LEWES SLIP UP AT HASTINGS

Lewes travelled over to Hastings and Bexhill RFC on the away leg, having narrowly tasted victory at home earlier in the season. With Hastings and Bexhill involved in a potential relegation battle, the Lewes squad knew that their opposition would be fired up and require little motivation. It was the home side that started off the better of the two and after knocking on the door a few times, they were let in by virtue of a penalty kick.

A try soon followed as the Hastings and Bexhill full back managed to just get over the line, which was also converted. A second score just before the break gave the home team a healthy 17-0 lead.

A few choice words were exchanged in the Lewes huddle at the break. They clearly worked as it was Lewes who started like a steam train in the second half. A number of slick moves, several from inside their own 22 metre line resulted in a sweeping try that went through several pairs of hands, with Tom Hatch getting the touch down, with Jon Pitts converting. Sadly, try as they may, the comeback attempt was thwarted and Hastings and Bexhill were able to add two further tries (one converted) and a penalty kick to make it 32-7 at the death.

Head Coach Chris Roberts commented after the game "Whilst I will always back my players I must say I was extremely disappointed with them today. The squad seemed to lack the heart and desire that an emotive game like rugby requires. There were some disappointed lads after the game and I can understand why. Today was not an accurate account of how we can play but it cannot take away thats how we did play and deserved to get beaten."

Lewes have their last game of the season at home on Saturday against high-flying Bromley. 3 pm at the Stanley Turner Ground.

Despite having to give up some of their regulars to the 1st XV, the 2nds beat Crowborough 3rds at home 45-17. Using five Colts (including flanker Toby Greenwood in his debut adults' match) and a number of seasoned veterans such as U16s coach Paddy Henshaw, Lewes led by three tries at the end of the first half. The bonus point was quickly gained at the beginning of the second and credit is due to Crowborough for coming back with three tries. Lewes try-scorers were Dan Billin, Jack Nichols, Mitch Perks, Patrick Rourke (2) and George Tagg (2). Number 8 Man of the Match Josh Farr scored three and Billin two conversions.