Eastbourne Men's 1XV kicked off their 2026/27 league campaign in dramatic fashion, overturning a 19-point half-time deficit to beat Old Reigatian RFC 22-19 with the final kick of the game at Park Avenue.

The league season began on Saturday 26 September, three weeks later than usual due to the summer drought. Eastbourne welcomed league newcomers Old Reigatian RFC, with several young players returning to the first team and full-back Joseph Satchwell and winger Koen Montes making their competitive debuts.

The visitors made the stronger start and took the lead after six minutes when sustained pressure finally breached the Eastbourne defence.

Old Reigatian doubled their advantage midway through the first half, moving the ball wide with a delayed pass that released their left winger to score beneath the posts.

Their third try came after 34 minutes, against the run of play, when the outside centre intercepted and raced away to score, extending the lead to 19-0. Despite the scoreline, Eastbourne finished the half strongly and headed into the break enjoying plenty of possession and territory.

The turnaround began shortly after half-time.

Just five minutes into the second period, Koen Montes marked his debut with Eastbourne's opening try. A dominant scrum deep inside the visitors' half allowed fly-half Aaron Hossack to find the young winger with a superb 15-metre pass off his left hand. Owen Jones added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 19-7.

Eastbourne's determined carrying and varied attack continued to ask questions of the visitors' defence. Their pressure was rewarded when winger Maximus Smith crossed from close range to make it 19-12.

Although both sides showed signs of early-season rustiness, Eastbourne completed the comeback on 65 minutes. Centre Tom Lester, making only a handful of appearances in the position, capped an impressive all-round display with his side's third try. Jones converted to level the scores at 19-19, with the hosts looking the more likely winners.

A late yellow card for Owen Jones was not enough to halt Eastbourne's momentum. With seconds remaining, the home side were awarded a penalty in the centre of the pitch, 45 metres from the try line.

After some deliberation, scrum-half Leon Woods stepped forward to take responsibility. Players, coaches and supporters held their breath as Woods struck the ball cleanly through the posts to seal a remarkable 22-19 victory and spark celebrations around the ground.

The large, sun-drenched crowd witnessed an entertaining contest against tough opposition and a tremendous display of resilience and composure from the home side.

Player of the Match was awarded to winger Maximus Smith, who produced an accomplished performance in attack and defence on his return to the 1st XV.

Elsewhere, Eastbourne Men 2XV, the Nomads, travelled to Hove for their opening league fixture with a youthful squad that included senior debuts for Felix Hawthorne, Harrison Bourne, Josh King, Owen Perkins and Freddie Hayes. Despite a 57-27 defeat, the young Blue and Gold side showed impressive skill, character and commitment throughout the 80 minutes.

With growing membership and improving facilities, it is an exciting time to be involved with Eastbourne Rugby Club as a player, volunteer, spectator or sponsor.

Find out more about the club's boys', girls', men's and women's teams at www.eastbournerugby.com.