This Harvey's "Bonfire Boy" League match was, as they say, a game of two halves: Lewes sprinting to a half-time lead, only to be overtaken by Crawley's strong second-half response. The Lewes squad - comprising an "ancient and modern" mix of young and veteran players - opened the scoring after only four minutes when, after working the ball upfield, outside-centre Mo Bacha embarked on a powerful run to the line for the opening try near the posts, outside-half Dan Billin kicking over the conversion to make it 0-7 to the visitors.

10 minutes later this became 0-14 as Lewes forced their way into Crawley's 22 metre zone for full-back Jack Nichols to touch down under the posts, Billin adding the extras.

On 26 minutes the hosts hit back to 5-14 with their first, unconverted try of the game from their scrum-half, Braden Clarke, and just before the half-time whistle drew closer at 12-14 with a try from inside-centre Michael Grubb, converted by outside-centre Andy Collins.

Although the powerful Crawley pack took control in the second half as Lewes were forced to make several changes due to injuries, the visitors held out until the last quarter when - somewhat unluckily in some circumstances - they conceded three tries from Crawley's second-row Chris Thompson, Collins, and second-row David Cooke, with one conversion, to pull away at 29-14.

But Lewes kept their heads held high and scored the final, unconverted try of the match in the dying seconds, second-row Dave Cooke plunging over near the posts to make the final score 29-19.

A brave performance by a hastily-arranged side for whom all players gave their best.

There are no games for the Lewes men's teams on Saturday, it being a 6 Nations day.
However, Lewes Ladies 1sts are at home to Old Elthamians, and the 2nds to New Ash Green.

Lewes Men's 1sts continue their struggle to avoid the drop on 2 March with a tough home match against Beccehamians, k.o. 3.00 pm, while the 2nds are also at home, to St Leonards.