After winning their first ever game on an artificial surface, Sutton & Epsom head coach Jeff Parsons hailed his plastic fantastic stars.

Sutton ran out 26-7 winners at Brighton to maintain their push for promotion out of London Division One South.

But a downpour on the morning of the game left the south coast’s pitch unplayable, leading to a moment of history for Sutton.

However, they rose to the plastic challenge and tries from Ian Knott, George London, Matt Whitaker and Jak Martin, plus Sam Hurley’s conversions, sealed the win.

Parsons said: “The boys coped well with difficult circumstances after a heavy downpour two hours before kick-off and we had to play on the artificial 4G pitch.

“The advantage was that the surface suited our running style of rugby, however it was a very narrow pitch.

Match report, plus all the pictures from the win in Sussex

“Although Brighton put in a good effort, we could have won by more had the pitch been wider.”

Whitaker, who has been out of action for 15 months with a head injury, bagged his fifth try in as many games, earning plaudits from his coach.

Parsons said: “Matt is a great captain and it’s a massive boost for the team to have him back.

“He does not do a lot of talking, but he leads by example on the pitch.”

This weekend, Sutton face Old Reigatian at Rugby Lane for a place in the semi-finals of the Surrey Trophy.

The Old Boys sit ninth in London Division Two South West, making Sutton favourites to progress.

However, with his mind concentrated on promotion, Parsons could rotate the squad for the cup tie.

He said: “I haven’t made any final decisions about the squad yet, but there is a good chance we will rest any players who are injury doubts.”