Today was a really important win for us, some of our away form having been very patchy to date. To come to Heath and win a tight game like that was huge for the boys' confidence, and shows that we can win ugly!

- Player-Coach Mike Stubbs

Although Lewes had four of their regular backs unavailable for this crunch local derby, they nevertheless put on one of their finest displays to date in narrowly defeating local rivals Haywards Heath - a win which, with other League results going their way, sees them rise to third in the table.

In wet and slippery conditions, and with the benefit of the slope, the Lewes forwards immediately took control, dominating both set scrums and line-outs but Heath's controlled defence held the visitors at bay. Lewes could have taken the lead on at least three occasions, missing two, albeit difficult, penalty attempts and wasting an attacking overlap move where a try seemed certain. It took Heath until the 36th minute to advance to inside Lewes' 22 metre area but their attempts to score were thwarted by disciplined and determined Lewes defence. So, in spite of dominating nearly all the possession and territory, Lewes had nothing to show for it as the first half ended with the somewhat rare scoreline of 0-0.

However, the deadlock was broken seconds from the re-start of the second half, Lewes taking a short throw-in at a line-out inside Heath's 22 metre area for Player-Coach Mike Stubbs to catch and then thrust himself over the line for the opening try of the match in the left corner, outside-half Abe Bredin's great conversion from wide out seeing the visitors open up a 0-7 lead.

This, however, stung the hosts into action and for the next ten minutes they played their best rugby of the game, winning more ball than in the first half, and this led to a forwards' try near the posts on 55 minutes by flanker Sam Drage, outside-half Sam Beckett's conversion levelling the scores at 7-7.

But Lewes then regained control via their impressive set of forwards and, in spite of the conditions and playing up the slope, began to bring their back line more into play. These efforts were rewarded ten minutes later with a penalty on Heath's 25 metre line, which Bredin coolly slotted over to re-take the lead at 7-10.

This proved to be the final score in a tightly-contested match as Lewes controlled the reminder of the game to run out worthy winners, Heath coming away with a consolation losing bonus-point.

This result proves that London League 3 South East is a somewhat topsy-turvy Division, with several teams appearing capable of taking eventual honours. If Lewes continue to play with this level of confidence and application, they could be one of the teams in this race come the end of the season.

Stubbs commented after the match: "Today was a really important win for us, some of our away form having been very patchy to date. To come to Heath and win a tight game like that was huge for the boys' confidence, and shows that we can win ugly!"

Lewes: Raynor, Hill, Morgan, Lee, Blunt, Furse, Hatch, Stubbs, Taylor, Bredin, Petty, Tobin, Feltham, Mills, Halpin (Capt). (Reps - Gorbell, Lowen, Warren).

On Saturday, Lewes entertain Kent-based Aylesford Bulls at the Stanley Turner Ground, ko 2.30 pm. This game is preceded by a Pre-Match Lunch, details of which may be obtained from Terry Powell on 01273 812 775 or via nanbring@hotmail.com.