The U12s have been looking forward to the move up to Sussex Junior rugby and start the season in Pool B in the Waterfall league. They started their campaign with a difficult away fixture in Jersey.

The squad played a friendly against East Grinstead two weeks beforehand to get used to the new law variations for U12s and the new tackle height. The performance against East Grinsted showed some early promise for the season ahead, but the Lewes players were eager not to be complacent for this match.

A previous encounter between the two sides back in March in tricky conditions at the Sussex U11s Minis Festival, came out in Jersey's favour. The Lewes boys were determined not to allow the strong, quick and physical Jersey side to dominate.

The first try came in the first few minutes of the game, scored by Bear, a new player to the squad. Unfortunately, it was disallowed following confusion over the try line. Undetered the boys did what was asked of them, moving the ball out wide, being quick to the break down and supporting each other. The first points came swiftly with a try by Barnaby (the youngest of the fmaily o wear a Lewes shirt). Jersey responded quickly with a try of their own and it looked like the game was going to go back and forth. However, Lewes stuck to their game plan and capitalized on several Jersey infringements. Further tries followed for Arthur Motley (two pick and goes from the breakdown) and Barney, who powered through. At half time the score was 5-20 to the visitors.

The second half was a more evenly contested affair, with both sides trying to find the gaps. Lewes game close to piercing the Jersey line a number of times with some excellent running and Bear finally was rewarded with a try. Lewes had further try disallowed, however the defense remained solid under relentless Jersey pressure. The game finished 10-25.

The experience was a fantastic opportunity for the players who did the club proud both on and off the pitch. To come away with an away win at 'fortress' Jersey was brilliant. This is lovely group of players to coach and we are looking forward to see the whole squad develop and grow.

A huge thanks to the parents who travelled with the team and provided excellent support. We are also very grateful to our colleagues at Jersey RFC who helped us organise the trip and provided us with a grant to travel.

An experience to remember!