It was cup action all round as the 1st XV travelled to Cranbrook, a strong. in-form side, currently flying high in Kent One, in the second round of the National Vase. Missing even more players than last week, six members of the Lewes squad were making their debut for the club. Meanwhile the 2nd XV faced local rivals Heathfield in the first round of the Harveys Sussex Vase/Salver.

Unfortunately, neither side was successful on this occasions, with the firsts going down 63-0, while the seconds lost by 46 points to 21, As half time neared, they were 19-0 down, but Sean Sayers was able to force his way over for a try that was converted by Nathan Roberts to make the score 7-19 at the break.

Heathfield scored again at the beginning of the second half, but, in response, Harry Cripps powered over for a try, with Nathan Roberts adding the conversion. Then came an outstanding piece of play by two of the Lewes youngsters as Merlin Evans cleverly released Kellen Harvey for a thrilling run down the right wing. He managed to outrun the defence and touch down under the posts for an easy conversion by Roberts.

That score had narrowed the gap between the two sides to 21-26, but four more Heathfield tries saw them comfortably home by a clear twenty-five points. Lewes were clearly tiring towards the end but several players were having their first run-out this season and deserve much credit for all the effort they put in to what was a most enjoyable contest.

Next Saturday (7th December) both teams are playing at home (kick off 2.00) with Barns Green and Rye being the visitors. Before the games, the Vice Presidents and Club Sponsors will be sitting down for lunch in the clubhouse.

1st XV Match Squad:
Stash Maltby, Dan Carr, Harry Handley, Caolan Quinn, Adam Nochiri; Jordan Whiting, William Moore; Ollie Bowery, Finn Spalding, Rob Williams; James Sale, Taylor Morris; Sam Critchel, Elliot Moule (captain), Pietro Melloni. Subs: Tom Petty, Lewis Austin, Adejimi George-Coker.

2nd XV Match Squad:
Luke Amerio; Will Brydon, Owen Edmonds, Charlie Moran, Tom Rutter; Nathan Roberts, Calvin Jansz; Harry Cripps, Spencer Sayers, Sean Sayers; James Nubbrown, Andy Green; Merlin Evans, Alex McKenna, Dexter Vigar, Subs: Neil Baker, Claudio Cosimetti, Kellen Harvey.