Lewes take league points West from Eastbourne

The Lewes 1st XV squad travelled away to Eastbourne for what was a crucial match in terms of league points for both sides. The victors would not only have a good Christmas break but more importantly would help them secure their position in the league. It turned out to be an exceptionally close and hard fought game and with Lewes relieved to win by 3 v 8 at the final whistle.

The game was characterised by a strong wind which blew from one end of the pitch to the other for the whole match. Lewes started with the wind and quickly the Lewes 10, Kiwi Lee, took advantage of it by expertly kicking the home side deep in to their half. Lewes continued this tactic thereby creating pressure on Eastbourne for most of the first half.

Territory and possession was probably about 80% in favour of the visitors during the first half and it looked like only a matter of time before they would score a number of tries. There was ruck, lineout and scrum within the home sides 22m area time and time again but to their credit Eastbourne  defended very well.

The deadlock was broken about 25mins in when at one of the close-in rucks No8 Rupert Arbuthnot picked the ball up, twisted and forced his way over the line from about 1m out. Unfortunately the extras were not converted and at the half-time whistle Lewes lead by only 0 v 5.

At half time the Lewes squad were concerned that they had not made more of the prevailing conditions. Their slender lead looked highly vulnerable given that the home side would now have the benefit of the strong wind.

The second half began and quickly Eastbourne took advantage of the wind to pin Lewes back in to their own half. It was time for Lewes to defend and to their extreme credit they did defend with determination and power for the whole of the second half. Lewes did manage to break out of their half on 2 or 3 occasions leading to a penalty being awarded in front of the posts. It was duly converted by inside centre Nick Sharp. 

Despite every endeavour the home side were only able to score one penalty in the second half but came very close to scoring tries on at least 2 occasions.

This was a game where Lewes demonstrated a steely nerve and determined defence which in the end was just a little too much for the home side. Lewes ran out worthy winners.

In their next game after the break, Lewes face Heathfield away in the Sussex Trophy on 3rd January 2009.

Squad: Matt Bellenie, Ollie Horscroft, Eugene Gerrard, Robbie Rugman, Ben Hamer, Mark Edmonson, Charlie Walker, Rupert Arbuthnot, Viv Ferreira, Lee Stewart, Ben Hanny, Nick Sharp, Dan Wade, Andy Freshwater, Charlie Terry, Henry Sandys, Chris Eden, Steve Mills.