LEWES LOSE TO LAST-GASP TRY

The long trip to the eastern extremity of Kent to play against the League leaders was always going to prove a tough challenge for Lewes, but they nearly pulled off the win which, on balance, they probably deserved. However, with this game likely to be one of the defining moments of the season, the final result proved extremely disappointing for the Sussex side.
After opening the scores at 0 - 5 in the first half with a fine try from winger Harry Hanley, and, with only minutes of the match remaining, going further ahead at 9 - 12 with a try from prop-forward Casey Morgan, converted by centre Abe Bredin, Lewes fell to a sucker-punch try near the end of the match, Thanet's conversion seeing them snatch a 16 - 12 lead.
Although Lewes pressurised the home side's defence in the dying moments of the match, they were unable to convert this into any more points and so came home with a losing bonus-point - which may, however, prove critical in the final promotion chase.

Player-Coach Mike Stubbs commented after the match: "We're all absolutely gutted at the moment. But still lots to play for, and we will bounce back stronger"

With the 6 Nations Tournament starting on Saturday, there no London League 3 games, so Lewes's next game is on 11th. February at home to Folkestone, k.o. 2.30pm.

Lewes 2nd's entertained Newick 2nd's in a friendly. Although the match was evenly-placed at half-time, Newick's superior, all-round squad - comprising several former Lewes 1st XV players! - dominated the second half to run out winners by 0 - 32.