After their poor performance at bottom of the table Bedford Athletic in their penultimate league game, last weekend Sutton bounced back and hit top form in front of their home supporters to provide a feast of modern running rugby in front of the SCRFC former players, who had enjoyed their annual old players lunch in the club house prior to the game.

Due to the unexpected loss at Bedford the previous week, everything came down to the final weekend of the league programme and to be certain of making the promotion play off Sutton needed four points from the final game. To achieve this they faced a testing game against old rivals Bournville, who themselves needed a win or at least a point from the game to be certain of avoiding relegation in a tight contest at the bottom of the league with four teams vying for the third relegation place in the last game of the season, with 2 teams already doomed.

However, on a perfect day for open rugby it was Sutton who rose to the occasion and they prepared for the promotion play off game with a convincing 33-12 win but although Bournville lost they were spared the drop as Newport also lost taking the third relegation place, which had been held by Sandbach, who saved themselves with a final day victory and so there were smiles all round from friend and foe alike in the Sutton clubhouse after the game.

Key to Sutton's success in this game were 3 tries for ace finisher Nathan Burchell on the right wing plus a smart try and drop goal from flyhalf Josh Groom and 2 superb long range penalties by centre Alex White, who also contributed 2 conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking over in Sutton's favour.

The team for this key final day challenge also saw the return of Steve McCormack and Tony Worthington reprising their second row partnership, which had been such a key part of Sutton's success over recent seasons but with increased family and work commitments this season the Sutton fans have not seen a lot of the dynamic duo, so this was a rare chance to see them in action again and with Mike Worthington providing his driving tenacity at open side flanker in stead of hooker but taking on the throwing duties at the lineout, the old firm worked their lineout magic once again. Jamie Scott continued at hooker and showed his quality in the scrums and ferocity in open play leading the Sutton charge time and time again alongside ace line breaker Fraser Tait, who continued to mesmerise the opposition with his breaks from the base of the scrum. Adam Bennett, who is comfortable in any of the back five roles in the pack came off the bench to make another fine contribution to the Sutton cause, along with front row replacement Jeff Large who started the play that led to Sutton's third try. A last minute fitness problem ruled out utility back Josh Rolls, who covered fullback, flyhalf and scrum half and brought Rob Watts onto the bench as back replacement. The powerful winger came on in the second half and made a number of telling runs but his most significant contribution came late in the game when in the closing minutes the replacement wing brought off a superb try saving tackle from behind to bring down his opposite number, who appeared to have a clear run to the try line but was stopped in his tracks with a superb cover tackle.

Bournville kicked off in what was seen as a key game for both sides and after the early even exchanges Sutton were awarded a penalty in mid field 40 metres out, which Alex White kicked perfectly to ease Sutton ahead 3-0 after 4 minutes but the visitors struck back immediately with a try for left wing Dan Barratt, following a kick ahead and a favourable bounce, which sent the winger racing clear to give Bournville a 5-3 lead after 6 minutes.

Sutton fought back with the first of the Burchell trio of tries on 15 minutes, when the winger raced into the right corner after a break by centre Alex White allowing Sutton to retake the lead at 8-5 before flyhalf Josh Groom swept through a gap in mid field to score by the posts to give Alex White a straight forward conversion and Sutton a 15-5 lead with 25 minutes played. Alex White then added a second 40 metre penalty before Josh Groom scored a snappy drop goal to give Sutton a 21-5 lead at the break.

Following the restart, the third quarter of the game saw plenty of action as Bournville stepped up their survival efforts but Sutton held firm and there was no score until midway through the final period when replacement prop Jeff Large set up a counter attack in mid field. The ball was taken on at pace into the Bournville 22 by centre Andy Tovey and then handed to Nathan Burchell who provided the perfect finish to score under the posts. Alex White added the conversion to stretch Sutton's lead to 28-5 but again Bournville bounced back with a try for flanker Tom Pashley, which was quickly converted by flyhalf Alex Warner showing the visitors sense of urgency at 28-12 with 10 minutes to play but Sutton had the final say with a third try for their mercurial winger Nathan Burchell, who raced into the right corner to close the game at 33-12 in Sutton's favour, securing Sutton's place in the promotion play off regardless of all other results.

Sutton's play off game for promotion to National League 2 is scheduled for Sat 26th April 2014 but the actual date will depend on the results from outstanding games still to be played in the National 3 North parallel league, with the runner up playing Sutton.

At close of play last Saturday, Stockport sat on top of the table with Huddersfield RFC in second place but Huddersfield have 2 games in hand and only trail Stockport by 3 points, so a win against Percy Park RFC this Easter weekend will put Huddersfield top and Stockport will face Sutton in the promotion play off with home advantage going to the Northern club due to their superior playing record over the season.