AWARDS SEASON 2005/2006

Lewes RFC presented their 2005/2006 Annual Awards at a dinner held at the Club on Friday, at which the guest speaker was David Trick, former Bath and England International player. The recipients of the various trophies were as follows:

MEN: 

Player of the Year……………………………….Dave Tyrrell

Most Improved Player of the Year…………….Ollie Wooldridge

Crane Top Points Scorer………………………Neil Rumble (2nd. highest scorer in London League 2 South)

Crane Top Try Scorer…………………………..Ollie Wooldridge

Team Player, 1st.XV……………………………..Sean Taylor

Team Player, 2nd. XV……………………………Paddy Delaney

Team Player, 3rd. XV……………………………Rob Williams

Team Player, 4th. XV…………….……………..Neil Vaughan

Clubman of the Year……………………………Phil Beal

J Arthur Rank Award……………………………Mike Rust (for missing his flight to Jersey)

J Arthur Rank Team Award……………………Lewes 3rd XV (for mass sickness 5 minutes after         k.o. against Jersey)

WOMEN:

Player of the Year………………………………Vanessa Vanneman

Most Improved Player………………………….Hannah Evans

Team Player…………………………………….Sarah Clarke

On Sunday, Lewes Colts entered 2 sides in the Worthing 7’s Tournament , eventually reaching the Plate Final where they lost 19 – 21 against Hove – a team they defeated 24 – 10 in the preliminary rounds – and after leading with only a minute to go to the whistle. However, Lewes had the consolation of scoring the highest points in the Tournament in a 48 – 0 defeat of Westcliffe.

At the end of a somewhat mixed season, over 100 soggy LRFC Mini's met at the Stanley Turner Ground on Sunday morning for their Annual Awards:

Under 7's

Player of the Year      ;   Matthew WOOD

Team Player              :   George TAGG

Most Improved Player : Toby STREETER

Under 8's

Player of the Year      :   James DURRANT

Team Player              :   Patrick ROURKE

Most Improved Player : Gareth MULLER

Under 9's

Player of the Year      :   Michael WOOD

Team Player              :   Thomas DERRICK

Most Improved Player : Alex BOYD

Under 10's

Player of the Year      :   Bryce WILLIAM - WATSON

Team Player              :   Daniel IKONEN

Most Improved Player : Kieron MORRIS

Under 11's

Player of the Year      :  Thomas DATE

Team Player              :  Jonathan COOK

Most Improved Player : Piers O'CONNOR

Under 12's

Player of the Year     :   Harry PULLEY

Team Player             :   Bradley HAMMOND

Most Improved Player : Louis RIVET

On Sunday afternoon, Lewes RFC hosted the Sussex Colts Cup Final in front of a large and vociferous crowd. In an entertaining game of rugby, Haywards Heath eventually ran out winners by 20 – 5 against a spirited Eastbourne side. Trophies were presented after the match by Sussex County President, Alan Butcher.

WEEKEND 22nd/ 23rd APRIL

GOSPORT/FAREHAM   19     LEWES  20

In their last League match of the season, Lewes managed a narrow away win which lifted them one place in the table. In a game which typified two teams towards the lower end of the division with nothing significant to play for, it was Lewes’s superior back play which won them the day, despite efforts by Gosport’s heavier pack of forwards to avoid a result which would condemn them to relegation.

Neither side could assert any dominance in the first quarter of the game, with both defences resisting advances to within scoring range. The deadlock was finally broken after 25 minutes when Gosport’s flanker, Woods, plunged over for the opening try, converted by teenager Duggan (who’s father was playing his last game for his Club) to take the lead at 7 – 0.

Ten minutes later, Lewes’s fly half, Chris Eden, made a forceful burst through the home side’s back line before feeding the ball out to full-back Neil Rumble, coming into the attack, to score a fine, but unconverted, try, to narrow the gap to 7 – 5, this being the score at the half-time break.

Twelve minutes into the second half, Lewes moved the ball to the right, then switched left to flanker Mike Rust who flicked it inside for scrum-half Matt Sole to go over in the left corner for a well-worked  try; again, the conversion was missed but Lewes now held the advantage at 7 – 10. A Rumble penalty four minutes later stretched this lead to 7 – 13, but then Gosport hit back with  try scored by Brett Gambling following a rolling maul to narrow the difference to 12 – 13.

On the hour came the best try of the match: Rust winning the ball on the half-way line before embarking on a mesmerising run for fully 50 metres before touching down between the posts for a great individual effort, converted by Rumble, to make it 12 – 20 to the Sussex outfit.

Gosport were now fighting for their survival, and pushed the game deep into Lewes’s defence with a series of rucks and rolling mauls. However, they then spurned the chance to take a simple penalty kick in front of the posts, opting instead for a set scrum following which they proceeded to lose possession.

But their perseverance paid off a few minutes later when, after a rolling maul which took them close to the Lewes line, their flanker John Wood got the final touch-down for the try, converted from wide out, to get within one point of the visitors at 19 – 20. Gosport continued to press for the winning points but just before the final whistle, a penalty kick from 30 metres out was sliced wide, and a subsequent 40 metre break-out from Sole to take the game back into the Gosport 22 metre area was enough to see out the remaining time and gain Lewes the 2 points which, on balance, they just about deserved.

Lewes thus finished in a respectable place in this highly-competitive League where only 4 points separated them from the team which finished third in the table.

Lewes: Delaney, Gray, Lundin, Raikes (Nayler), Jordan, Giles, Brant (Capt.), Rust, M.Sole, Eden, S.Taylor, Griffiths, Saunders, Sharp, Rumble. (Reps. not used: Hemsley, P. Taylor).

Lewes 2nd’s hosted Hastings/Bexhill 1st.XV for an end-of-season friendly but, due to enforced changes in the front-row and a well-drilled opposition, were totally outclassed in losing 0 – 71.

The 3rd XV were at Hastings for their friendly, going down by 3 – 35 with a solitary try from veteran Phil Beal.

On Sunday, the newly-formed Development Squad XV played this year’s Colts (Under 18) in a match which assisted  the Coaching Panel in assessing  the potential for a fully-fledged team to play competitive senior rugby next season. In a closely-fought encounter, the Colts – with their superior organisation evident against a scratch side – were deserved winners by 10 – 0, both their second-half tries being scored by Ryan Kensett.

The final Mini’s fixture of the season saw Lewes away at Haywards Heath RFC . This was  a friendly, fun-filled day with a combination of non-competitive, mixed and 7's style games.

Under 7

Various mixed matches, no scores available.

Under 8

No competitive games played.

Under 9

Lewes A   5  Haywards Heath  20

Lewes A   5  Haywards Heath  5

Lewes B   5  Haywards Heath  5

Lewes A 20  Haywards Heath  5

Under 10

Lewes A   15  Haywards Heath 0

Lewes B   20  Haywards Heath 0

Under 11 & 12 (played 7's)

Lewes A   15  Haywards Heath  0

Lewes A    5  Haywards Heath  0

Lewes A   15  Haywards Heath  5

Lewes A    5  Haywards Heath  5

Lewes B   5   Haywards Heath  5

Lewes B   25  Haywards Heath  0

Lewes B   15  Haywards Heath  5

Lewes B   5  Haywards Heath   5

Lewes C  10  Haywards Heath  5

Lewes C   5  Haywards Heath  15

Lewes C   0  Haywards Heath  10

Lewes C   5  Haywards Heath  20

On Friday evening, Lewes Junior Section held their Annual Awards Event, with speeches from Club President, Graham Thompson, Chairman Steve Rhodes and out-going Junior Chairman, Jason Lefkaridi. The Awards were then presented by two of the Junior Sponsors – Richard Harding of Intersport, Lewes and Nick Rawson of Knill James – as follows:

                                 Most Improved Player             Team Player                         Player of the Year

Colts:                      James Shafi/Ed Tuckley            Dave Coles/Rohan Kemp     Chris Blunt   

Under 17:                Matthew Blakeston                     Joseph Katz                          Ryan Kensett

Under 16:                Sam Derick                                 Stewart Dean                        Robert Anthony

Under 15:                Aaron Dadswell                          Tom Muston                          Tom Tudor

Under 14:                Shaun Dean                                Tom Ware                             Lucas Shone           

Under 13:                Tom Pellet                                   Tom Hocking                        Ivan Tory

Girls U.17:               Kelly Watts                                  Della Cain                            Megan McIntosh

Girls U.14:              Georgie Smith                              Hanna Shepard                    Rachel Titheridge

Note: next Sunday, 30th.April, Lewes RFC are hosting the Sussex County Colts Cup Final between Haywards Heath and Eastbourne, k.o. 2.00pm.

