News & match reports

3-4 October Senior match reports
7th October 2009

Saturday 3 October - Seniors

1st XV, 2nd XV - no game

3rd XV
Uckfield v Lewes
36 - 34
Report by Steve Jackson and Ben Singleton

The 3rds visited Uckfield to play their 3rd team on a hard and very dusty pitch but this did not detract from on what was a very entertaining game. Lewes started very much the stronger team with the forwards creating opportunities for the backs with winger Tom Greet scoring twice – one in the corner after some fine passing through the centres, and again after some great passing Greet managed to run under the posts. The forwards then gained real control and Sean Sayers scored with great strength, again under the posts, with the try converted by full back Paul Newman.

This was a friendly game and all players were given opportunities to come on and off in 20 minute spells. Uckfield were getting more and more into the game themselves at this stage: however this spurt was weathered by Lewes and stalwart winger Simon Sampson showed again all his experience to score, this is going to be some competition this year for top try scorer between Sampson and Greet. Sean Sayers again scored at 8 with another typical bulldozer try – a fine talent indeed.

Changes were made from both teams at half time, however these did not disrupt this fine match. Uckfield started brightly in the second half scoring a good try, which they converted. With quick ball from No 9 Huw James Tom Greet managed to get his hat trick of trys, with much delight on his face, and this was converted by fly half Gareth ‘Pondy’ Pond. At this point, Uckfield made changes and really put on the gas. Lewes were 29 points up now but prop Adam Woodman had to go off with a fractured wrist were was also problems with the Uckfield front row and the match had to go to uncontested scrums. This really helped Uckfield utilise their back line and fly half to great effect.

As the half wore on, however, Lewes began to tire and Uckfield began to attack with increased confidence, employing good tactical kicking that Lewes struggled to deal with. Finally the pressure told and Uckfield were able to score four more times to tie the scores and set up a dramatic, final conversion attempt to win the match. This was coolly taken and Uckfield celebrated and Lewes drowned their sorrows.

The score ended up 36-34 to Uckfield in a fine game enjoyed by all players and supporters alike.

Man of the match had to go to Tom Greet for his fine hat trick of tries.

Next week: Saturday 10 October the 3rds visit Hove Fusiliers for a Sussex 2 East League fixture.

Sunday 4 October

Lewes Women v Sutton & Epsom
SCORE: 14-10
Report by: Rebecca Willis

Lewes Ladies won their first league game of the season in a nail-biting encounter with recently promoted Sutton & Epsom. In a hard fought match, Lewes displayed cohesion and organisation to be proud of. With a 22-strong squad against Sutton's 15, it would seem that the game might have been easily won. However, Sutton's strength was clear from the kick-off. Their quick reactions, tough scrums and excellent rucking earned them many a stolen ball.

Lewes's Heather Shaw was given just enough space as the forwards drew in defence and backs shipped the ball out quickly to score her first try of the season for Lewes. Her second came about ten minutes later when she did her trademark steal of an attacking Sutton's ball. Both tries scored by the posts allowed two easy conversions for Rab Willis and made the difference in points to win the game. Sutton nearly stole it back, however, as their two tries were from breaks through a tired Lewes defence on the blind in the last quarter. In the last 8 minutes, Lewes and their supporters were on tenterhooks as Sutton fought hard to get the remaining points they needed. The final whistle was met with cheers and relief as Lewes managed to hold them off.

Next week: watch the ladies at home - Sunday 11 October against Barnes - 2pm kick-off

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