan B'.

After an abrasive start in scorching conditions Sutton assumed control territorially due to skilful tactical kicking by fly-half Sam Frost and his heir apparent, full-back James Gibson.

Sutton made the breakthrough approaching the half hour. They turned over Cobham ball at a ruck 35 metres out, hooker James Bennett broke on the blindside and found lock Austin Sheppard at his shoulder. With a hint of a dummy, Sheppard powered through to score in the corner. Frost's conversion attempt failed.

An outrageous off-side and deliberate knock on by the Cobham winger prevented Sutton scoring another try early in the second half. Frost kicked the resultant penalty and how the offender escaped a yellow card only the referee will know.

Sutton then conceded a deluge of penalties, but somehow survived despite having open side flanker Andy Edwards sent to the sin bin for persistent infringements.

Frost had the final word when his superb reverse box kick resulted in a Sutton lineout 10 metres out. Bennett's throw found lock Richard Nicholls and Sutton ran a set move, with Frost forcing his way over by the posts. His conversion heralded the final whistle.