WEEKEND 15th / 16th APRIL

The Easter break – unlike in the past – meant that that only one Lewes Senior side managed a game over the weekend, the 2nd’s visiting Chichester for a re-arranged League match. The home team bristled with players from their first-team squad, and thus not unsurprisingly Lewes went down by 6 - 45, their only points coming via 2 Nick Sharp penalties.

Next Saturday, 22nd. April, Lewes 1st.XV play their last League match of the season, away to Gosport and Fareham, k.o. 3.00pm.  Recent victories have ensured Lewes’ survival in London League Two South next season, during which they hope to integrate more of their younger players into competitive senior rugby.

With this in mind, next Sunday (23rd. April) sees a special match at the Stanley Turner Ground, between a Club Development XV and this season’s Colts (Under 18’s) XV, k.o.2.00pm. Come along to see Lewes’s stars of the future !

WEEKEND 8th / 9th APRIL

LEWES COMPLETE DOUBLE

LEWES  26    MAIDSTONE  24

In sunny but windy conditions, Lewes completed the double over Maidstone in a closely-fought game which was dominated by the hosts in the first half, but who then had to repulse the visitors’ constant attacks in the second period to hang on for a narrow but deserved victory.

Maidstone started the match briskly, their heavier forwards being their main strength but any attempts at an early break-through were, unlike last week, thwarted by a determined and organised Lewes defence. After only 5 minutes, Lewes suffered a blow when their influential fly-half, Dave Tyrrell, had to leave the field with a knee injury, meaning that winger Chris Eden had to move to the No. 10 slot, with replacement Nick Sharp coming on to restore the numbers.

The opening points came after 11 minutes, a long kick downfield by Lewes scrum-half Matt Sole seeing the ball fumbled by the Maidstone full-back on his line, giving Lewes the possession but a certain try was spoiled by a dropped ball at the last. However, during this period of play, Maidstone were penalised for offside in front of the posts, full-back Neil Rumble kicking over to make it 3 – 0 to the Sussex side.

On 23 minutes, Lewes went further ahead; following good work on their own 22 metre line, Rumble chipped ahead and chased his own ball, pressuring the Maidstone defence into a handling error which enabled New Zealand hooker Jamie Gray to get the final touch-down. Rumble’s conversion in difficult conditions narrowly missed the posts, but Lewes were now in the ascendancy with a lead of  8 – 0.

The next few minutes saw good Lewes pressure, with their backs returning to the flair and confidence which has put them in good stead this season, and with aggressive tackling and support play which gained them several turn-overs, and they were unlucky not to go further ahead as a result.

Maidstone relieved this pressure with a break-out from within their own 22 metre zone and rapidly moved the ball upfield, but Lewes regained possession and forced the Kent side back into their own half. On the half-hour, Lewes won a line-out inside Maidstone’s 22 metre zone, Sole collecting the ball before making a quick break and then feeding it out to flanker Mike Rust for a fine try near the posts to pull ahead at 13 – 0.

Three minutes later, Maidstone reduced the arrears to 13 – 7 when their centre Neil Graves burst through from a short-side move to touch down under the posts, his try being converted by scrum-half Craig Whitehead. But Lewes regained the advantage on 37 minutes, Rumble kicking a penalty for offside from 23 metres out to make it 16 – 7.

This became 21 – 7 two minutes later, after a Maidstone move inside Lewe’s half broke down, winger Sean Taylor eventually finding the ball in his hands before sprinting some 60 metres down the pitch to outpace the opposition defence and score a great try from wide out left to stretch the lead to 21 – 7. Just before the half-time whistle, Lewes scored a crucial try following a fine passage of inter-passing and support play from 50 metres out: Sharp making an incisive break before shifting the ball out to centre Mark Griffiths in support to see him crash through Maidstone’s line to turn round at 26 – 7 (Rumble’s conversion attempt bouncing back of the posts).

This lead proved critical as in the second half, with the advantage of the wind and their bigger forwards, Maidstone moved up a gear, and clawed their way to within touching distance of Lewes who were unable to add to their tally as a result.

It was Lewes, however, who re-stared with gusto, a great forward drive and a fine break by Eden taking them deep inside their opponents last quarter, but the move broke down with a knock-on at the final moment. On 50 minutes, Maidstone began their fight-back with a penalty from 24 metres out for a Lewes offside, Whitehead slotting over the kick to make it 26 – 10. Shortly afterwards, prop-forward Ryan Hawes came on for Jason Lundin, but then Lewes found themselves under pressure from a series of Maidstone scrums near their line with the visiting pack striving for a push-over try. This finally paid off after 70 minutes when their No. 8 Ben Court was awarded a try, even though he appeared to knock-on before finally touching the ball down. Whithead kicked the conversion to narrow the difference to 26 – 17.

Lewes then went on the counter-attack, and were driving hard back towards the Maidstone line when unfortunately they lost possession; the ball was kicked deep down the left for their speedy winger Mark Ryan to collect and run down the field to score under the posts, Whitehead kicking the conversion to bring his side to within 2 points of Lewes at 26 – 24. It was now a question of whether Lewes could hold on to their slender lead for the remaining few minutes, and their supporters breathed a massive sigh of relief when a last-ditch drop-goal attempt by Maidstone bounced back off the upright.

Maidstone continued to pressure, but the home side now regained their composure to see them through to the final whistle, and collect the 2 League points which their overall play merited.

Lewes: Lacy, Gray, Lundin (Hawks), Raikes, Jordan, Rust, Giles, Brant (Capt.), M.Sole, Tyrell (Sharp), Eden, Saunders, Griffiths, Taylor, Rumble (Rep. Wooldridge)

Next week, the 1st, XV are without a game, their last League fixture being away to Gosport and Fareham on 222nd. April.

Lewes 2nd.XV were at home against Derbyshire touring side, Barton-under-Needlewood, running out comfortable winners by 36 – 12. The home tries were scored by Sam Hearn, Rene Soltermann, Mark Tait, Tony Royall, Charlie Hawes and Matt Bellini, with 3 conversions from Nick Sharp.

The 3rd.XV were also at home, against a strong Plumpton 1st. XV and not unsurprisingly went down by 19 – 59 (although this was a significant improvement upon the 106 – 0 defeat earlier in the season against the same opponents!). Tom Canneaux scored 2 of the Lewes tries, Tom Darcy the other, with Paul Milner and Charlie Hawes kicking one conversion apiece.

On Sunday, Lewes Girls Under 17’s and Under 14’s played in the Havant Sevens Tournament, the former winning the Plate Final in beating Worthing 10 – 5 with tries from Della Cain and Abbey Moore, the latter coming 3rd. in their group after winning their first competitive match, also against Worthing, by 10 – 5.

