Lewes came into this game determined to keep their good run going, and after good initial pressure, skipper James Sale went over for his first try of the season which Gus Taylor converted. However Lewes’ attacking ambitions were hampered by handling errors, misplaced passes and conceding needless penalties.

Jersey are a good side and certainly hadn’t made the long journey to Sussex to tamely allow Lewes to run in boat loads of tries has they had in last month’s matches. Their defence was strong and was able to stem the attacking threat that Lewes possessed with the return to the back line of the impressive Will Hoff and Josh Littlewood.

Lewes pressure did lead to Jersey conceding a penalty which Gus Taylor converted to push the score into double figures. Lewes then began to press more strongly on the Jersey line, and after going through several phases Damian Pye emulated his captain by scoring his fist try of the season. Gus Taylor converted and we went into half time with a 17-0 scoreline.

Jersey’s resolve grew stronger in the second half, and all Lewes had to show with ten minutes left was a couple of Gus Taylor penalty goals. Then in an last ditch attempt to secure the valuable try bonus point, second row Ed King went through to score his third try in successive games.

But the score was not to remain at 28-0, for in the closing stages, spirited Jersey got themselves on the scoresheet with a penalty. Then from the Lewes restart Jersey counter-attacked and got a clear run at the Lewes line. The conversion was the last kick of the match and was no more than the visitors deserved for their contribution to an entertaining contest.

Lewes may rue missed opportunities to gain a fourth, bonus point try, but the momentum they have built up in the last three games will see them in good stead as they go into a crucial match with top of the table Eastbourne at home in two weeks’ time.

Lewes team: Feltham; Littlewood, Green, Hoff, Harris; Taylor, Rourke; Norman, Pye, Dadswell; Sale (captain), King; Coe, Ozeren, Pryor. Replacements: Cross, Gainey, Reid.