TOUGH TEST FOR LEWES

After last week's convincing friendly win at Heathfield, Lewes (playing in red shirts) came up against much tougher opposition in their second pre-season friendly on Saturday, at home to Surrey-based Warlingham.
In a game split over 3 x 30 minute sessions, and in hot dry conditions, the visitors took an early lead with a converted try, quickly followed by a second, unconverted touch-down as their heavier pack of forwards and speedy back line began to dominate possession and territory. This meant Lewes had to fight hard for scraps, but they got back into the game just before the end of the first session with a fine, flowing moved finished off by right-winger James Durrant for an unconverted try to make it 5 - 12 at the break.
The second period was more evenly matched, left-winger Dan Carr scoring Lewes's second, but unconverted, try to narrow the gap to 10 - 12 before the visitors pulled away once more with their third, converted, try and a penalty to end the session 10 - 22 to the good.
The final session was the closest as both sides experimented with their replacements and the heat took its toll on the rest. At one stage it looked as though this final period would be scoreless but, just before the final whistle, Lewes - after embarking on a spirited attack which took them close to the try line - were guilty of a mis-pass which saw the ball land into the hands of Warlingham's very fast left-winger who sprinted fully 80 metres for an interception try. With the conversion going wide, the game ended with Warlingham running out worthy winners by 10 - 27.
Hopefully, this will be just the wake-up call Lewes need before they start their League campaign with an away match at Sussex rivals Pulborough on Saturday, k.o. 3.00pm.