With one or two regulars missing, Mal introduced newcomer Tom Shuttleworth to the side at hooker and gave a start to Tyler Bowry who had impressed in his appearances from the bench.

Facing a solid-looking Brighton back-line prepared to run the ball from anywhere, Eastbourne’s defence was challenged from the start. A prolonged period in the first twenty minutes saw the home side valiantly defending their line. With the breeze behind them the visitors
ran at Eastbourne but were unable to find any chink in the Blue and Golds’ armour. The home side were infringing and conceding a lot of penalties but their line held magnificently. A good interception by Martin King almost led to a breakaway try after a quarter of an hour, but it was hard work by hooker Tom Shuttleworth five minutes later that led to the first score. After an excellent build-up Tom broke free near the Brighton posts ably supported by Tyler Bowry who went over for a fine try. Nathan Ring, making a first appearance for the 1st XV this season converted.

Injuries held up the game for a while. Andy Curtis went off and Carl Slaughter came on. A defensive lapse under a high ball let Brighton in for an easy try which was converted. At half-time it was 7-7.
With the wind behind them and the slope in their favour, Eastbourne now turned the tables on their opponents. And it was Brighton’s turn to cede penalties. Despite a yellow card to Martin King in open play, Eastbourne were able to convert two penalties within a space of ten minutes from the trusty boot of Nathan Ring, clearly showing his skill, fitness and welcome aggression throughout.

Half way through the second period a great chase by Nick King led to a splendid score under the posts, duly converted by Nathan Ring. At this juncture the superior fitness of the home side was evident from the number of stoppages from injuries to the Brighton players. Eastbourne had the bit between their teeth. Ten minutes from time a well-executed passing move led to an excellent try by Nathan Ring, which he duly converted himself. Final score 27-7.

In all, after solid start in defence, Eastbourne put on a great all-round display. Committed, brave tackling against powerfully-built backs kept the opposition at bay; great running stretched Brighton’s defences and good kicking added to the satisfying work done by the pack and the excellent jumping in the line-out. As Eastbourne improved throughout the afternoon, Brighton were forced onto the back foot, making mistakes and losing possession.

Man of the match Nathan Ring.

Team : Bowry, Shuttleworth, Eyre, Chilvers, Mottram, Turner, Curtis, Redman, Newton, Cousin, Sage, M.King, Ring, N.King, Slaughter, Cheater.

The 1st XV now face Holbrook away on April 5th and leaders Pulborough in the final match on April 12th at home.

Eastbourne Nomads beat Brighton III’s and The 3rd XV went down to Seaford II’s.