ENCOURAGING START FOR LEWES 1st's

In their opening pre-season friendly, Lewes visited Heathfield and Waldron for a match played over 4 quarters at the old Waldron ground. In front of a large crowd, Lewes put on a sparkling display against higher-ranked opponents, their all -round strength from a squad of some 30 players making it an encouraging start to the new season - even more so as several Lewes stalwarts have yet to return for the next series of matches.
In ideal conditions, Lewes played well in the set pieces, allowing their speedy and incisive backs plenty of attacking ball, and when it came to defence, their tackling from every player involved was impressive.
Eventually running out comfortable winners by 19 - 49, Lewes's tries were scored by Billy Shiell (2), Adam Hutchings, Henry Shiell, Dan Wade (2), Harry Hanley, and James Durrant, with Abe Bredin slotting over a penalty and 3 conversions.
Included in the squad were Lewes' new signings for the coming season:
Henry Shiell; centre/full back, returning to us from Morley RFC
Kieran Morris; back row, from Brighton RFC
Gareth Lloyd; back, former Lewes Colt
Adam Hutchings; winger, from Eastbourne RFC
Harry Hanley; winger, from Brighton RFC
Daniel Carr; half back/ winger/full back, from Walcot RFC
Hayden Becker; front row, from Australia
Of special note - emphasising the family nature of this local Club - was the fact that 5 of the tries were scored by the sons of former Lewes players, whose fathers were all watching the encounter with pride!
On Saturday, Lewes have another pre-season friendly, this time at home to Surrey-based Warlingham, k.o. 3.00pm at the Stanley Turner Ground.