The top five teams in the table have formed a breakaway group and Lewes are one of them. On Saturday they travelled to top-of-the-table Aylesford Bulls, who have proved to be a force to be reckoned with at home. With a low sun and wind across the pitch, this was a great toss to be win. Although Lewes executed the tactics almost perfectly, it was Aylesford who got on the board first at 5-0. Two missed tackles on the right wing let them in for what felt like a soft score against the run of play.

After this, Lewes must have had 80% territory. A wonderful decision to kick for the corner after a catch and drive was illegally pulled down reaped its rewards as Aylesford could not contain another march to the line by the Lewes forwards - prop-forward Casey Morgan being the man to touch down to draw level at 5-5. In training the side have been working on the ability to have a range of tactics, the most recent of which dealt Aylesford a real hammer blow at the stroke of half time: a pinpoint kick by inside-centre Dan Wade caused havoc and eventually winger Will Feltham sailed over the try line. Full-back Jon Pitts nailed the conversion to put the visitors ahead 5-12 at the break.

However, Aylesford are top of the table for a reason: their 9 and 15 showing real moments of class. A combination of their ability and use of the conditions meant that they were likely to score at some point in the second half. There were moments in the match that had both sides shaking their heads at what the referee was interpreting, but Lewes were most certainly feeling hard done by. Aylesford kicked over one of their many penalties to pull back to 8-12 and then crossed twice to take the scoreline to 18-12 in their favour. A simple missed conversion meant it was game on with 10 minutes to play. But, as can sometimes happen when a side is chasing a try, a simple mistake can let the opposition in and this was just the case as Lewes conceded a converted try in the final minutes to see the hosts win by 25-12, meaning that Lewes left without a losing bonus point which would have been fair at the very least.

Head Coach Chris Roberts said after the game "I'm disappointed for the lads but far from gutted. The first half was arguably the best we have played this season as far as execution of a game plan was concerned. I did feel that we deserved to take some points out of the game, but Aylesford have proved over the course of the last 10 games why they are the side to beat in the League. In was a terrific contest with both sides contributing massively to it. As I said to the boys after the match, we must remember that the top three sides in the League must come to us after Christmas which could make a massive difference as we still aim for the summit. Another week off next week will allow us to recover and recharge again for what will be a very physical affair against Hastings and Bexhill at home on 9 December, k.o. 2.00pm. I remain proud of the lads that represent Lewes RFC with some passion, as well as the loyal band of travelling supporters".

Lewes 2nds maintained their push for promotion with a thumping 72-19 home win over St Francis 2nds (see photo above).

(although the 1sts have a rest day on Saturday, the 2nd's have an away game against Crawley 3s).