Lewes Mini's attended the Hastings & Bexhill Mini Rugby Tournament on Sunday 9th April 2006. The scores were as follows:

Under 7

Lewes  35  East Grinstead 10

Lewes  30  Heathfield B      10

Lewes  35  Cranbrook         15

Semi Final

Lewes  15  Heathfield A  35

Under 8

Lewes  0    Heathfield        30

Lewes  30  Hastings            5

Lewes  25  Uckfield           10

Lewes   0   Crowborough  25

Under 9

Lewes  10   Hastings           5

Lewes  35   East Grinstead  0

Lewes  40   Heathfield          0

Lewes    0   Cranbrook       15

Under 10

Lewes   30  Heathfield A        5

Lewes   15  Heathfield B        5

Lewes   30  East Grinstead  30

Lewes   15  Hastings             5

Under 11

Lewes     5    Heathfield     7

Lewes    14   Uckfield        7

Lewes    14   Cranbrook  21

WEEKEND 1st / 2nd APRIL

With the 1st. having a rest day on Saturday, Lewes 2nd’s put out a strong side at the Stanley Turner Ground against Pulborough 1st’s in a friendly match. The home team proved much too strong for the visitors from West Sussex, running out winners by 48 – 14, with a storming contribution from forward Ollie Wooldridge, who picked up 4 tries. The other tries were scored by Mark Tait, Jason Lundin, Ben Hanny and Steve Petch, with Nick Sharp slotting over 4 conversions. 

The 3rd XV were at Newick for a League match against the host’s 2nd’s, losing 11 – 31. Lewes’s solitary try was scored by Mark Gardner, with veteran Mark Wignall kicking 2 penalties; Man-of-the-Match for the visitors was Clive Reeve. 

The 1st.XV play their last home game in the League this Saturday against Maidstone, k.o.3.00pm, and the Club would like to see a large crowd at this match to cheer the team on in the penultimate clash of their topsy-turvy season. 

On Sunday, Lewes Under 14’s were outclassed 0 – 50 in their away match at Crawley in the semi-final of the League competition.

The Mini’s Section hosted Crawley, with the following results: 

Under 7

Lewes A  35   Crawley A 20

Lewes B  20   Crawley B 35

Under 8

Lewes  25   Crawley 20

Under 9

Mixed 'barbarian' matches, no inter club scores

Under 10

Lewes  25   Crawley 10

Under 11

Lewes  A  45   Crawley 10

Lewes  B  20   Crawley 05

Under 12

Lewes  50   Crawley 12

WEEKEND 25th / 26th MARCH

LEWES SLUMP CONTINUES

BECKENHAM 40  LEWES 12

The first 5 minutes set the tone for this game: by then, Lewes were 14 – 0 down due to poor defence and bad handling, and they never regained sufficient control to put the home side under pressure.

Beckenham’s superiority came via a pack which had the edge in all aspects of ball winning, and their tight play at the scrum had the visitors in all sorts of trouble throughout. An untidy receipt of the kick-off gave the home side a scrum on the 10 metre line and a well-executed blind-side move put their flanker over for the opening try, converted by their fly-half. A couple pf minutes later a midfield fumble by Lewes on half-way provided an easy interception for Beckenham’s No. 13, with the conversion slotted over by their fly-half.

Lewes attempted to steady matters and began to achieve some continuity in their play as a result. Scrum-half Matt Sole raised hopes with a brilliant 50 metre break on the quarter hour to score from half way out. Full back Neil Rumble added the 2 points, but this proved to be his last contribution to the match as he limped off minutes later with a damaged ankle.

The home side were now getting the better of the referee’s decisions and kept up the pressure. Their dominance in the tight was rewarded with a pushover try on the half-hour, and another from a rolling maul just before the break, both converted by their No. 10.

With the benefit of a following wind ,Lewes managed to pin the Kent side in their own half for the first 20 minutes of the second half. However, a lack of penetration and poor handling negated their ability to claw back some points. It was not until the 63rd minute that centre Mark Griffiths burst through a half-hearted tackle to score wide out.

Any hopes of a late recovery were dashed, however, when Beckenham stormed back and again took advantage of poor scrummaging by the Lewes pack to score with a chip ball to the corner. The final insult on a bad day at the office for the Sussex side came via a huge knock-on which the referee failed to spot but which enabled Beckenham to seal the League points with a convincing win.

Lewes seem to have lost the confidence and flair which earlier in the season saw them climb steadily up the League table. Recent results have seen them slide back down again, but their overall points haul, with 2 matches left, and their considerable advantage of points difference, should see them avoid relegation.

Lewes: Lacy, Gray, Hawkes (Lundin), Raikes, Jordan (Turner), Patto (Nayler), Giles, Brant (Capt.), M.Sole, Eden, Sharpe, Griffiths, Saunders, Taylor, Rumble.

The 1st.XV are without a game next week, returning to League duties against Maidstone on Saturday, April 8th. for the last home match of the season at the Stanley Turner Ground.

All the other Lewes Senior sides were at home.

The 2nd XV hosted Eastbourne for a League fixture, winning comfortably by 26 – 3 with tries from veterans Simon Sampson and Paddy Delaney, and 1 each from Ollie Wooldridge and Matt Latham, the latter also kicking 3 conversions. Man-of-the-Match was former Colt and scrum-half, Neil Vaughan, making his debut for the 2nd’s.

The 3rd XV were also against Eastbourne in their League match, losing narrowly by 3 – 6 with a solitary penalty from Duncan Barnes.

The 4th XV were initially short of a full side due to the late promotion of several players to the higher sides. However, in the true spirit of rugby, their opponents, Crowborough II’s, lent the home side

some of their players to enable this friendly match to go ahead. It was the visitors, however, who had the last laugh, winning 17 – 30 with 2 of their men scoring tries for Lewes ! The other home try was scored by former Colt, Tom Canneaux, with skipper Phil Beal kicking a conversion.

On Sunday, the Under 16’s hosted East Grinstead in the semi-final of the League and were unlucky to lose 12 – 14 in a close-fought game which they dominated the last 10 minutes. Sam Chesney went over twice for Lewes, with Jordan Wythe slotting over 1 conversion.

The Under 15’s spent the weekend visiting Bath for their annual tour. They came away with impressive wins against local sides, beating Old Redcliffians 40 – 0 and Wells 47 – 5. Top points scorer for the weekend was Jon Pitts, who converted 11 of the 13 tries scored, and top try scorer was Rob Buchanan with 4, closely followed by Tom Tudor with 3. Good performances from the squad, and an enjoyable time was had with the usual rugby hospitality - despite late nights, and having been soaked watching the Bath v Leicester game on the Saturday !

Lewes Under 14’s travelled to Eastbourne for a friendly, returning with honours even after a high-scoring draw, 29 – 29. Kane Dodswell scored 2 tries for Lewes, with 1 apiece from Billy Filmer, Sam Rawson and Sam Murray (who also kicked 2 conversions).

The Under 13’s entertained Horsham in their League semi-final encounter but went down by 10 – 33, Tom Bowen and George Dean scoring the 2 Lewes tries.

Lewes Mini's were in a triangle fixture against Heathfield & Cranbrook, the results being as follows:

Under 7(incl.U.6’s):

Lewes – 30     Heathfield -      10

Lewes -  40     Heathfield -      30

Lewes -  15     Heathfield -      10

Lewes -  35     Cranbrook -     20

Under 8:

Lost 2 games v Heathfield;

beat Cranbrook (scores not available)

Under 9: 

Lewes – 15   Cranbrook B -   10

Lewes – 30   Heathfield -       10

Lewes -    5   CranbrookA -    45

Under 10:

Lewes -  15   Cranbrook B -     0

Lewes -    0   Cranbrook A -   15

Lewes -    0   Heathfield -       15

Under 11

Lewes -   0     Cranbrook 'A' -   7

Lewes -   0     Heathfield      - 19

Lewes - 20    Cranbrook 'B' -    0

Under 12

Lewes -   0     Cranbrook 'A' - 35

Lewes - 10     Heathfield     -    0

Lewes - 10    Cranbrook 'B' – 10

WEEKEND 18th / 19th MARCH

LEWES OUTCLASSED

A Lewes side, already weakened by injuries and un-availabilities, crashed to their heaviest defeat in their history on Saturday when Worthing completely outclassed the visitors by 100 – 0 in the semi-final of the Sussex Trophy.

