The U15s last league game of the season was a nail biting affair from start to finish. The home side dominated the opening quarter, pinning the visitors back in their own 22 throughout. But despite coming agonisingly close to scoring several times Lewes seemed unable to convert pressure in to points. Eventually something had to give. The home side executed a text book rolling maul from a line out and prop Franco Ricci muscled over to score his third try in two matches.

Midhurst stuck back almost immediately. Defending a set scrum just outside their own 22 the Lewes midfield seemed to have dozed off and the visitors took full advantage, moving the ball wide for the simplest of tries. It was Midhurst’s first visit to the Lewes half but they had levelled the score.

Thankfully this was only a momentary lapse of concentration. Although the Midhurst backs always looked dangerous on the counter the home side’s defence was outstanding, with Brad Andersen, Jude Littlewood and Finley Toghill all making numerous crucial tackles. Winger Henry Anstee-Moore consistently had the better of his opposite number whilst a determined Tom Waters on the other wing was a constant threat whenever he got the ball.

But with Storm Freya still raging this was undoubtedly forwards weather and the Lewes pack rose to the challenge magnificently. They rucked with efficient intensity and completely dominated the breakdown. Alfred Monnery made an extremely welcome return to the squad, putting in an impressively determined shift. Hooker Robbie Stoner proved that size really doesn’t matter, singlehandedly taking out the visitor’s giant number 8 on more than one occasion. Second rows Blake Irlam and Alex Brydon were intransigent at ruck time. Number 8 John Weir was selfless in possession and tireless in defence. And rampaging prop Luke Roberts made countless hard yards bulldozing over just before the break to make the score 10 - 5.

After the interval with the wind behind them Midhurst started to look a little more threatening, especially from the set piece. They eventually breached the home side’s defence with an unconverted try to level the scores once again. Although Lewes still had the best of both territory and possession the visitors put up a determined defence and consistently looked threatening on the break. Both sets of supporters were on the edge of their seats.

It took a moment of individual flair to break the deadlock. Fly half Geordie Gwynn chipped over his opposite number, collected his own kick and crossed the whitewash. The conversion made the score 17-10 with twenty minutes still on the clock. But Lewes kept control of the breakdown and the visitors’ frustration started to show. Although the home side came close to scoring several times they were consistently denied. But Lewes deserve full credit for staying calm under pressure, sticking to the game plan and genuinely playing as a team. The victory was hard fought, long awaited and thoroughly deserved.

Tries: Franco Ricci, Luke Roberts, Geordie Gwynn
Conversion: Geordie Gwynn