Having been knocked out of the Sussex Cup by Horsham in a very close match just two weeks ago, Lewes Lionesses U14s were almost back to full strength with 16 players and were ready to front up against Horsham’s contingent of 24 players. We were joined by Nellie from Heathfield whom we knew from our league encounter with Crowfield earlier in the season. The U16s Lionesses were playing Horsham after the U14s and the U18s were also on hand to watch. The home support was strong and in good voice.

Lewes kicked off with the wind at their back. With a favourable bounce, Lewes retained possession and the 10/12 axis made the hard yards, broke through some tackles and within minutes Lara Parker-Phillipson was over the line for the first try of the game. It was a difficult conversion with Edith Redshaw giving it some welly, but the ball fell short.

The restart went long, bringing Edith Campbell, the Lionesses full back, into the game. The forwards wanted some of the ball so the crowd were entertained by a number of pick and goes. The ball was lost forward, but the scrum for Lewes went backwards. Enter Sean Sayers, the U16s Lionesses coach who had noticed some dark arts in the front row. He had a quick chat with the Lewes tighthead and the next scrum saw dividends.

It was off the back of this that the backs were bought into the game. The scrum half was getting quick ball out to the No10 and centres, the wings were drifting in to keep the pressure up and through a number of hands the ball went and a direct run by Edith Redshaw saw Lewes' second try of the game. Edith Redshaw converted her own try and Lewes seemed to be in control.

Horsham had different ideas and Lewes certainly weren’t going to get everything their own way. From the restart, they went on to the attack, feeding off some Lewes handling errors and some strong running from the Horsham pack saw a try at the other end. The conversion was missed.

Lewes decided to follow what had worked previously and the forwards rumbled the ball up the middle into the Horsham 22. Some fine defensive work kept Lewes honest, but a weaving run from Molly Sudan on the wing put Lewes back on the front and Edith Redshaw crossed the whitewash again. Three tries to one, Lewes were back in control and the crowd were acting as the 16th player.

At half time we made what few substitutions we could. Horsham also bought on some fresh legs. Their subs made an instant impact. Their winger picked up the ball in their 22, rounded the Lewes centres and winger, and went haring under the posts, for the try to be converted.

Lewes were not to be outplayed. From the restart Edith Redshaw powered through the middle of the Horsham team. With tackles brushed aside, she scored under the posts and then converted her own try.

Both sets of supporters were cheering each play. Both teams were trying to play positive rugby. The game was on a knife edge. Horsham were the team to score next, once again, powering through the middle slipping through tackles. The Lewes defenders were falling off the powerful runners. Horsham’s direct style was causing the tiring Lewes defenders some problems. The try was converted.

The final quarter was spent camped in the Horsham half. The game was getting messy with many tired legs and bodies. The referee was keeping the players honest but due to the fatigue, players were getting sloppy. Numerous penalties in the red zone as Lewes were attacking resulted in a penalty try being awarded to Lewes.

Horsham were straight on the attack, but by now they were chasing the game. Some resolute work in defence by Lewes kept the attacks at bay. The referee blew for full time. The Lionesses had got their reward. Full time score Lewes U14 Lionesses 31 – Horsham 19, a hat-trick for Edith Redshaw, but it was the whole team effort against a bigger squad with fresh legs that was the most pleasing thing from my view. The front row adjusted their scrummaging to counter the Horsham pack, the wingers drifted in to the centre looking for work. All 17 players from Lewes gave it their all.

Horsham awarded Forward of the Match to Annie Belwood, who played a blinder a No8. Back of the Match went to Lara Parker-Phillipson. The coaches Player for the Match was Lily Burgan, who was tenacious in both attack and defence against much taller players. She was awesome.

Two more league matches to go against Hove and Worthing. The Lionesses roar will be heard!