LEWES MISS OUT IN MUD

The heavy conditions at Crowborough initially suited the heavier home pack and it was no surprise therefore that they scored 2 tries in the first half. However, to Lewes's credit, they came back into the game in a scoreless second half to return home with a valuable losing bonus point.
The opening quarter saw play restricted to midfield as both sides tried to adjust to the slippery conditions underfoot and it took the hosts 7 minutes to force their way into Lewes's 22 metre area for the first time. This resulted in a penalty to Crowborough for a Lewes offside for which they opted for a set scrum on the 5 metre line, but the visitor's disciplined defence held them off.
The deadlock was broken after 20 minutes, when a Crowborough kick-ahead was caught by their right-winger, Andy Orchard who touched down in the corner for an unconverted try to see his side open accounts at 5 - 0. Crowborough were now on the ascendant, restricting Lewes to inside their 22 metre zone for long periods, ending with their second , unconverted try on 28 minutes, No. 8 Alex Purnell scoring after a 5 metre scrum to go further ahead at 10 - 0. As it happened, this turned out to be the hosts' last points of the game, as for the next 5 minutes Lewes at last got their act together and began to secure more possession as a result. They were rewarded just before the half-time whistle with a penalty on the 20 metre line which outside-half Jon Pitts coolly slotted over to make it
10 - 3 at the break.
The second half was a more even affair as Lewes came into their own, with sterling performances in particular from skipper Sam Furse, No. 8 Luke Robinson and second-row Matt Blunt. This enabled Lewes's speedy backs to come more into the attack and only a series of knock-ons and unforced errors - due largely to the slippery ball - prevented them from scoring at least 2 tries.
Crowborough were now forced for long periods to defend as Lewes took advantage of the following wind, and kicking deep behind the home side's line at every opportunity. However, in the final quarter, Crowborough were gifted the chance for a fight-back as Lewes inexplicably tried to run the ball from inside their own 22 metre area instead of kicking for safety ,and this error saw the ball handed back to the hosts who, from a 5 metre scrum, then embarked upon a long series of rucks and mauls driving close to the try line. But impressively Lewes held firm with some very organised defence and managed to hold out for a deserved losing bonus point at the final whistle. However, with other results not going their way, this could not prevent Lewes from slipping a further place down the League table to seventh.
Lewes: Raynor, Warren, Williams, Blunt, Morgan, Moule, Furse (Capt.), Robinson, Taylor, Pitts, Bredin, Shiell, Feltham, Jones, Wade.(Reps., all used: Mills, Bacha, Roberts).

Lewes 2nd's home game against East Grinstead 3rd's was conceded by the visitors who were unable to field a side. The forfeited points should enhance Lewes's chances of securing the League title

On Saturday, Lewes 1st's are home in a re-arranged League fixture against bottom-of-the-table Crawley, k.o. 3.00pm.

This is preceded by a Veterans match against Uckfield for the John Becvar Trophy, in memory of the former Lewes stalwart and Uckfield President, k.o. 12.00 noon.