U15s: Lewes 31-Pulborough 24
The U15s welcomed fellow division one side Pulborough to a friendly at a sunny, windswept Stanley Turner ground with Lewes missing eight regulars due to injury, illness and half term.

See Phil Goode's photos of the game here>>

Playing only 13 a side in the first half Lewes were quickly 21-0 up with three tries from George, Nick and Marcus all converted by Ben Goode. The forwards were winning Lewes quick ball that allowed their backs to use their handling skills, support play and pace out wide to score three well-worked tries.

George added a second try later in the half before Pulborough worked their way into the game before scoring their first try and making it 26-5 at half time.

In the second half it was agreed that Pulborough could bring on 2 extra players so it was 13 v 15 for the whole of the second half. Lewes defended bravely but the extra numbers told as Pulborough improved and they scored three unanswered tries making it 26-24 to Lewes with 2 minutes to go.

Lewes showed real character against superior numbers and a well worked move was finished by Ed rampaging over to make the final score 31-24 to Lewes.

U14s: Lewes 46-Crawley 0

In perfect rugby weather the U14s achieved another emphatic win over an impressively organised Crawley. In the opening minutes the visitors kept possession and kept running straight and hard. But a stubborn Lewes defence kept them at bay and a superb break by John Weir, shrugging off several Crawley players to cross the try line, steadied the home team’s nerves.

The points then started to clock up regularly. Fly half Jack Billin deftly snuck in by the corner flag. Man of the Match Olly Andrews skipped over the line twice, though it was his determined tackling throughout the game that really stood out, proving that size really doesn’t matter. Reece Manser powered his way through several tackles to cap an impressive Lewes debut. Geordie Gwynn added to his growing points tally with another brace of tries. And John Weir completed a classic number 8 performance with another try.

Henry Anstee and Harry Paddick both made welcome returns from injury. Jojo Moulds proved once again that the number on his shirt is doesn’t matter so long as he is on the pitch. Franco Ricci, Finley Toghill and Alfred Monnery all made huge contributions with hard tackles and strong carries. And it was particularly pleasing to see Alex Brydon making several tackles in quick succession.

But this was another terrific team performance and once again it was the tackling that won the game for Lewes. Full credit to Crawley who kept their shape throughout and never let their heads go down. But there was no way through an intransigent Lewes defence and Crawley never looked like scoring.

Coach Nigel Hastings commented that "although an eight try to nil win is not to be sniffed at, we all know that we have played better rugby this season. We were too impatient at the break down and should have gone through the phases more. And our handling and support play was not as sharp as it has been. But well done to everyone for another step in the right direction."

Tries: John Weir (2) Olly Andrews (2) Geordie Gwynn (2) Reece Manser, Jack Billin

Conversions: Myles Govus (3)