News & match reports

24-25 October match reports and news
28th October 2009

Seniors match reports >>
Youth match reports >>
Minis match reports >>
Sportsman's evening and Lewes socials >>
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Seniors

Saturday 24 October

Men's 1st XV

Lewes 1st XV vs Deal & Betteshanger 1st XV
Score: 3 – 0
Report by Dereck Wade
Photography by Alan Page

(Pictured right: Wing-forward Tom Tudor on the charge)

This was a fiercely contested match between two evenly-balanced sides, thus a low scoring game was always on the cards – and so it turned out to be. With the kick-off delayed due to the visitors` transport problems, the opening session belonged to Lewes, who restricted their opponents to within their own half of the field for the first 25 minutes. Deal then began to exert some force through their well-organised pack, who were now dominating the rucks and mauls and winning turnover ball as a result, but disciplined defence by the home side prevented any points being conceded. The few penalties awarded to Lewes were made difficult to kick by the swirling wind, which also affected Deal`s kicker, and so the score reached an unusual 0 – 0 at the half time whistle.

The second half saw Lewes attack from the start, and it was obvious that they had sorted out their problems in the pack as they took control of the forward game, pushing Deal back to inside the 22 metre area. This enabled the Lewes backs to become more adventurous in attack, with the defence continuing to be effective whenever Deal threatened to break out. On 48 minutes came the only score of the game: a good drive by Lewes deep into Deal territory resulted in a penalty from 18 metres out, which outside - half Matt Adair slotted over to make it 3 – 0 to the hosts.

(Below: Lewes forwards win good ruck ball )

On 63 minutes, prop-forward Ollie Horscroft was substituted by James Read, and Lewes continued to improve, Adair’s long-range kicking from hand always putting the pressure back on to Deal. Although Lewes were in the ascendant for the next 10 minutes, Deal gradually fought back with only a few moments to go, and forced themselves to inside Lewes’s 22 metre zone. However, a combination of wrong calls by Deal and a fine try-saving tackle on the line deep into extra time prevented any further scores, and the whistle finally went to see Lewes run out close but deserved winners by 3 – 0. This result keeps the Sussex side in third place in the League table, but a gap has now opened between the top three and those below them.

While all Lewes players excelled themselves in this tough encounter, special mention must be made of wing-forward Rupert Arbuthnot, who was outstanding in all aspects of the game, and whose clever try-saving tackle at the end saved the 2 points for his team.

Lewes: Horscroft (Read), Mason, Lundin, Gorbell (Capt.), Brant, Arbuthnot, Tudor, Ridley, Terry, Adair, Mills, Tyrell, Sharp, Howkins, Bell (reps: Blunt, Cartlidge)

Next Saturday, Lewes entertain Tottonians in the second Round of the RFU Intermediate Cup, k.o. 2.00 pm. The Southampton-based visitors are currently top of London League 2 South West, so this will be another stiff challenge to high-flying Lewes.

Men's 2nd XV

Lewes 2nd XV v Holbrook
Score: 0 - 10

Men's 3rd XV

Lewes 3rd XV v Crowborough 3rd XV
Score: 12 - 47
Report by Steve Jackson

The Third XV entertained Crowborough 2nd XV in a Sussex 2 League game. The game started brightly with Lewes being competitive in the scrums and line outs. However, this only lasted 10 minutes when Lewes’ tighthead prop had to go off injured, so once again Lewes had to go uncontested in the scrums. This allowed Crows to really use their large group of players to out-muscle Lewes and the match took on a different look. Lewes took the opportunity to blood new players and give everyone a feel for Lewes rugby, hence the score being 41-0 at the end.

Lewes used this match more of a trial game so the score didn’t really dampen the spirit. “More and more players want to play. If they start to come training Tuesday and Thursday the future looks bright,” says Captain Steve Jackson.

Next Saturday sees Lewes visit Hove Fusiliers in a Sussex Vase Cup Match.

Sunday 25 October

Ladies

Lewes ladies v Guildford
Score: 24-0
Report by Rebecca Willis

A disappointing result that certainly didn't reflect the hard work and commitment by Lewes ladies.

