The league season for many sports is still in its early stages, but many teams in the south-west London area have already got off to a strong start in the 2017/18.
Here are five teams that have sent out a statement so far:
Chelsea Ladies
The team’s debut season at Kingsmeadow is going swimmingly, with three wins from as many games in the new WSL 1 campaign. 2016 saw Emma Hayes’ side play second fiddle to Man City, but with 13 goals and nine different scorers already this time around, they look a formidable proposition.
However, the highlight of the season so far was knocking Bayern Munich out of the Champions League at the round of 32 stage, with Fran Kirby claiming the decisive away goal on Wednesday night.
Sutton United
The south Londoners stunned the footballing world last season after reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup, beating AFC Wimbledon and Leeds along the way before being eliminated by Arsenal.
There appears to have been no sign of a hangover from those exploits, despite losing influential duo Roarie Deacon and Max Biamou over the summer.
They are currently fourth in the Vanarama National League, with club legend Craig Dundas netting his 100th goal for the U’s in last month’s 2-1 win at Dagenham & Redbridge.
Harlequins Ladies
Quins are top of the pile in the new Tyrrells Premier 15s competition. Their attacking intent has been evident so far, with bonus-point wins claimed in each of their first four matches.
Jess Breach and Holly Jayne Myers have been particularly prolific and the former is one of five players from the club to be called up to an England national team training camp before next month’s three-match Old Mutual Wealth series against Canada. The league campaign returns in earnest on 21 October, when the team host Bristol at The Stoop.
Surbiton Men
Surbiton compete in the top division of men’s hockey in England and have begun the season in storming fashion, with a 100% record after three matches.
Back-to-back 6-2 thrashings of Canterbury and Sevenoaks showcased their attacking qualities, before the Thames Ditton outfit were forced to grind out a 2-1 win at home to Hampstead & Westminster.
Luke Taylor has been the standout player with six goals and is in the prime of his career, having received his first full England cap in August. The team face the short trip to Wimbledon on Sunday.
Surbiton Women
Surbiton are currently the dominant force in England, having secured the last three women’s titles.
The campaign began with a tough 2-2 draw at Canterbury, before making home advantage count with successive wins over Clifton Robinsons and Leicester. What is ominous for their opponents is that despite currently lying top of the league, the team have yet to hit top gear.
The squad boasts three members of Great Britain’s gold medal-winning team from Rio. Their next match is away at the University of Birmingham tomorrow.
“Secondly, we have a very strong colts section [for juniors]. The coaches in the colts feed the players into the senior sides.”
