but will need to step up if they are to progress beyond the next round. Whether it was the early kick off or the effect of a gale force wind or a more determined opposition than expected, there was a listlessness in the first 20 minutes that could have been more costly than it proved. Only in the period either side of half time did the Blue & Golds begin to show their true form and start to exert home pressure.
Reigate certainly started the better and fully deserved their initial lead through 2 well struck penalties. On the half hour however an attacking home scrum saw Nick King running a beautiful line to score beneath the posts. Coulthard converted but the lead was short-lived because a mistake from the restart gave Reigate an opportunity which they seized gratefully for 7-11. With seconds to go before half time Eastbourne pressed forward and were rewarded with a penalty try decision by the referee. Coulthard again added the extras and at 19-11 and with the wind advantage to follow, things looked more comfortable.
Within seconds of the restart, Matt Pysden looking sharp as usual, took a quick tap penalty; Reigate were caught napping and from the resultant surge, Josh Imich touched down in the corner. At this point, the game plan from both sides appeared to deteriorate. Eastbourne were able to score when James Coulthard capitalised on sloppy midfield defence from the visitors; however a yellow card reduced the home side to 14 men and the Reigate scrum was able to take full advantage and bring the score back to 26-18.
The final phase of the match saw another reversal of fortunes. Eastbourne were restored to 15 men but Reigate suffered their own yellow card and the home skipper, Steve Clark was able to cut through for the fifth try. Coulthard`s conversion and a subsequent penalty seemed to put the game to bed but to their credit, Reigate pressed to the last and were rewarded on the final whistle.
Eastbourne:- Keen D, Imich, Goldsmith, Farley, Van Bentham, Cousins, Hibben, Redman, Pysden, Coulthard, King N, Clark, King M, Keen P, Stevenson, Buttle, Chilvers, Palfreyman, Wilmer

Man of the match:- Ricky Van Bentham - another workmanlike performance in the second row