KENT HOODOO CONTINUES

Lewes's poor away record against Kent sides continued on Saturday as they slumped to a narrow defeat, thanks to a last-minute penalty which saw Sheppey secure the win.
In blustery conditions, it was the hosts who dominated the opening session of the match, resulting in a penalty after only two minutes on fifteen metres which their outside-half, Lewis Frostick, slotted over to open the scoring at 3 - 0.The next ten minutes saw scrappy play from both sides, but on nineteen minutes Sheppey broke the mould by going further ahead at 10 - 0 following their first try after some pressure on the Lewes defence, scored by their inside-centre Dane Sticking with Frostick adding the extras.
Lewes's lack-lustre performance, not helped by an inordinately high penalty count against them, meant that for the first time this season they were unable to add any points of their own in an error-strewn first half.
Lewes upped their game in the second half, but although the pack were dominant in the set pieces, the referee continued to penalise them, apparently for just being the stronger set of forwards. The possession Sheppey gained as a result meant they were able to keep in touch, restricting Lewes to two tries - the first from outside-centre Abe Bredin after 45 minutes, the second five minutes later after a fine Lewes attack upfield was finished off by second-row Matt Blunt. Although the two conversions were missed, this nevertheless put Lewes back into the game at 10 - 10, at which point their hardy band of supporters thought their team were going on to win the match.
But with the remaining period of play being constantly interrupted by lengthy stoppages - arising from a spate of injuries to the Sheppey team and long conversations between the referee and the Kent players for unknown reasons - Lewes were unable to get back into their stride.
As the game moved towards its final seconds, a draw seemed the likely result, but then Sheppey were awarded a penalty in front of the posts with just seconds left on the clock, which Frostick coolly kicked over to see Sheppey snatch the win to the obvious delight of their supporters.
The only consolation for Lewes after a disappointing game was that their losing bonus-point keeps them in fourth spot in the League table.

Lewes: Luke Raynor, Alfie Hill, David Oaksford, Chris Gorbell, Matt Blunt, Kirk Millis-Ward, Billy Shiell, Mike Stubbs, Shane Costigan, Joe Mackie, Will Feltham, Ben Booth, Abe Bredin, Will Tobin, James Halpin (Capt.). (reps.: Rob Williams, Joe Terry).

Lewes 2nd's played Shoreham 2nd's at home in a League play-off match, and - although having evenly-matched packs of forwards - the late call-up of several backs to the 1st's meant that the hosts finally succumbed by 57 - 0. However, as Shoreham's team comprised more than the maximum permissible number of 1st XV, players then, under League rules, the result may well be reversed and the match win awarded to Lewes!

On Saturday, Lewes 1st's entertain third-place, promotion-chasing, Haywards Heath in a crunch local derby, k.o. 3.00pm. Before the game, the Pre-Match Luncheon will be attended by, amongst others, match-sponsor Dave Harris - a former Lewes RFC stalwart - and his band of Lifeboatmen, on their Annual visit to the Club (most of whom who will walking to the match from Brighton, with stops en-route at various hostelries, no doubt!). At the same event, former Coach and ex-Chairman Terry Powell will be celebrating his 80th. Birthday.