Paul Hodgson’s dream of helping guide Sutton & Epsom to the National Leagues is a step closer after Saturday’s 63-0 demolition of Dover.

The scrum half began his rugby career with Sutton & Epsom as a six-year-old before leaving in 2002 for a pro career that took in 181 appearances for Bristol Rugby, London Irish and Worcester – as a well as six England caps.

Epsom-born Hodgson returned to Rugby Lane in the summer for one season only with the intention of driving the club out of London Division One South.

And he was among the tries in Dover as Sutton recorded both the biggest winning margin for an away team this season, and the club’s biggest away win in its history.

Sutton & Epsom: Hodgson is keeping it in the family

Further tries from Dave Cook, Aaron Phillips (four), Kyren Ghumra (three), Matt Whitaker and Andy Matthews completed the 11-try rout, while Sam Hurley kicked the extras.

The massive win keeps Sutton 10 points clear with four games to go, starting with the visit of Charlton Park on Aprli 2.

Hodgson said: “I always said I would have one season to try to help Sutton into the National Leagues and so far we are on the right pathway.

“I have loves being back, and I have had a lot of family coming to watch games.”

He added: “Everything I remember about Sutton from when I here before is still the same.

“There is huge support both home and away from the whole club, from the mascots and juniors, and we’re having more than 100 people for pre-game lunches. It’s fantastic.”