IMPROVED PERFORMANCE BY LEWES

In their final pre-season friendly, played over 4 twenty-minute sessions, Lewes proved too pacey for Surrey 2 outfit Cranleigh. Although the visitors strong pack of forwards dominated the first quarter, winning 7 - 12, Lewes hit back in the second to draw close at 19 - 22. The third session was scoreless as Lewes began to tighten up in defence and then let loose their fast-running set of backs.
With the opposition visibly tiring, the final quarter belonged to the home side as they prevented Cranleigh from adding to their score, while touching down for two more tries of their own to run out winners by 33 - 22.
Man-of-the-match was left-winger Harry Hanley with a superb hat-trick of long-range tries, with Tom Rourke and Dexter Vigar scoring a try apiece. Dan Billin added 4 conversions.
Encouraging for Lewes was the performance of their new signings, although their victory was somewhat dampened by injuries to two key members of their squad.
(of special mention - as an example of Lewes's strong family traditions over the years - was the inclusion of the two Durrant brothers in the squad, George and James, who were watched by their father, David - Team Manager - and their grandfather, Chris, both of whom played for the Club in the past)

Lewes squad (* new signings) - Errigo*, Booth, Crossman*, Billin, Carr, Vigar, Moule (Capt.), Spalding, Warren, G. Durrant, J. Durrant, Hanley, Laurie, Whiting, Austin, Evans, Sullivan, Jones, Wakely, Rourke, Feltham.

Lewes begin their League campaign in earnest on Saturday with a home match against local rivals, Hove II, k.o. 3.00pm at the Stanley Turner Ground.