Juniors

Sunday 25 October

Youth

Lewes U15 v Crowborough U15
Score: 9-25
Report by Declan Dickens

Following Lewes's much improved form against a strong Brighton three weeks ago and fresh from a strong win against Sussex B Hastings in a friendly last Sunday, hope sprung eternal for the home side in this League fixture. And for much of the first half Lewes’ optimism seemed justified. The first 10 minutes were quite even in territory but, as is fast becoming a pattern, a quick back line series of passes for Crowborough saw their winger score a try, not converted, making the score
5 - 0.

Crowborough quickened the pace and it was during a period of some stout defence from Lewes that Lewes’ captain and county player Joe Terry was injured and carried from the field to play no further part in the day’s proceedings. Lewes regrouped and did well with some outstanding pressure from the scrum and forwards who were for the most part besting the opposition. It was during a period of continued pressure from Lewes after a further 10 minutes after the restart following Terry's injury that prompted the first of three penalties to be awarded to Lewes during the match making the score 3 - 5. However, superior speed on the wing and better distribution from the Crows saw them extend their lead with another try 3-10 just five minutes later.

The second half saw Lewes backs do better and straighten up in running against their opposite numbers, forcing more penalties from the visitors and after 10 minutes were awarded the second penalty making the score 6 - 10. Lewes needed a try but could not break the Crowborough defence. In fact, it was from the breakdown of another Lewes attack that Crowborough scored their third try, making the score 6 - 15. Crowborough were awarded their own penalty which was taken and made the score 6 - 18. Lewes kept pushing the ruck forward and their reward was to receive their third and final penalty making the score 9 - 18 and taking Lewes front row kicker Jon Cook to 3 out of 3. With just five minutes to go Crowborough scored their fourth and final try and the game ended 9 (3 penalties) - 25 (4 tries, 1 conversion and 1 penalty). Lewes must create the gaps into which quick backs can run if they are to beat a strong A division side this season.

A fine display from Crowborough on the day. Lewes man of the match was George Curtis.

Lewes U13 v Worthing U13
Score: 0 – 45
Report by Ron Sillett

Worthing brought a well drilled team with two very prominent players – one in the forwards and one in the backs – both doing all the scoring and converting five of the seven tries. The Lewes boys had no answer to their strong running but put up a great fight especially the pack who were on equal par.

This was the team’s second league game of the season and second lose but the side was several players down for this half term fixture. The next League game is against Chichester away on the 15 November.

Minis

Lewes hosts Shoreham and Uckfield Minis

Lewes RFC Mini Section played host to teams from Shoreham and Uckfield clubs at ages from Under 7 to Under 12. Joint training sessions were followed by friendly games the results of which were as follows;

Under 7
Lewes 35 - 15 Shoreham
Lewes 25 - 20 Uckfield

Under 8
Lewes 20 - 15 Shoreham
Lewes 25 - 15 Uckfield

Under 9
Lewes 15 - 35 Shoreham
Lewes 0 - 15 Uckfield

Under 10
Lewes 0 - 0 Uckfield
Lewes 5 - 25 Shoreham
Detailed match report for Under 10s >>

Under 11
Lewes 0 - 0 Shoreham A
Lewes 5 - 0 Shoreham B
Lewes 15 - 5 Uckfield

Under 12
Lewes 0 - 5 Uckfield
Lewes 20 - 15 Uckfield

Social

Sporting gathering

On Friday 23 October, writes Dereck Wade, Lewes RFC held their fourth Sportsman Evening at Pelham House, Lewes, attended by over 180 guests from sports organisations throughout the District. Peter Dunk from Glynde Cricket Club brought along the National Village Knock-Out Cup which his team recently won in the Final at Lords. The main speaker was Willie John McBride MBE, who played 63 times for Ireland, and was Captain of the British Lions on their unbeaten Tour to South Africa in 1974. Willie’s speech was highly entertaining, which ensured that a good evening was had by all.

Pictured: Sportsman Evening Organiser, Tony Spencer (left); Lewes RFC President, Kenny Gordon (centre); guest speaker, Willie John McBride MBE (right).

Lewes super heroes on a mission

Ker-POW!!! Sha-zaam!!!! It’s the Lewes squad as you have never seen them. Our super heroes emerged from the secret bat cave known as Lewes RFC Clubhouse on a mission: to visit as many pubs as possible and imbibe alcohol in super human quantities. Wise words of advice from butler Dereck (Alfred) Wade: “If you get arrested tell them you are from Worthing RFC!”

The Joker gets a helping hand from a surprising source

The good citizens of Lewes didn’t know what was about to hit them!

Article by 3

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