An exciting, incredible and, in many ways unique, day at Lewes Rugby Club began with everyone in the clubhouse glued to the TV screen to witness England’s thrashing of New Zealand. That was not all, as the clubhouse was still rocking at lunchtime. This was because a group of Everton fans had called in for some refreshments on their way to supporting their team against the Seagulls. This time it was the goals of Manchester City, rather than those of George Ford, on the television that were cheered to the rafters!

But, just as the Evertonians were leaving, it began to rain, and it continued doing so for the rest of the afternoon. However Lewes were not daunted by the weather conditions, for their determination to get the season back on track after the disappointment of last week was soon very apparent. Their attack was still as potent as it has been all season, but their defence was much stronger and it was a magnificent effort to keep a clean sheet in such treacherous conditions.

Great credit should be given to the young pack who took on more experienced opposition with a tremendous spirit and perseverance. And, after the early exchanges, it was one of these forwards, Charlie Cowling, who was rewarded by scoring his first try for the club. Despite kicking into a strong wind, Billy Shiell nailed the conversion. Then an incisive break by scrum-half Tom Rourke enabled him to set up Harry Handley for an easy run-in to the posts, but the wind had strengthened so much by then that the conversion was impossible.

See Danny Simpson's photos of the game here>>

Lewes’ third try came as a result of the gale blowing down the pitch. When Peter Ford put in a high attacking kick, it faded so much that the defenders failed to gather it and Billy Shiell was able to take advantage to score a try that, once again, he was unable to convert. This made the half time score 17-0.

The traditional way that Lewes teams have always favoured playing in the second half at home is with the wind towards the clubhouse whose lights got brighter as the conditions became gloomier. They took advantage of this to put a stranglehold on the game and ran out winners by three goals and two tries to nil.

However the win came at a cost for a serious injury to a front row player led to uncontested scrums being ordered. From one of these a mis-move in the centre gave Harry Handley the chance to score the bonus point try that was converted by Billy Shiell. Unfortunately, both Billy and Michael Sullivan had to go off with injuries as Lewes ended the game with fourteen men.

The final coup de grâce came from a brilliant long-range kick towards the right touchline by Jordan Whiting, which was “centred” football-style by Tom Rourke for Will Feltham to touch down for Lewes’s fifth try. This score, which was converted by Jordan Whiting, epitomises the way the game had to be played, given the prevailing weather conditions, and shortly afterwards the referee blew the final whistle as the lights in the clubhouse beckoned.

Needless to say, the clubhouse will once again be open for the televising of the England’s fourth World Cup Final when they take on the Springboks on Saturday 2nd November. The next Lewes 1st XV game will be at Seaford the following Saturday - 9th November.

Match Squad:
Will Feltham; Peter Ford, Harry Hanley, Jordan Whiting, Caolan Quinn, Billy Shiell, Tom Rourke; Ollie Bowery, Sam Wakeley, Cameron Rankin; Charlie Cowling, Mike Sullivan; Pietro Melloni, Elliot Moule (captain), Joe Omar. Subs (all used): Lewis Evans, Will Petty, Dan Carr.