This was a case of Lewes’s amateur set-up versus a fully professional organisation who play in the highly competitive and financially challenging London League 1.

The home side were superior in virtually every aspect of the game, scoring 16 tries in all, and the ever-widening gulf between the two Sussex clubs in this higher division – Worthing and Haywards Heath – and the sides below them begs the question of whether the qualifying rules for the competition now need to be revisited.

Although Worthing went on the attack from the outset, their heavier pack of forwards showing early superiority in the tight, Lewes bravely held out with spirited tackling and organised defence and gradually pushed the home side back into their own 22 metre zone.

But Worthing then counter-attacked, scoring their first try on 8 minutes with hooker Peter Cleveland touching down in the right-hand corner for the opening try of the match.

This opened the floodgates, and from that point on, Worthing scored at regular intervals, their influential centre and New Zealand import Duncan Taylor being involved in almost every move. Lewes managed to maintain their spirit and composure in spite of the regular onslaughts into their territory, and ironically Worthing’s last points came from a break-away move following the only period of pressure by Lewes in the second half.

Lewes: Riley (Delaney), Gray, Hawkes (Sharp), Jordan, Raikes, Nayler, Turner (Petch), Brant (Capt.), Patto, Tyrrell, Eden, Barnard (Mills), Griffiths, Saunders, Rumble

Lewes hope to return to full strength for next  week’s League fixture away to Beckenham.

Lewes 2nd’s were without a fixture, but the 3rd’s travelled to play Hastings II’s for a friendly, going down 14 – 53 with a try apiece from Ollie Wooldridge and Rob Williams and 1 conversion each from Drew Blackmore and skipper Phil Beal.

The 4th’s were at home to Newick 2nd’s, running out winners by 29 – 17. Rene Soltermann and Charlie Howes went over for 2 tries each, with 1 from Kyle Durrant; Howes and Ed Moran kicking the conversions.

On Sunday, Lewes  Under 15’s were at home to East Grinstead for their League encounter, losing a closely-fought match by 12 – 16. Both the Lewes’s tries were scored by Robert Packman, with John Pitts kicking a conversion (as well as attempting a penalty from 40m out which unfortunately bounced back off the posts).

The Under 14’s also hosted East Grinstead for a League match, winning 31 – 12 with tries from Billy Filmer (2), Ben Savage (plus 2 conversions), Trystan Saunders, and Tom Ware, with Max Kahn adding the other conversion. This result sees Lewes through to the semi-finals of the League competition.

The Under 13’s had a weekend trip to Thanet Wanderers, training on the Saturday and playing on Sunday when they defeated the hosts by 24 – 12. Man-of-the-Match Tristan Sugey scored a hat-trick of tries, plus 2 conversions, with a further try from the prolific Tom Bowen.

Lewes Mini’s were at East Grinstead for the Sussex Festival, with the following results:

Under 7

Lewes  20     Crowborough     20

Lewes  20     East Grinstead  15

Lewes  10     Heathfield          35

Lewes  20     Eastbourne        20

Under 8

Lewes    5     Crowborough     25

Lewes  20     East Grinstead  15

Lewes    0     Heathfield          25

Lewes    0     Brighton             30

Under 9

Lewes    5       Crowborough      5

Lewes    5       Heathfield           0

Lewes  10       Brighton              0

Semi -Final:   Lewes  5  Hastings 5 (decided on flip of a coin)

Final         :    Lewes  0  Crowborough 5

Under 10

Lewes    0      Brighton          0

Lewes    0      Heathfield     10

Lewes  10      Eastbourne     0

Under 11

Lewes  5       Heathfield    0

Lewes  0       Brighton       5

Semi -Final:  Lewes 5  Crowborough 0

Final         :   Lewes  5  Brighton 15

Under 12

Lewes    0     East Grinstead    15

Lewes  15     Heathfield             5

Lewes  30     Hellinglly               0

Lewes  25     Rye                       5

Semi-Final:   Lewes  0  Eastbourne  15

WEEKEND 11th / 12th MARCH

LEWES 24 SEVENOAKS 30

After last week’s scrappy affair, this was an excellent game of rugby with two well-matched sides both looking to move the ball at every opportunity. But the final result went against Lewes: the scores were equal at half-time and the critical period was midway into the second period when Lewes spent ten minutes on their on their opponents’ line but failed to put points on the board. Sevenoaks then punished them in the final minutes with two late scores. Lewes began brightly  with good inter-passing between forwards and backs. Full back Rumble was quickly on the score-sheet, firstly with a straightforward penalty and then with a well timed entry into the line for a try which he converted himself. But the visitors’ pack was beginning to impose itself and with the Lewes line-out only operating fitfully, they got themselves back into game with a penalty by Garcia and a forward try by Pollock converted by  Garcia. They took the lead when a Lewes pass went to ground and wing Garcia used his footballing skills to dribble over the line for a try which he then converted. But Lewes were back on even terms by  half-time when the forwards set up a good position under the posts from which Tyrrell touched down and Rumble converted for a 17 points all scoreline. Sevenoaks then scored almost straight from the re-start ; a good move by their backs freed wing Stuart for an unconverted try in the corner. Lewes reacted with their best period of play as they dominated possession and territory. They regained the lead when flanker Rust was put into space and ran like a wing round the full back for a try goaled by Rumble. They continued to pressurise the Sevenoaks line but frustratingly could not score. Sevenoaks defended well if desperately but at least two scoring passes went astray before the visitors cleared their lines. Their much shorter period in Lewes territory was far more productive. First they kicked a penalty as the home scrum was driven into retreat; then, after a poor re-start, they again used forward strength for a pushover try which clinched victory. Not for the first time this season a winnable game had slipped away from Lewes in the closing stages.

A bigger challenge faces Lewes next Saturday when they travel to Worthing for the semi-final of the Sussex Trophy, k.o. 2.30pm.

Lewes 2^nd`s defeated Hove 2<sup>nd</sup>`s away by 38 – 0, while the 3^rd`s, also away against Hove 5<sup>th</sup>`s, won but by the narrower margin of 28 – 22.

WEEKEND 4th / 5th MARCH

LEWES PULL OFF VITAL WIN

SIDCUP  19   LEWES 24

Matches away to sides fighting against relegation often prove difficult encounters, and this proved no exception. In a somewhat scrappy affair, Lewes struggled to assert their authority against bottom-placed Sidcup, and only managed to snatch the points with 2 tries late in the second half, a result which should secure their survival in London 2 South East next season, but which also virtually condemns the Kent side to the drop.

In sunny conditions and on an excellent pitch for running rugby, Sidcup kicked off with the wind at their backs, but the first few minutes were rather evenly matched, Lewes gaining a slight territorial advantage. The home side then went on the offensive, their aggressive forwards linking well with their sprightly backs, pushing Lewes back towards their line, but the visitor's defence held firm.

An early injury to Lewes's second-row forward Chris Gorbell saw him replaced by Andy Turner, and almost immediately Sidcup embarked on a rolling maul from 18 metres out, ending with their No. 7, Colin Cooper, picking up the ball and touching down near the posts for the opening try, converted by fly-half James Cosh, to take the lead at 7 – 0.

But Lewes responded from the re-start, a swift handling move upfield taking them close to the line, enabling skipper Chris Brant to pick up and then touch down for a try, converted by outside-half Dave Tyrrell, to level the scores at 7 – 7. Following a penalty against Lewes for offside, Sidcup pressurised the Lewes defence and attempted a drive near the posts, but Tyrrell managed to get the ball and kick for safety.

