Eastbourne 2nd XV gaining momentum

Seaford 1st XV – 7 vs 8 – Eastbourne 2nd XV
K.O. 14:00

Whilst some had written off Eastbourne 2nd XV against a Seaford 1st XV, Eastbourne would not be beaten, with a thirst for winning Eastbourne 2nd XV are building continuity and gaining momentum.

As always Eastbourne kicked off with a ferocious start pinning Seaford into their 22 forcing a lineout on the 10m. With odd numbers in the line Eastbourne took a quick free kick allowing the forwards to bounce their way up the field with Light leading the way, continuous forward interplay saw Seaford concede a penalty which lead to an Eastbourne 5meter lineout but Seaford defence was good and Eastbourne couldn’t capitalise.
After some scrappy kicking and set plays Eastbourne set a rolling maul10meters up the pitch, this gave the perfect platform to release their hungry backs. A classic manoeuvre saw the partnership of King a Fuller at its best with a sleight switch opening up the defence.
Seaford then replied with torrent of attacks spreading the ball to each wing in succession, good defence from Child and Balmer prevented a Seaford try, with Dunster making the ball safe with a mammoth 40 meter clearance.
The middle of the pitch saw a battle of the forwards with lineouts and scrums galore, Eastbourne dominated the scrum with powerhouse’s Finney, Sanders and Stenning leading from the Front. Eastbourne set their backs up ready to pounce when Light broke from the ruck taking Seaford unawares, Delaney supported and with a back row one two the last lines of the Seaford defence were broken and Light scored (0-5).
With the worst possible start Eastbourne received the kick off and had the clearance charged down, landing in Seaford hands for them to run in under the posts (7-5). Eastbourne then dominated the middle ground of the second half with Bailey and Balmer gaining the hard yards and Hookham tormenting the opposition’s scrum-half like a wasp round a coke can. Playing to their strengths Eastbourne worked their way up the field with 15 man rugby, whilst preparing for a try scoring move Dunster dropped back into the pocket to flight over a low drop goal to put Eastbourne into a well deserved lead (7-8).
Seaford came back instantly and only a trademark cover tackle from Keen stopped them from taking the lead. Seaford missed three penalties in quick succession and Eastbourne kept their nerve for a great win.

MOM – Tom Bailey
Team – Finney, Sanders, Stenning, Baldwin, Bailey, Delaney, Balmer, Light (Captain), Hookham, Latham, Keen J, King, Funnel, Child, Dunster