News & match reports

12-13 September match reports
16th September 2009

Saturday 12 September

1st XV Lewes v Tonbridge Juddian
Score 12 - 59
Report by Terry Powell

Lewes RFC`s 1st XV has a disappointing outing at home against Juddians although the first half gave no indication of the final score. Until a minute before half time when Juddian won a try both teams were neck and neck at 12 -12. However the second half told a different story as Juddian stepped up a few gears and roared off with the game.

Nevertheless, Lewes’ Aussie import Matt Adair made some impressive kicks one of which was from the half way line. Chairman Terry Powell said: “ I have never seen that before at Lewes.” He added: “Look out for Tonbridge Juddian – I reckon they will one of the top teams in the League this year.”

Next week the the 1st XV will be away to Eastbourne. Kick off 3pm.

Hove Colts v Lewes Colts
Score 12-33
Report by Aidan Byrne

However there was a happier result as Lewes Colts started the season the way the old one finished off with a very convincing victory at the Hove Rec. In a bruising encounter against a big and well drilled Hove side Lewes came off worthy and proud victors in their first Colts game. Colts rugby is made of up U17 and U18 age groups. Hove was made up of predominately U18s where as the Lewes side is predominately U17’s so to have won so well was something to make them extra proud.

Lewes started well and very poor Hove defending at a 5 metre lineout allowed Josh Hillman to finish off a well executed move with a try in the corner. Hove responded well from this setback with some telling attacks which were well defended by Lewes. Being the first game of the season the handling and communication was, on occasion, “in need of improvement” and both sides missed possible scoring opportunities. George Dean dispensed with finesse and subtly when he scores a fine try to the left of the posts. Taking a pass five yards out he was tackled by three of the Hove forwards and still managed to get over the line – not pretty, but effective. Lewis Harte converted.

Hove attacked from the kick-off and after five minutes of defensive play Theo Tyrer scored an opportunistic try when Hove were attacking in the Lewes 22. The physicality of playing a team mostly a year older took it's toll on the Lewes team that conceded soft try's either side of half time. This encouraged Hove to play with more determination and energy. With the result in the balance the Lewes team regrouped, the pack took hold of the game and became more competitive at the breakdown and at the tackle and the backs started running with more communication and fluidity. Another try from Theo sealed the game for Lewes and Ned Barker came on to finish off a good move that had started in the Lewes half.

As is usual with this squad there were excellent displays from the whole team, however “older” players Sam Rawson and Tom ‘Ballerina’ Howell from last year’s Colts both had outstanding games.

Scorers for Lewes Theo Tyrer (2 Trys), Josh Hillman (1 Try), George Dean (1 Try), Ned Barker (1 Try), Lewis Harte (4 Conversions)

Lewes Squad: George Dean, Tom Hocking, Sam Rawson, Tom Howell, Lockie Diplock, Stuart Diplock, Tom Pellett, Arron White, Charlie Savage, Josh Hillman, Lewis Harte, Lewis Harte, Theo Tyrer, Tom Bowen, , Dom Burns, Ryan Byrne, , Raff Gunn, Austin Weight.

Sunday 13 September

Tonbridge Juddian v Lewes
Score: 55-15
Report by Rebecca 'Rab' Willis

Lewes women played their first game of the season, a friendly away at Tonbridge Juddians, on Sunday. The game was a tough awakening to the start of the season with a loss of 55 to 15. Lewes played some excellent rugby in parts but Tonbridge were skilled, well-drilled and managed to find enough weak spots to break through, finally adding numerous conversions to the score. A devastating ankle injury for Alice Cook halted the game early. Many lessons were learned and it highlighted the work required in preparation for the team's first league game!

Try scorers: Alice Cook, Sarah Clarke, Catherine Phalange.

Lewes ladies are playing a friendly at home to Worthing on Sunday 20 September. Supporters welcome!

Image inset is of Brighton 2nd XV vs Lewes 2nd XV on 12 Sept 2009.

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