The home pack were now beginning  to play with some confidence, aided by some poor line-out ball from Lewes, but the visitor's organised defence, in which winger Scott Patto was outstanding, thwarted any real advantage to the home outfit. However, Sidcup's persistent harrying paid off on 36 minutes when they attacked from mid-field with a switch-move, freeing replacement Richard Evans to score out wide for an unconverted try to regain the lead  12 – 7.

Just before the half-time whistle, Lewes won good ball from 30 metres out, and a swift move down the right flank was rounded off by Turner diving over in the corner for the Sussex side's second, but unconverted, try to draw level 12 – 12 at the break.

The second half was mainly an uninspiring affair, with many unforced errors from both sides, and neither being able to stamp their authority on the game. With the wind advantage, Lewes managed to restrict Sidcup to within their own half for most of the remaining 40 minutes and were unlucky not to go ahead on 42 minutes when the referee disallowed what appeared to be a perfectly good try.

Just on the hour, second-row Terry Jordan replaced Turner, and ten minutes later prop-forward Dean Riley came on for Jason Lundin. The introduction of fresh legs seemed to boost Lewes, whose play became more controlled and aggressive as a result, enabling what appeared to be an inevitable deadlock to be broken 7 minutes from time – following good scrum ball 20 metres out, the pack drove towards the Sidcup line, the move ending with flanker Jack Nayler picking up and charging through the defence for a fine try under the posts, converted by Tyrrell, to see his side take the lead by 12 – 19.

Straight from the re-start, Lewes won the ball and embarked upon a counter-attack from the half-way line, working the ball out wide for winger Sean Taylor to sprint some 50 metres to score a great individual try in the corner; the difficult conversion was missed, but Lewes were now at last on top with a 12 – 24 lead.

With only a minute of the match left, Lewes somewhat naturally relaxed, but this led to Sidcup attacking into the opposition's final quarter for the first time in the half and scoring the last points of the match, No. 8 Matt West going over from a ruck near the posts, the try converted by Evans, to make the final score 19 – 24.

A somewhat lack-lustre performance by Lewes which belied their undoubted ability to play the entertaining style of rugby they are capable of, especially against the teams above them in the League. This will be tested next week when they entertain Sevenoaks at the Stanley Turner Ground, k.o. 3.00pm.

Lewes: Lacy, Gray, Lundin (Riley), Gorbell (Turner, Jordan), Raikes, Nayler, Giles, Brant (Capt.),

M. Sole, Tyrrell, Patto, Saunders, Griffiths, Taylor, Sharp.

Lewes 2nd. XV were at home to Worthing III's for their League match, and gained a valuable point in an exciting 23 – 23 draw. Try scorers for Lewes were Drew Blackmore, Ben Hanny and Ollie Wooldridge, with 2 penalties and a conversion from Chris Eden.

The 3rd's were also at home to Burgess Hill II's, winning comfortably by 39 – 5. Club stalwart Rob Williams went over for a hat-trick of tries, while former first-team regular Paddy Amerio touched down for 2. Lewes's Portuguese import, Porto, scored the other try, while Amerio kicked 1 conversion and Paul Mildner 2 conversions and a penalty.

On Sunday, Lewes Girls Under 17's were at  East Grinstead, and in a game which was closer than the score-line suggests eventually lost by 5 – 19, Louise Bevan – playing her best ever game at outside-half – touching down for her side's solitary try.

The Girls Under 14's visited Burgess Hill, where they combined with the home club to play Worthing, the latter running out winners by 35 – 5.

The Boys Under 16's travelled to Crowborough for a League fixture, only to see the game conceded by their opponents, who were unable to field a full-strength side, thereby handing Lewes the 2 points and a 40 – 0 score to their advantage.

Lewes Under 14's visited Crowborough for a League fixture, winning 24 – 14 with tries from Billy Filmer (2), Lucas Shone and Quincy Mainwaring-Smith, with Sam Murray slotting over 2 conversions.

The Under 13's were also at Crowborough for a friendly, but lost 0 – 10 in a close-fought encounter.

Lewes Mini's Section hosted East Grinstead, with the following results:

Under 7:

Lewes A - 35   East Grinstead A - 0

Lewes A - 30   East Grinstead A - 20

Lewes B - 20   East Grinstead B - 45

Lewes B - 15   East Grinstead B - 30

Under 8:

Lewes A -  10   East Grinstead A - 10

Lewes B -  10   East Grinstead B - 10

Under 9:

Lewes A - 25   East Grinstead A - 0

Lewes B - 10   East Grinstead B - 15 

Under 10:

Lewes - 25    East Grinstead - 5

Under 11:

Lewes A -  10   East Grinstead A - 20

Lewes B -  15   East Grinstead B - 0 

Under 12:

Lewes - 0    East Grinstead - 25

WEEKEND 25th / 26th FEBRUARY

SECOND HALF ONSLAUGHT SECURES CUP WIN FOR LEWES

LEWES  39   UCKFIELD  7

Lewes used this Quarter-Final tie of the Sussex Trophy to bring back players who had previously suffered long-term injuries, including the second-row forwards Chris Gorbell and Terry Jordan, and skipper Dave Hemsley, while at the same time introducing new members to the squad: Club stalwart Steve Petch making his first start in the 1st XV, as was his fellow prop-forward, Dean Riley.

In sunny but Arctic-like conditions, Uckfield kicked off with the advantage of a strong wind at their backs and used this to good effect in initially pushing Lewes inside their own 22 metre line, but the home side’s defence held firm.

On 8 minutes, Lewes attacked from half-way, spinning the ball out left for flanker Nick Giles to deftly flick it on to full-back Neil Rumble coming into the line, who touched down for the opening try of the match. His conversion attempt was thwarted by the strong wind, so Lewes’s initial lead was restricted to 5 – 0.

Some 6 minutes later, a mistake by Lewes inside their 22 metre area resulted in lost ball, enabling Uckfield to snatch the possession to see  their prop, Jack Whitmarsh,  pick up the ball and gleefully run under the posts for the try, converted by full-back Phil Bouse, the visitors thereby taking  an unexpected lead by 5 – 7.

This stunned Lewes into action, who then proceeded to attack at every opportunity, using the superior pace and power which was to be expected from a team several divisions higher than their opponents. But to Uckfield’s credit, and a combination of resolute defence and unforced errors by Lewes, they managed to hold onto their lead until just before the half-time whistle, when New Zealander Jamie Gray rounded off a fine Lewes move on the left flank to go over for an unconverted try and go in 10 – 7 up at the break.

The second half saw Lewes come into their own, scoring a further 5 tries without reply. Early into the session, Lewes had a scrum on Uckfield’s 22 metre line from which skipper Chris Brant picked up the ball before attacking the blind side and crashing over in the corner to extend the advantage to 15 – 7. This became 20 – 7 only 2 minutes later, winger Sean Taylor rounding off a great attack down the right hand side to score a fine try. Uckfield were now feeling the pressure, evidenced by the sin-binning some 10 minutes later of their hooker, Colin Bradley, for playing the ball from an off-side position.

From the resultant scrum, Lewes embarked on a series of drives which took them ever closer to their opponent’s line, the ball eventually being worked out to centre Mark Barnard who darted through a despairing defence to score under the posts, replacement Nick Sharp kicking the conversion, to stretch the lead to 27 – 7.

Ten minutes later, another powerful surge by Lewes saw then deep inside Uckfield’s last quarter, a move which ended with lock-forward Lee Raikes touching down near the posts for a well-worked try, converted by Dave Tyrrell, to increase the lead to 34 – 7.

The final score came near the end of the match, when, following a scrum on half-way, scrum-half Matt Sole made an incisive break down the middle, drawing in the visitor’s defence before passing the ball out wide on the right for Taylor to score his second try to round off a workmanlike performance by Lewes, who ran out comfortable winners by 39 – 7 and now progress to the semi-finals. (Draw on Tuesday evening).

