LEWES 2ND'S THROUGH TO NEXT ROUND OF CUP

With the 1st XV having a rest day from League rugby, Lewes 2nds entertained local rivals Newick in the first round of the Sussex Salver competition. Although the opposition were awarded 10 points before a ball had even been kicked, due to Lewes being unable to field a full front-row (and in spite of being reduced to 14 men for the whole of the second half as a result of injuries), Lewes nevertheless pulled off a great win by 36 - 20 in an entertaining contest.

The first score came after 15 minutes, veteran back Steve Mills finishing off a long-range effort for a try near the posts, full-back Josh Leigh kicking the conversion to put his side's first points on the board at 7-10. Lewes went ahead 12-10 ten minutes later with an unconverted try by Leigh following a searing break from deep by Mills, only to see Newick go back ahead at 12-15 after a push-over, but unconverted, try from their strong pack of forwards. Lewes then lost a player due to an injury but this did not stop them regaining the lead just before the half-time whistle, centre Henry Shiell scoring under the posts, Leigh kicking over the extras, to finish the half 19-15 to the good.

The second half provided some exciting rugby for both sets of supporters, with Lewes finally pulling away for a deserved 36 - 20 win with a further Two tries from Mills - completing his hat-trick - one from scrum-half Charlie Hobden, and a conversion from Leigh, with Newick scoring one further try in-between.

Lewes 1sts return to competitive rugby on Saturday with a home fixture against Hove 2nds, k.o. 2.30pm, while the 2nd XV visit Burgess Hill.

On Friday evening, 40 volunteers enjoyed a three-course dinner laid on by Lewes RFC as a way of thanking them for giving up their time.

Nick Page Chairman said “I firmly believe it is the most important dinner we hold every season. We have 85 volunteers helping this club provide rugby to our senior teams, Ladies and Men, and to our 300 mini and juniors.

The dinner is held to try and get as many of the people together and to thank them. This club could not exist without people willingly giving up their time.”

Members nominated volunteers and awards were handed out to:

Ashley Burrows - Under 8s Coach

Nick Summers – Under 9s Coach

Keith Stoner – Under 12s Coach

Aidan Byrne - Colts Team Manager and 2s Captain

Bob Lockyer – Safeguarding Officer and under 11s Coach

Aroop Tanna – Club Rep Rugby Development Partnership, Schools Liaison and under 12s Coach

Andy Kipling - currently Secretary, Treasurer, Volunteers Coordinator, Membership and Player Registration

Peter Barron - Junior Chair, Junior Fixtures Secretary, Head of Communications and U16s Coach