Lewes RFC

The last home fixture at the Stanley Turner in mid-February had seen a hint of Spring in the air. But this game was played on a cold, muggy day which was quite a contrast to the first part of the week. It featured a fifth versus sixth clash with Ditchling the visitors - usually quite a close match and there was no exception on this occasion.

One of the reasons that the scores were so even was that both sides made mistakes at crucial times. Lewes started brightly, but immediately dropped the ball close to the Ditchling line. The next Lewes error was more costly, though, as the Ditchling fly half was able to stroll through a sleepy home defence.

So Lewes were 7-0 down halfway through the first half, but although Ditchling were dominant in the set scrum, the home team’s defence improved so much that they denied the visitors any chance to add to their points tally as the game progressed. Ditchling were then reduced to fourteen men by a yellow card and Lewes took advantage to put Jack Solterman through under the posts.

So the half time score was 7-7 – a goal to each side, which was probably fair on the balance of play. A penalty kick would give either side the edge but initial efforts were missed by both teams, before Jordy Smith put Lewes ahead 10-7. This was just after Harry Carr had been yellow carded, and Lewes’ defensive organisation prevented Ditchling from replying to their score.

In fact, as the game went on, it was this young and improving Lewes team that seemed the most likely, but another ball was dropped in goal. It looked like the chance to seal the victory was gone until Jordy Smith’s magnificent solo run resulted in a try, with the attempted conversion the last kick of the game.

There are sterner tests on the horizon for Lewes with games against higher placed teams in the table - Seaford, Brighton and Pulborough - coming up. The Brighton game features a pre-match lunch as we welcome Dave Harris’ intrepid walkers on their annual hike over the Downs. The meal will be on Saturday 28^th March at 1.00 for 1.30. You can book your place on secretary@lewesrugby.com.

Lewes team: Soltermann; Roy, Green (captain), Goode, George-Coker; Smith, Lacy; Thomas, Rees, Simmonds, Medhurst, Taylor; Cross, Weston, Dadswell. Replacements: Moran, Carr, Benson.