Lewes: Riley, Gray (D.Hemsley), Petch, Gorbell (Jordan), Raikes, Giles, Brant (Capt.),Nayler,  M.Sole, Tyrrell, Patto, Saunders, Barnard, Taylor, Rumble (Sharp). 

Next week, Lewes return to League duties with a visit to bottom-of-the-table Sidcup.

Lewes 2nd’s travelled to Chichester for a Sussex Bowl cup match, but were outgunned by a powerful home unit, going down by 0 – 55.

The 3rd XV visited Crowborough for a friendly, eventually losing an entertaining game by 5 – 29, with a solitary try from Chris Moore – his first ever score for the Club.

On Sunday, Lewes Under 15's visited Hove for a friendly fixture.

With six players away at County Training, the strength and depth of this
squad showed through with a confident win of 21 points to 5 against a team
that are currently top of the B League.

The tries were scored by Luke Wilson, Dan Humphrey and Peter Crosbie,  which
were all duly converted by Jon Pitts.

WEEKEND 18th / 19th FEBRUARY

LEWES LOSE TO LAST-GAP TOUCHDOWN 

LEWES  13  THANET WANDERERS  18

Lewes lost this mid-table contest 13pts to 18 at the Stanley Turner. Conditions were a major factor in the result : heavy rain in the week and before kick-off reduced many parts of the pitch to a swamp. The usual Lewes passing game was a near impossibility under the circumstances. Thanet adapted better, concentrating on rucking and mauling in the forwards and dominating territorially for much of the match. But it was only in the closing minutes of the game that they secured their win. They showed their intentions from the start pinning Lewes in their own half and, after a series of forward drives scored an unconverted pushover try in the corner. However, Lewes regained the lead with virtually their first foray into the opposition half . The forwards set up a good position 20 metres out from which wing Scott Patto made space for himself well for a fine individual try. However the visitors quickly reasserted themselves and after Lewes had countered another series of forward drives the ball was moved wide for wing N’dong to score. There remained time before half-time for Lewes to equal the scores at 10 pts all with a Rumble penalty.

The second half’s main feature was two virtually indistinguishable packs slugging it out in the mud. Play was restricted to home territory until Rumble restored the lead with a second well struck penalty. His effort was immediately cancelled out however when, direct from the re-start, Lewes tried to run the ball from an impossible position under the posts. The outcome was a simple penalty for Thanet and a sin-binning for Jason Lundin. A draw still looked the most likely result as conditions underfoot worsened but Lewes persistence with trying to use the backs did threaten with good breaks by Barnard and Rumble. But with only minutes of the match remaining, Lewes spurned chances of clearing their line and paid the price when from yet another rolling maul Thanet ran in unopposed to snatch a win which they probably deserved on the balance of play. Both teams deserved credit for providing a watchable contest in near unplayable conditions.

Lewes's League position has now worsened after losing 3 of their last 4 games, but they remain in relative safety 6 points above the bottom three.

Lewes face Uckfield at home in the Cup next weekend (details to follow). They will be hoping that the pitch has recovered so that they can get back to their regular running game.

Lewes 2nd's were at Brighton for their League match, winning comfortably by 0 – 48. Among the try scorers were Ollie Wooldridge, Ben Hanny, Rene Soltermann, Sam Smith, Chris Emmett, and 2 from former first-team stalwart, Terry Jordan, making his comeback after a long-term injury. Drew Blackmore kicked several conversions.

The 3rd XV visited Heathfield for a League fixture, coming up against a powerful home 2nd. team. Not unsurprisingly, they went down 5 – 34, with a solitary try from Peter Grant.

On Sunday, Lewes Womens team entertained Wimbledon for their League match, and, in spite of the appalling conditions, both teams played attractive and skilful rugby, with the visitors just securing the points by the narrowest of margins, 0 – 5. Lewes captain Vanessa Vanneman, had a try disallowed, but was pleased with the splendid effort the team put in on a wet and miserable afternoon.

Lewes Under 16's were at Brighton in the League, going down fighting by 20 – 8 with a try from man-of-match Rob Anthony and a penalty from Paul O'Donnell.

The Under 15's were at home to Chichester in a re-scheduled League match, putting up a fine performance in winning by 17 – 7. In a very even first half Chichester put Lewes under pressure from the start. But the damp and muddy conditions were not going to allow a fast and flowing game and Chichester were first to score with a converted try after some sustained pressure that Lewes could not repel.From the restart Chichester won a lineout but could only watch as Joe Dowd intercepted a pass to race over the Chichester line. Jon Pitss converted tying  the score.

The game then settled into a an even match between the forwards. Lewes tried to make some headway but could not find a way through and wasted two penalty moves instead of going for the points. Sense prevailed when the decision was made to kick for goal for a third penalty which Jon Pitts confidently put over.
 

Chichester then tried to take the game to Lewes but crumbled under some resolute defence only  for Joe Dowd to race away and score his second try,again converted by Jon Pitts.
With one game left this win of 17 points to 7 puts Lewes in a pool of four other sides in the league that are all vying for second place and the chance of a place in the league final.

The Under 14's also visited Brighton, but were comprehensively beaten by 40 – 0.

The Minis spent a wet and cold morning at a rather water-logged Eastbourne; various other Clubs attended at some age groups, the scores were as follows:

Under 7

Lewes  45    Eastbourne  20

Under 8

No scores: game abandoned due to weather

Under 9

Lewes  25  Eastbourne 10

Under 10

Lewes 25      Hellingly     0

Lewes 10      Eastbourne 15

Under 11

Lewes   65    Eastbourne 0

Under 12

Lewes  15       Ardingly 0

Lewes v Eastbourne - game abandoned due to weather

WEEKEND 11th / 12th FEBRUARY

LEWES ALL AT SEA 

PORTSMOUTH 34   LEWES 20

In a thoroughly entertaining game, this was again a battle between the home forwards and the exciting Lewes backs. In an evenly-poised match for the first hour, the honours eventually went Portsmouth's way after the sin -binning of one of the Lewes players - an incident which enabled the home side to score 12 points without reply to snatch the League points.

Lewes started the brighter, surprising Portsmouth with their speedy running and use of the ball, but it was the home side who took the opening points after a rolling maul saw the ball passed out left for the League's top points scorer, full-back Neil Styles, to run the last 30 metres to the line for an unconverted try, 5 – 0.Four minutes later, Lewes hit back with a chip ahead down the left hand side by winger Scott Patto, and from the ensuing ruck, the ball was swiftly spun out to the right for flanker Mike Rust to out-sprint the defence for a fine try, converted by full-back Neil Rumble, to see Lewes take the lead at 5 – 7. This became 5 – 10 on 18 minutes, Rumble slotting over a penalty from 35 metres out after Portsmouth had offended for not the releasing the ball from a tackle. But almost immediately Portsmouth were awarded a penalty of their own for a similar offence, Styles kicking over from 22 metres to see the Hampshire outfit claw back to 8 - 10.

Seven minutes later, Porstmouth themselves were penalised for offside some 26 metres from the line, enabling Rumble to kick over for Lewes to pull ahead at 8 – 13. Portsmouth now began to take the attack to Lewes, and on 35 minutes their efforts were rewarded when, following a speculative kick ahead towards the Lewes line, the visitor's were unable to control the bobbling ball, enabling winger Matthew Barton to get the somewhat fortuitous touchdown, converted by Styles, to regain the lead at 15 – 13.

Just before the half-time whistle, Lewes won the ball inside Portsmouth's 22 metre zone, feeding it out to the centre for Tom Saunders to crash through two tackles before scoring under the posts – a well-worked try, which, with the extra 2 points from Rumble's conversion, saw Lewes go in at the break with a deserved lead of 15 – 20.

