Although their 1st XV are struggling to re-gain their start-of-season form, Lewes 2nd XV are still flying the flag for the Club, comfortably winning this local derby in the Sussex Bowl competition, putting them into the semi-final.

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

Lewes sped into an early 0-9 lead with three penalties in quick succession from outside-half Dan Billin (pictured) after 7, 10 and 15 minutes respectively. On the half-hour, however, Lewes prop Alfie Hill was yellow-carded for offside and Hellingly took full advantage of the extra player by scoring the first try of the match some eight minutes later from their No. 8, Harry Honeywell, the conversion missing, to narrow the margin to 5-9. But 14 -man Lewes hit back just before the half-time whistle, surging upfield before being awarded another penalty, in front of the posts, which Billin duly kicked over to see his side go in at the break with a 5-12 lead.

The opening period of the second half saw play go back and forth, Hellingly's attacks, mainly via their forward strength, being negated by disciplined - if not inspired - Lewes defence, with all players tackling to full effect. This gave the visitors confidence to continue to push forward, resulting in a fifth penalty against Hellingly for offside, Billin slotting over his fifth successful kick on the trot to see Lewes pull away at 5-15, and then, on 66 minutes, kicking over his sixth to go further ahead at 5-18.

Lewes were now playing the more controlled rugby and it was thus no surprise that seven minutes from time, they scored an excellent try, their forwards winning the ball inside their own half before off-loading to scrum-half Tom Rourke who sprinted up the pitch for a try under the posts, Billin adding the extras, to pull away at 5-25. Although Lewes' Dex Vigar was yellow-carded on 76 minutes, this did not disrupt his side's dominance and they finished the match with a well-deserved victory after a magnificent, all-round display of rugby.

Of special note was the fact that scorers Tom Rourke and Dan Billin are cousins, and that the Lewes squad included two Under 20s players; three Under 19s; and two Under 18s, which augurs well for the future of one of Sussex's most loved sports Clubs.

Lewes: Hill, Cosimetti, Moore, Austen, Green, Stanger, Edmonds, Vigar, Rourke, Billin, Furlong, Whiting, Quinn, Austin, Nichols. (Reps, all used: Farr, Carr, Hutchings, Curl)

On Saturday, Lewes 1sts return to League duties with a tough away fixture at Bromley, while the 2nds entertain Heathfield 3s at the Stanley Turner Ground, ko 2.00 pm.