With the Nomads facing a strong Pulborough 2nd XV in the Semi-final of the Sussex Vase away from home. It was left to a confident 1st XV to fly the flag at Martin’s Field, where conditions were ideal for an open game.

Facing a strengthened opposition with powerful and skilful backs, the visitors retained possession to begin with, but Eastbourne responded well and camped for a while in Chichester territory. After a quarter of an hour a good passage of attacking play by the west Sussex team led to a try. Eastbourne responded a few minutes later with a great kick and chase by Aaron Stevenson for a try converted by Steff Cousins.

Chichester converted a penalty but just before half-time good running by Eastbourne backs resulted in a try for Nick King, now well-recovered from his injuries.

Steff Cousins, with his best kicking boots on, converted to give the home side a 14-8 lead at the interval.

Ten minutes into the second half Chichester nudged ahead with a converted a try.. A few minutes later, however, Steff slotted over a penalty to regain the lead for Eastbourne.

Eastbourne’s tackling kept the visitors at bay and good runs by Jo Skeet, Joe Bettles, Liam Eyre and captain Tom Redman kept hopes of further scores alive. The pack scrummaged solidly and the line-outs produced good ball.

Steff Cousins added an excellent solo try to his tally and finished it off in style.

Eastbourne led by 24-15 with twenty minutes to go. Aaron Stevenson executed some great line kicks,
Russ Aitkenhead at scrum-half also kicked well and gave a swift accurate service to his No 10.

Chichester fought back and scored an unconverted try. The referee then awarded Eastbourne a penalty and, after some dissent from Chichester, another ten yards. The Eastbourne skipper wisely opted for a shot at goal. Steff duly stepped up for a fine kick to give Eastbourne a 27-20 lead.

With five minutes to go Martin King scored an excellent try, neatly converted by Steff Cousins.

It was game characterised by improved decision-making, good support, solid defence, hard work all round and outstanding place-kicking.

Man of the Match : Steff Cousins.

Team : Eyre, Bettles, Webb, Chilvers, Mottram, Redman (Capt) Hayllar, Skeet, Aitkenhead, Cousins,
Slaughter, M.King, Stevenson, N.King, Cheater, Sage, Funnell, Imich.

The Nomads lost their cup-tie to Pulborough. Next week the 1st XV face Hove II at home and Eastbourne III’s are away to East Grinstead.