The second half began like the first, with Lewes putting Portsmouth on the back foot with a series of pulsating attacks, but the next 5 minutes belonged to the home side, whose pack were beginning to assert their authority, particularly in the rucks and mauls. A combination of good defence, and an impressive turn-over rate by Lewes, initially prevented them from scoring. However, this sustained pressure eventually cracked the Lewes resistance, and on 57 minutes, Portsmouth won a vital scrum only 5 metres from the try line, centre Ben Stuart taking the ball to plunge over for a try, converted by Styles, to enable his team to take the lead at 22 – 20.

At this point, the two sides seemed evenly matched, and the game could have gone either way. An opportunity for Lewes, in the form of a penalty, was missed when the ball bounced back off the posts, and a few moments later came the turning point of the match: Lewes's second-row forward Lee Raikes being sin-binned for what appeared to be an innocuous offence. Portsmouth took immediate advantage of their numerical superiority, their replacement No. 8, Simon Lloyd, touching down for a push-over try to stretch the lead to 27 – 20.

Two minutes later, this became 34 – 20 after Lewes had lost the ball on the half-way line, to see it intercepted by Portsmouth's fly-half, Stuart McLaughlan, for an easy try under the posts, converted by Styles, to round off the match with a win which assists their push for promotion.

Lewes fought hard, impressing home and away fans alike with their improved play, especially in the backs, and could be seen as unlucky to lose a game which, had there been equality of numbers throughout, could have seen a different result. Nevertheless, Portsmouth, on balance, probably deserved to take the honours, but Lewes – who continue to score exciting tries – should not be too disheartened for their next League encounter this coming Saturday, home to Thanet Wanderers, k.o. 2.30pm.

Lewes: Lacy, Gray (Hawkes), Lundin, Turner, Raikes, Brant (Capt.), Rust, Giles, M.Sole, Tyrrell, Patto (Sharp), Saunders, Griffiths, Taylor, Rumble (Rep. Nayler)

Lewes 2nd's were away to Worthing 3rd's for a Sussex Bowl Cup Match, and claimed a valuable scalp in winning 10 –12, thanks to a penalty try, converted by Chris Eden, and a Rene Soltermann try, also converted by Eden.

With no official fixtures on offer, Lewes 3rd's challenged the 4th's to a “friendly” match at the Stanley Turner Ground, the “Reds” beating the “Blues” by 42 – 24 in a high-scoring encounter, with most of the players getting their names on the score-board.

On Sunday, Lewes Colts entertained Crawley for a League match, winning convincingly 28 – 12. Josh Faulkner-Taylor went over for 2 tries, with 1 apiece from Ben Rajan and newcomer Joe Smith (who also kicked I conversion and 2 penalties).

Lewes Under 15's also hosted Crawley for their League fixture, taking the points with a 12 – 0 victory. The 2 home tries were scored by Tom Muston and Joe Dowd, with Jon Pitts kicking a single conversion.

WEEKEND 4th /5th FEBRUARY

LEWES 31   BECKENHAM  17

After the disappointments of the previous week, Lewes got back to winning ways in a re-arranged  League fixture against Beckenham. It was a result built on solid defence and occasional brilliance in the backs against opponents whose strengths lay largely in the forwards. Lewes opened confidently, moving the ball at high speed and flanker Nick Giles just made the line with a typical piece of back-up play after 5 minutes. But the visitors soon showed their forward power and it took brave and well organised defence to resist a series of drives for the line. Lewes worked their way back to the opposition half and increased their lead when Tyrrell split the defence with a superb break, dummied the full back and touched down under the posts for Rumble to convert . But again the visiting forwards reacted and this time were successful with an unconverted pushover try. An untidy period of play followed , with the yellow carding of a player from either side, and it was on the stroke of half time that Tyrrell made another fine break to start a move finished by Mike Rust. Rumble kicked the straightforward conversion for a 19 - 7 halftime scoreline.

Beckenham clearly decided during the break that their best chance of success lay in keeping the ball tight and they retained possession well to set up a position for a second short-range forward try well converted from wide out. For a quarter of an hour the game lapsed into midfield stalemate with the visitors making little progress by driving up the middle of the pitch and Lewes unsuccessful in their attempts to run the ball out of defence. It was a Beckenham mistake that led to the next score. Lewes seized on a dropped ball and quick inter-passing sent in Griffiths for a converted try. More home pressure led to a Beckenham yellow carding and Lewes took advantage when Giles scored his second try after a line-out drive. The conversion was missed, but Lewes could have gone further ahead from interceptions as the visitors tried to rescue the game with more open play. They did construct a well-worked try just before the final whistle but by this time Lewes were home and dry for a deserved win which should secure their place in London League 2 SE next season.

A combined Lewes 2/3 rd. XV visited Eastbourne for a friendly against their local rivals'  2nd. Team, returning with a comfortable 12 – 58 victory. Top of the try scorers for Lewes was Mark Tait with a hat-trick, followed by Sam Atkins and Ben Hanny with 2 apiece, and 1 each from Steve Mills, Henry Yorke and Tim Mason; Drew Blackmore kicking 4 conversions.

The 4th's were at Barns Green for a friendly against the home side's 1st XV for whom their scrum-half and outside-half combination were particularly effective. In losing 41 – 7, Lewes nevertheless put up a good performance against classier opposition, with Mike McMillan scoring a good try, converted by skipper Phil Beal.

On Sunday, Lewes were at Eastbourne for their Sussex KO Cup match, eventually running out winners by 15 – 26 against a spirited home side for whom their scrum-half and skipper, Matt Pysden, put in an eye-catching performance. Lewes were on the score-board after only 4 minutes, when a drive and a maul deep into Eastbourne's defence enabled scrum-half Mike Rust to pass the ball out for centre Mark Barnard to touch down near the posts for the opening try, converted by full-back Neil Rumble, to see the visitors take an early lead at 0 – 7.

Eastbourne hit back 13 minutes later with a penalty from their hooker, Nathan Ring, to narrow the difference to 3 – 7. The next 10 minutes of the match saw the hosts attempting to attack Lewes, but finding it difficult to break through the disciplined defence of their higher-ranking opponents. Seven minutes from the break, Lewes went further ahead at 3 – 14 after winning the ball on the half-way line, and then feeding the ball out right before switching it back inside for last year's Colts player, Jack Nayler, to storm through for a fine try under the posts – his first for the 1st. team – with the conversion from Rumble.

In the second half, Lewes took the opportunity of blooding several of their squad through a series of replacements, including forward Ollie Woodridge and winger Steve Mills making their first-team debuts. Within seconds of bringing on regular scrum-half Matt Sole, he immediately took the ball from the base of a scrum to sprint to the right before releasing the ball to winger Sean Taylor for a well-worked try, to stretch the lead to 3 – 19.

Lewes were now attacking with flair, with their impressive backs storming into Eastbourne's defence at every opportunity. This enabled them to increase their lead to 3 – 26 on the hour when Taylor touched down for his second try.

But Eastbourne, to their credit, continued to take the game to Lewes and clawed back to 10 – 26 some 4 minutes later after their flanker, Alex Bailey, touched down from short range for his side's first try, converted by Ring.

Seconds from the final whistle, Eastbourne had the consolation of scoring the final try of the match, replacement James Wilmott scoring near the posts for a well-worked try to end the match at 15 – 26.

Lewes are now drawn at home in the quarter-finals, this match to be played on 25 February against as yet unspecified opponents.

As a “curtain raiser” to the Cup match, Eastbourne Colts entertained Lewes Colts in a friendly, the home side eventually running out winners by 19 – 3, the visitor's solitary points coming via a penalty from Chris Blunt.

Lewes Girls Under 17's team visited Sutton and Epsom for a friendly match involving guest players from Teddington and Esher. The Lewes side won by 42 – 5, the Sussex Club's tries being scored by Victoria Perkins (3), player-of-the-match Kelly Watts (2,) and Mel Brown.

(Note: 3 of the Lewes Girls – Megan McIntosh, Abbie Moore and Victoria Perkins - have recently been selected for the South-East Regional Under 17's Girls VX).

