The away team had a couple of forced changes to their regular side, but the new additions didn’t disappoint, especially Owen Jones on the left wing (the self-proclaimed – Dan Carter of Eastbourne) had a particularly good day at the office. Eastbourne started the stronger sticking to a new pattern which really stretched the much bigger side for the opening 30 minutes, Eastbourne did unfortunately not capitalise on a lot of penalties until the opening try in the 30th minute scored through Jake Howe, they really should have been further ahead at this point in the game. As Weybridge Vandals who are a class outfit were not going to spend the whole day on the back foot and would eventually wake up and get it together, they scored a somewhat lucky try on the stroke of half time and then an excellent try just after to lead 5-12. The home side were now finding their feet and Eastbourne could not contain them and were missing far too many first up tackles and eventually they would succumb to the much bigger home sides hard running lines and excellent handling. Eastbourne battled to the end and kept trying to get in positions to earn a loosing bonus point, but it was to be, 3 tries and 3 conversions in the last 10 minutes made the score look slightly unfair on Eastbourne, However Weybridge were well drilled, very organised, and extremely powerful. It was a good lesson for Eastbourne if they want to be near the top next season, of what is required. Thanks goes to Weybridge who put on a great show after the game and hosted Eastbourne in a joint end of season do.

Eastbourne have had a successful season after being promoted last season to the very challenging Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex. They have more than held their own and finished 6th out of 12 with a record of 10 wins, 1 draw and 11 loses. The Eastbourne Nomads (2nd 15) who were also promoted last season finished 4th with 9 wins and 5 loses. Two very solid seasons for the ever-improving squad. The squad now turns its attention to the Papa John’s national cup when they face Bognor in round 2 on the 20th of April, where Chairman James ‘chubby’ Stevenson will be hosting a chairman’s lunch, the 3rd team are also in action that day at Seaford in a cup final, so still a lot to play for and achieve before the season is officially over.