News & match reports

26-27 September match reports
29th September 2009

Saturday 26 September

1st XV
Old Reigatians v Lewes
Score 22-23
Report by Phil Clark

This fine away win epitomised the spirit of the team under coach Nigel Baker as Lewes just held off a second half fight-back by their opponents. In sunny conditions and under the shadow of Reigatians’ impressive new clubhouse development Lewes took control from the kick off .With the slope of the pitch in their favour the forwards dominated all elements of play with half backs Kirk Ward and Matt Adair directing play outside.

It was only a matter of time before captain Ben Hamer who led by example throughout, charged over the line for a try converted by Adair. The fly half then kicked two further penalties before Reigatians offered any threat. They showed their potential with a series of moves combining forwards and backs resulting in a converted try. But Lewes still had time to extend their lead when lock Chris Gorbell sent in Ben Hamer for his second try, well goaled by Adair from wide out, to give a 23-7 half time scoreline.

After the break the home side raised their game, putting more pressure on the Lewes scrum and line-out and giving them a much larger share of possession. Lewes maintained their discipline and defended well but could not prevent a penalty and a converted try which put Reigatians within one score of what had once seemed an unlikely win.

A strong run by fullback Sam Hutchinson set up a relieving position where Lewes were awarded a penalty; but the ball drifted wide and Reigatians immediately kicked deep into Lewes territory from where they worked another try. The result hinged on the final kick but this dropped just under the bar and the final whistle sounded to give Lewes a hard fought and well-earned victory.

Team: Hutchinson; Mills; Terry; (sub Halpin); Bell; Sharp; Adair; Ward; Williams; Mason; Lundin (sub Woodman); Hamer; Gorbell; Arbuthnot; Brant; Ridley; Ben Hamer

2nd XV
Burgess Hill v Lewes
Score: 27-5
Report from Dave Millar

The match was not as one sided as might be inferred from the score. Lewes was 5 nil down at half time but ran out of steam after 60 minutes. The Lewes try was from Phil Rowland. Man of the match was James Reid, who played at prop exceptionally well. Ashley Halkins and Dave Tirell made some excellent runs up the pitch.

3rd XV
Lewes v Heathfield
7 - 35
Report by Aidan Byrne and Ben Singleton

On a beautiful September Saturday afternoon Lewes 3rds played Heathfield at the Stanley Turner Ground, writes Aidan Byrne. (According to the referee’s report the final score was 28 – 7: however, as Heathfield scored four converted tries in the first half and one in the second against Lewes's sole try in the first…)

Heathfield started the stronger of the two sides scoring two early soft tries. Unfortunately the referee did not respond to requests from the Lewes side to alter his decisions. However those setbacks galvanised Lewes who decided to start playing rugby and the side was transformed. They started communicating, passing the ball to spaces and encouraging one another.

The sole Lewes try came from a great passage of play where the forwards did some great rucking and recycling of the ball and then the ball was passed along the back line for the winger to score on the other side of the pitch. It was a nice passage of play and the best rugby they have played all season with the ball passing through many different pairs of hands.

While the whole team were great, a special mention must be made of Reilly in the centre – his imitation of a Tasmanian Devil was a joy to behold. In one sequence of play he tackled five players, one of them being a Lewes player. Also Ben, who never jumped in the lineout before, won all the balls thrown to him.

Ben Singleton adds: Heathfield 3rds ran out deserved victors against a fighting Lewes 3rd XV in tropical conditions on Saturday. The first half was even everywhere but the score board with action taking place end to end as both sides sought to force an opening. It was Heathfield, however, who demonstrated superior finishing ability, scoring three tries before Lewes got on the scoreboard: winger Tom Greet scoring off a flowing backline move following an interception, his third in four games. Heathfield then immediately hit back to hold a commanding lead at half time. Lewes looked to be in trouble following the turnaround as Heathfield once more breached their defence. However any fears of a Lewes collapse were unwarranted as the home side defence stiffened once more with the remainder of the match being very even as both sides pressed hard but unsuccessfully for further scores.

Lewes can take heart from the improved performance after a disappointing first couple of matches and will look to build on this next week away to Shoreham 2s.

“The thirds need more players. It is a great place to play rugby for those who want to restart or those new to the game. Some players will restart and quickly go up through the ranks (Reilly, I fear, will not be long with the thirds) however the ‘craic’ is great so if you know anyone who could play please encourage them to come down,” says Aidan Byrne.

Sunday 27 September

Under 16’s
Lewes V Hastings & Bexhill
Score: 40-0
Report by Phoebe Rivet

Lewes U16s were playing host to Hastings & Bexhill for their first league match of the season. In glorious sunshine Dan Kelly opened the score at the fourth minute following strong and positive forwards’ work. A few minutes later it was the backs’ turn to show flair and speed allowing George Turner to cross the line. Jack Clarke added the two conversion points. Hastings rallied and spent the next 15 minutes in the Lewes 22 but the defence held and as soon as Lewes were back in Hastings’ half they regained their composure and scored two consecutive tries by Michael Nolan and William Manifold, both converted by Jack Clarke. Score at half time was 26-0.

Six minutes into the second half newcomer Alex Berk went on the pitch replacing Jordan Whiting and scored a try with his first ball. A few minutes later Harry Pulley crossed the line to put the game beyond Hastings’ reach. A final flurry saw George Turner crossing the line again, bringing the score to 43-0. As the margin allowed for league matches is 40-0 the coaches and the referee agreed to spend the remaining 15 minutes as a training match allowing all the subs to have a go. Man of the match was Harry Pulley.

Under 13’s
Lewes V Burgess Hill
Score: 62-0
Report by Ron Sillett

This is our second friendly match of the season preparing ourselves for our league game against Horsham next week. We had a fine display from all squad members. The first half gave us five converted tries all scored by different players showing a good depth of skills – Robert Fogerty, Micheal Wood, Noah Tilling, Fergus Wood and Logan Collins with – tries being converted by Albert Harvey.

In the second half we fielded a slightly weaker team trying to give all our squad a game but again we scored five tries showing we have a depth of strength. Tries were scored by Robert Fogerty, Tom Derrick(2), Harvey Collier and Henry Porpora with one try converted by William Hutt. So a pat on the back for all participants but next week will be a different kettle of fish.

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