Following last week's disappointing result at Seaford, Lewes once again came unstuck at home on Saturday with a narrow defeat to local rivals Hellingly. In gloomy conditions, a nervous start by the hosts - including a missed penalty in front of the posts after only 6 minutes - was compounded when the visitors took the lead only one minute later after a mis-kick was pounced upon by Hellingly, resulting in a break-away try under the posts. The easy conversion saw the visitors with a 0 - 7 advantage which immediately put Lewes onto the back foot.
In spite of one of Hellingly's forwards being yellow-carded on the quarter-hour, Lewes were unable to take advantage of the extra man and their woes continued as another penalty kick on 26 minutes went wide of the posts. But on the half-hour, Lewes at last managed to put some positive play together as, after a period of pressure against their opponents, in-form inside-centre Harry Hanley broke away for a fine try near the posts, but the missed conversion meant that the visitors maintained the lead at 5 - 7.
The first half ended with no further scores after somewhat scrappy play from both sides.
Straight from the re-start Hellingy attacked deep, their heavier pack of forwards winning possession and territory, forcing Lewes to inside their own 22 metre area. This lead to Hellingly's second, but unconverted, try on 46 minute to see their lead stretch to 5 - 12. But on the hour, Lewes hit back with the best try of the match as they ran from inside their own 22 metre zone and sped up-field with a fine, flowing move, ending with Hanley scoring his second try out left, but again the missed conversion cost Lewes dear as they were still behind at 10 - 12.
This remained the score at the whistle, in spite of Lewes making several desperate attempts to take the lead, all of which were thwarted by a combination of sterling Hellingly defence, unforced errors, and some refereeing decisions which the large home crowd thought went somewhat unfairly against them. The only consolation after another valiant but unproductive performance was the losing bonus-point which maintains Lewes's mid-table position.
Lewes: Williams, Spalding, Wakely, Sale, Omar, Melloni, Moule (Capt.), Furse, Jones, Shiell, Rourke, Whiting, Hanley, Austin, Feltham. (reps, all used: Rankin, Evans, Carr).

Lewes will hope to improve when they travel to East Grinstead on Saturday, k.o. 2.30pm.

(The match was preceded by a 50th. Anniversary Lunch in honour of former Lewes stalwart Kevin Briggs, who made the long trip from Cumbria to meet up with several of the 1st XV team with whom he made his debut in 1969).

Lewes 2nd;s were also at home but were out-gunned by a powerful St. Leonards side who took the honours in their 10 - 48 win. Lewes's 2 tries were scored by Chris Mahoney and Tom Petty.

On Sunday, Lewes Lionesses (Girls Under 13's) defeated Hove 12 - 5, while the Girls Under 15's narrowly lost 32 - 30 against Seaford, both well-fought games in which the Lewes sides played brilliantly.

The Colts XV (Under 18's) overran visitors Havant by 62 - 7 in their home friendly also on Sunday.