Epsom emerged from the Christmas break with a trip to Surbiton Hockey Club for the Group stages of the Surrey Cup, taking on Reigate, Surbiton 2s and Richmond 2s.
The short nature of the fixtures (25 minutes) led to a lot of draws and a confusing picture as the Group unfolded. Reigate and Surbiton drew 0-0, before Epsom and Richmond also drew 0-0. Surbiton then beat Richmond 2-1 but the draw spree then returned; Reigate and Epsom drew 1-1 and Reigate then also drew with Richmond. So going into the final game (Epsom vs Surbiton) the Group stood; Surbiton 4pts, Reigate 3pts, Epsom 2pts, Richmond 2pts.
Despite fading light and some cold conditions the final game was actually a good watch for the hardy spectators who had remained. Epsom took the lead with a neat free-hit move playing in Josh Glasford to score. Surbiton then equalised with a brilliant reverse stick drive for 1-1 at halftime. The second half was fairly even but Epsom struck on the counterattack with Adam Barker breaking clear and playing in James Midmer whose first shot was half-saved but broke fortuitously back to him to score. Epsom managed the rest of the game efficiently to win 2-1 and finish top of the Group on 5 points. The reward is a semi-final spot against the second-place finishers in the other Group.