A season full of highs and lows came to a disappointing end last weekend, when Sutton failed in their quest for promotion to National League 2 level 4, a level they have never achieved in their long history having lost in the equivalent playoff at the end of last season and it was not to be again this season as they suffered a 52-22 defeat at Stockport RFC, who were runners up in the National League 3 North. Stockport now bounce back into the level 4 league having been relegated only the previous season and their experience showed as they overwhelmed the relatively inexperienced Sutton side in the first and third quarters of an entertaining contest.

Although having won all their home games this season, Sutton's away form has been suspect and unfortunately on a day when they needed to make a good start Sutton found themselves 15-0 down after just 8 minutes and 21-0 down after 27 minutes, with a mountain to climb against a strong high scoring side with a mean defensive record.

Following a promising start by Sutton the home side responded with a flowing attack which led to a try in the right corner by winger Will Batterbury after 4 minutes for a 5-0 lead, followed by a penalty for flyhalf Josh Longmore 2 minutes later then a second try for the home side scored by 2nd row Chris Roddy, who loped through a gap in mid field to score by the posts giving Josh Longmore a straight forward conversion and Stockport a 15-0 lead after 8 minutes. Stockport continued to take advantage of Sutton's lack of conviction and errors with 2 more penalties by Josh Longmore to lead 21-0... but with halftime approaching the visitors rallied and an excellent try by centre Andy Tovey, which was matched by a superb touchline conversion by fellow centre Alex White 5 minutes before the break brought Sutton into the game at 21-7. Encouraged by the score Sutton continued to trouble the renowned Stockport defence and another breakthrough came on the stroke of halftime when Sutton's skipper Dave Edwards picked up a low pass off his toes and raced over in the left corner to reduce the deficit to 21-12 at the break.

On a high Sutton continued their fight back after the break and 2 minutes into the second period they closed to within 6 points with a penalty in mid field from Alex White to close to 21-15... but shortly after the restart misfortune befell Sutton and their recovery faltered when the ball went loose on the Sutton 22 allowing centre Jamie Anthony to gather the ball and drive down the touchline for a try in the left corner to extend Stockport's lead to 26-15 against the run of play and then 10 minutes later misfortune struck again when flyhalf Josh Longmore fumbled the ball in front of the Sutton posts but was allowed to continue to score an unopposed try under the posts, which he converted himself to drive another nail in the Sutton coffin at 33-15 with 23 minutes left to play.

Sutton tried to respond but during this period of play the home side had the initiative and encouraged by the large home crowd they ran in 3 more tries 2 of which were converted for a 52-15 lead going into the final 9 minutes. But true to their fighting spirit Sutton continued to press their illustrious hosts and they gained a final consolation try, which was scored and converted by centre Alex White for a final score line of 52-22, which put Sutton's dreams of National 2 rugby on hold for another year.

All at Sutton congratulate Stockport on the manner of their victory and their return to National League 2. Off the field they deserve thanks for their generous hospitality before and after the game and Sutton wish them well in their endeavours next season.

Thanks also go to the loyal 'Green Army' of Sutton supporters, who have provided great support for the team home and away through a difficult season in which, considering their long injury list, the Sutton side did well to reach the playoff as runners up in a challenging league.

With the last game of the season completed, all-be-it in disappointment, Sutton bid farewell to this seasons skipper Dave Edwards, who leaves Sutton for Canada this summer to sample new delights in the land of the Maple leaf and the Royal Mounted Police. Sutton wish him well but will miss his outstanding pace and strong rugby skills and although it would have been a fitting departure for Dave had Sutton won promotion he should be proud of leading Sutton to the runners up place in National League 3 plus another playoff and congratulated on a successful season considering the loss of so many key players during the course of a challenging league programme. At least he had the satisfaction of contributing a try in his final game before he bowed out.

Sutton also bid farewell to Steve McCormack who has decided to retire after giving 10 years of outstanding service to the Sutton club. Steve first registered with the club on the 10th September 2004 at the age of 21 and has been a fixture and a great asset to the 1st XV throughout his distinguished career. Whilst capable of playing a significant role in the back row, Steve's greatest achievements have been in the second row alongside many talented players over the years but his most legendary partnership has been with Tony Worthington, who has also decided to restrict his appearances reducing the number of times the 'dynamic duo' have appeared together this season. Both players have made the difficult decision to step back from the game they love in the interests of family, work commitments and the toll the modern game takes on a players body and limbs.

Steve also captained the club for 3 seasons taking them to Warwickshire Cup and League Championship victories, so he can retire with pride and we look forward to his return in a coaching capacity and as a knowledgeable spectator.

Alongside the players, credit and recognition for a good season reflects well on the excellent work done by the coaching team led by Matt Nevitt, 1st XV head coach, Nick Burke, forwards coach and Ben Toft backs player/coach plus Joe Gavin who led the Sutton young Development side to the Warwickshire Second Team Championship this season and assisted with the 1st XV squad when required.

Thanks also go to the medical support staff led by physio's Hannah Walker and assisted by Jayne, who throughout the season have served the 1st XV home and away and any injured Sutton players needing their expert help on training nights, with physio Hayley supporting the 3rd XV on a regular basis and loyally serving the other teams when required.

Andre Cardin provided expert physio support when required but mainly carried out the video camera work at each game, together with the post match video analysis to provide valuable statistics for the players and coaches to learn and improve their game and tactical play though the inquest held after each match. Ian Worthington and Alex Groom provided the still photographs to enhance the match report and adorn the website with their high quality action shots and David Daniels as 1st XV manager continued to write the match reports for the press and website together with the 1st XV team support activities and RFU admin functions.

Away from the playing side, the players and club recognise the efforts of Tom Jones, Darren Morgan, his brother Gareth and son Ben plus the volunteers and ground staff, who carry out the ground maintenance and prepare an excellent playing surface for each home match. The ground staff have done a remarkable job this winter, when considering the excessive rain we endured, only one home game was lost due to a waterlogged pitch.

The team management wish all players, support staff and supporters a great summer and look forward to everyone returning at the start of next season rested and restored ready to start a new league campaign with the intention of going one better and gaining outright promotion next season.