Remembering two convincing but hard-fought victories last season and determined to improve on the win over Lewes Eastbourne started the match with confidence.

Again, however, they needed time to get fired up and were matched evenly by their weakened opponents. Good tackling on both sides prevented any early scores and Rye had a habit of stealing loose ball that should have been Eastbourne’s possession. Nevertheless, the visitors were beginning to get some good passages of play in the backs. The powerful Eastbourne scrum was winning some useful turnover ball and a good exchange involving both forwards and three-quarters led to an early unconverted try by Steve Clark.

Honours remained even until just before half-time. Jordan Hunt was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle and Rye converted the resulting penalty. Camped for a while in Rye’s 22 metre area Eastbourne through Pele went over for a converted try under the posts. Rye responded with a penalty and Eastbourne led by 6-12 at the interval.

Shortly after half-time Eastbourne were penalised again and the score went to 9-12. But counter-attacking Eastbourne sent Nick King surging over the line for a converted try. Eastbourne were now getting some very good moves together and looked by far to be the more dangerous side. Half way through the second half Joe Bettles playing in his usual aggressive style stormed over for a touch-down. The try was duly converted and the opposition, plagued with injuries, began to tire. That said, they still put up great defence and kicked astutely.

Just as the match came to a close Eastbourne scored two unconverted tries through Adam Tennant and Luke Sage. Rye responded in the dying minutes with a try of their own.

The final score 14-36.The whole game had been contested in a spirit of even tempered vigour and commitment.

Mal Chumbley can be well-pleased with his team’s efforts but will no doubt wish to improve on this performance next week against old local rivals Seaford under floodlights at Hampden Park.

Man of the match Motty Mottram.

Eastbourne’s 1st XV now sit third in the Sussex Spitfire league while Seaford are fifth from bottom.

In other matches Eastbourne Nomads overcame Hastings (their match against Rye at home was scratched) and the Eastbourne Pheonix (III XV) succumbed to a reinforced Haywards Heath Third XV away .