Lewes almost tame Old Elthamians

The record books will say that Lewes 1s lost 15 v 20 to league leaders Old Elthamians but the rugby fayre served up by Lewes was cordon bleu. It was a heady mix of forward power and skill spread with quick back moves and committed tackling. Lewes were never out of this match and for the last 15 minutes a real form upset was clearly on the cards.

Old Elthamians started with the wind at their backs. It took at least 25 minutes before OEs scored their first try to go 0 v 5 up. The Lewes lineout and scrum were functioning almost perfectly delivering clean ball and plenty for the No8 to work with. Despite this committed display the visitors were able to score their second try almost on the stoke of half time to go in 0 v 12 up at the break.

OEs must have been thinking that all was going to plan as the first time the two sides met earlier in the season the halftime score was very similar and they ran out winners by 45 v 3. The lighter quicker Lewes side had other ideas.

The second half started with both sides ripping in to each other but gradually as the half went on Lewes looked more committed and after about 15 minutes scored 2 tries, almost one after the other, to bring the scores level at 12 v 12. Ross Callaghan and Sam Jones finishing well. The Lewes conversion was added by centre Nick Sharp.

The final 15 – 20 minutes of the game had the home supporters chewing their nails as a major league upset looked likely. OEs dug deep and put the home side under pressure whereby they started a spell of giving penalties away. Unfortunately one of them was converted to put OEs up 12 v 15. They then went on to score their third try to go 12 v 20 up.

Lewes were now 2 scores adrift and began a sepectacular onslaught of never say die rugby. Their efforts were awarded by another Nick Sharp  penalty to bring the score to 15 v 20 with 5 mins to go. More committed rugby from Lewes battered at the OE try line, typified by Eugene going large down the left hand touchline bouncing OE defenders off like skittles, but to their credit OEs held firm.

This was a great match with terrific performances from everyone in the Lewes squad but special mention to the front row of Eugene Gerrard, Mark Edmonson and Henry Harris-Hall for being dominant throughout. For fullback Will Bell for some quality defensive work and startling attacking form. For scrumhalf Sam Jones who pressured and threatened all match . For Ben Hamer who took the game to the visitors at every opportunity and linked well with the No9. And finally to Ross Callaghan for the quality break through a denseley defended area that led to the first Lewes try.

Squad:- Eugene Gerrard, Mark Edmonson, Henry Harris-Hall, Chris Gorbell, Robbie Rugman, Ben Hamer, David Edmed, Rupert Arbuthnot, Sam Jones, Jon Pitts, Ross Callaghan, Nick Sharp, Steve Mills, Ashley Howkins, Will Bell, Tony Royall, Dan Wade, Jack Naylor.