The Girls Under 14's game was cancelled due to late illnesses within the squad.

The Boys Under 16's hosted Rye for their League match, winning comfortably by 45 – 0 with tries from James Streeter (3), Mark Pickering (2), and 1 each from James Hughes, Charlie Terry, Joel Evans and Stuart Dean.

Prior to the kick-off in this match, the Under 16's were presented with a new set of shirts from their sponsor, local Lewes resident Linda Norgrove -  partner in “Legacy Link , which offers legal advice to charities.

The Under 14's also hosted Rye for their League encounter, winning 42 – 17, their tries coming from Ben Savage (4, plus 1 conversion), Lucas Shone (2), Max Kahn and Kane Dadswell.

Lewes Under 13's visited Bognor, just winning their friendly match 39 – 42 in a close-fought game. Among the try-scorers were Tom Bowen (3), George Dean and Adam Walker.

Lewes Mini's had a triangular fixture with Horsham and Hastings. The scores are as follows:

Under 7

All friendly games, no scores recorded

Under 8

Lewes 35 : Hastings B  5

Lewes 5   : Hastings A  25

No Lewes v Horsham Game

Under 9

(to follow)

Under 10

Lewes 15 :  Horsham A   5

Lewes  0  :  Horsham B  15

Lewes  5  :  Hastings A   0

Lewes  10 : Hastings B   10

Under 11

Lewes 25  : Horsham 5

Under 12

Lewes 0   : Horsham 12

Lewes 35 : Hastings  0

Lewes' “home grown” philosophy, and the rugby continuum, the Club can boast the involvement of several former players whose sons and daughters now play for both the junior and senior sides. A prime example, spanning 3 generations, are the Durrant family: father Chris, having played senior rugby some years ago; his son, David – another former player, and now the Club's Under 10 Coach; and his sons, James (Under 8's) and George (Under 10's).

WEEKEND 28th / 29th JANUARY

After the dizzy heights of last week, Lewes were brought down to earth on Saturday with a loss against a spirited Mid’s side, whose aggressive tackling and superior line-out play denied the Sussex side the chance to play the expansive game which has been their forte over the past weeks.

In sunny, but cold and windy, conditions, Lewes started confidently, with controlled possession which soon saw them deep into Mid’s 22 metre line. This early pressure paid off on 5 minutes when Mid’s were penalised for handling on the floor, enabling full-back Neil Rumble to kick over to open the scoring at 0 – 3.

But the Surrey side hit back almost straight from the re-start, winning scrum ball near Lewes’s line before passing the ball out for Mid’s impressive No. 8, Mark Macaskill, to crash through the opposition defence for a try under the posts, converted by his fly-half, James Orchard, to take the lead at 7 – 3.

On 18 minutes, Lewes’s regained the advantage when, following a good spell of forward play – in particular a rolling maul for some 15 metres – second-row Lee Raikes picked up the ball to plunge over for a fine try, converted by Rumble, to make it 7 – 10 to the visitor’s from Sussex.

Mid’s then worked their way back inside Lewes’s half, and a deep kick was fumbled by the Lewes defence, resulting in a penalty in front of the posts for not releasing the ball. Orchard slotted over the easy kick to see his side draw level at 10 – 10.

Two minutes from the half-time whistle, an attack by the hosts saw the ball in the hands of their centre, Sam Mahama, who raced towards the try-line but then apparently failed to touch the ball down. However, to the obvious consternation of the Lewes supporters, the referee awarded the try which, with the conversion from Orchard, saw Mid’s take the lead once more at 17 – 10.

Lewes responded from the kick-off, with excellent play up field between forwards and backs ending with fly-half Dave Tyrrell breaking a tackle before going over in the right-hand corner for a fine try, excellently converted from wide out by Rumble, to see the teams go in level at 17 – 17 at the break.

The second half saw Mid’s domination in the line-outs continue, and their tactical play – keeping possession in the tight and kicking long for safety when needed – and tackling in defence, often out-witting Lewes, who were unable to assert the necessary authority against a side who would normally have been vulnerable to the type of attacking style which has brought Lewes such rewards in recent weeks.

The next 15 minutes of the match was somewhat scrappy, with a series of unforced errors and wrong options from both teams as they strove to break clear. On the hour, however, Mid’s were penalised for offside in front of the posts, and Rumble’s kick finally broke the deadlock, to put Lewes into what their supporters thought was the winning lead at 17 – 20. But this only prompted Mid’s into further action as they attempted to win the points, and they began a last assault on the visitor’s line with a series of rucks and mauls, combined with clever kicking to touch behind Lewes’s defensive line. Only good tackling and an element of luck prevented Mid’s from scoring during this period ; indeed, Lewes almost clinched the game a few minutes from the whistle when scrumhalf Mike Rust pounced on a loose ball inside his own half and then embarked on a sizzling run down the left wing, only to be brought down a few metres from the line.

Mid’s responded with a drive deep into Lewes’s last quarter, and finally broke through almost on time when their flanker, Steve Berry, crashed over for an unconverted try to see Mids run out winners by 22 – 20.

Lewes will hope to return to winning ways next weekend, when they entertain Beckenham in a re-arranged League fixture, k.o. 2.30 pm, and then visit Eastbourne the next day (Sunday) for their opening match in the Greene King Sussex KO Cup, k.o. 2.00pm.

Lewes: Lacy (Hawkes), Gray, Lundin, Turner, Raikes, Giles, Wood, Brant (Capt.), Rust, Tyrrell, Patto (Barnard), Saunders, Sharp, Taylor, Rumble

Lewes 2nd’s League match at home to East Grinstead was the subject of a very late cancellation by their opponents.

The 3rd XV entertained their East Grinstead opposition, overwhelming the visitors by 88 – 0. Among the scorers for Lewes were Sam Hearn and Rene Soltermann, each with a hat-trick of tries, with a further 2 from Ben Hannay and 1 each from Drew Blackmore, Henry York and Ollie Wooldridge, Blackmore also slotting over several conversions.

The 4th’s also had a successful, home match, beating local rivals Newick by 19 – 0 with tries from Toby Janikou, Neil Vaughan and debutant Mark Gardner, skipper Phil Beal kicking 2 conversions.

Sunday saw the usual flurry of activity by Lewes’s Mini’s and Juniors, which again emphasised the dire need for expanded facilities –including pitches and car parking – at the Council owned Stanley Turner Ground.

The Under 15’s played Heathfield in a friendly, winning comfortably by 50 – 0. Dan Humphrey scored 2 tries, with 1 apiece from Karl Stanley, Fergal McAleer, Pete Crosbie, Brandon Wint, Andy Heather  and George Page, with Jon Pitts kicking 5 conversions.

Lewes Under 14’s, however, lost away at Eastbourne by a similar score.

Lewes Mini’s held a training session, which included several guest teams from Seaford.

On Saturday, Lewes Under 9’s/10’s/ and 11’s played their semi-final matches in the RATT Tournament at the Stoop Recreation Ground, Twickenham, as a “curtain raiser” to the Harlequins National League match against Nottingham. Unfortunately, none of the teams qualified for the finals, but nevertheless put up some good performances, as the following results show

Under 11’s :

On a bitterly cold day Lewes with a number of key players missing lost their first match 0-5 against Rosslyn Park. A more spirited game saw Lewes win their second game 10-0 against Old Alleynians. The last game saw Lewes needing to win to get into the final, against an unbeaten Tunbridge Wells side. Lewes were 10-0 up at half time, however a strong second half by Tunbridge Wells meant that honours were even with a try in the final minute giving a 10-10 scoreline.  Lewes therefore did not progress to the finals but could be proud of a solid performance from a much reduced squad.

Under 10’s (tries):                                                 Under 9’s(tries):    

Lewes   2      New Milton           3                          Lewes 0     Upminster    &nb