All our front row learnt a lot today. In fact the challenges in the scrum we faced reflected the game. The opposition will always ask questions, we tried and did at times today answer them, but also will have learnt the answer the next time the question

- Head Coach Chris Roberts

This was a typical local derby where the spirit shown by both sides somewhat outweighed the quality of the rugby played. The opening 10 minutes of the game was fairly even but with the hosts showing greater endeavour in restricting Crowborough to within their own 22 metre zone. The ensuing pressure paid off after 11 minutes when, following a strong forwards drive, second-row Nathan Lowen picked up and drove over for the opening try out left. The difficult conversion was confidently kicked over by inside-centre Dan Wade to open the scoring at 7-0.

See Pete Barron's photos of the game here>>

On 16 minutes this became 10-0 after Wade slotted over a penalty on the 22 metre line after a Crowborough offside, but the next quarter saw no further score, although Lewes continued to pile the pressure on their opponents via a combination of swift attacks and resolute defence. Lewes were then forced to make a front-row change which enabled Crowborough to get back into the game, but again the hosts' defence kept them at bay. Five minutes from the half-time whistle saw Lewes extend their lead to 13-0 after Wade kicked over a penalty from in front of the posts. But before the break itself, Crowborough had their best spell of rugby, forcing Lewes into errors and seeing hooker Fraser Warren yellow-carded for standing up in a scrum. In spite of being one man down, Lewes managed to avoid conceding any points before the turnaround.

See Crowborough photographer Drew Pratt's pictures of the game here>>

Lewes started the second half brightly but there was scrappy play from both sides until a period of sustained Crowborough attacks saw them rewarded with their first points of the game after 62 minutes, an unconverted forwards' try from hooker Rob Horsfield-Finch to narrow the gap to 13-5. A Lewes mistake five minutes later handed the ball to the visitors who then forced their way upfield for their second, push-over, try on 72 minutes from No 8 Alex Purnell, outside-half Chris Yates slotting over the extras to see his side draw closer still at 13-12.

Lewes' supporters were now getting somewhat edgy but their team were not suffering from the same nerves, hitting back only one minute later with a fine forwards' drive towards the line before feeding the ball out to Wade who crashed through for a great try under the posts , which he duly converted to see Lewes run out winners by 20-12 - a result which keeps them in fifth place and still in touch with the other four teams in the break-away group at the top end of the League table.

After match, the Crowborough Captain nominated Dan Wade as Man-of-the-Match, while Head Coach Chris Roberts commented:

"Week in week out, League position means nothing in this competition. It depends on availability, injury and venue. I've personally learnt a lot! it's a tough, tough League! Throw in the weather and the light and the challenge magnifies. Although, we were missing some regulars in the front row, I was delighted to call in real Lewes club men in young Olly Bowry and former Colt Sean Sayers. All our front row learnt a lot today. In fact the challenges in the scrum we faced reflected the game. The opposition will always ask questions, we tried and did at times today answer them, but also will have learnt the answer the next time the question is posed.

I was so very proud of the Lewes lads today. They have developed a grit and resilience that only comes from learning from experience. Today was a real 18 man squad effort. Credit to Crowborough - they play a very effective game upfront. We wanted to win this game to stay in touch with the League leaders and did so. I am always loathe to single out individuals as so much is a squad effort, but the back row of Luke Robinson, Toby Mills and Captain Sam Furse were on another level today!

We now enjoy a week off before we have a pop at the league leaders away to top-of-the-table Aylesford Bulls on Saturday week.

The support we had on the touchline was immense and I thank the many sponsors and supporters in attendance alike! I would like to mention Nick Page as Chairman who does far and above what the role requires.

Above all else, before the match, we held a minute's silence to recognise the fallen in the World Wars. Such a moment reminds us that this is a wonderful game but a game none the less. Roll on next week!"

Lewes: Irvine, Warren, Sayers, Blunt, Lowen, Furse, Hewitt, Robinson, Taylor, Shiell, Jones, Wade, Feltham, Petty, Bredin (Reps, all used: Bowry, Mills, Brown).

Lewes 2nds home game against Crowborough 3rd's did not go ahead, the visitors conceding the match late in the week.