Crawley Rugby 1st team (19) V Eastbourne rugby 1st team (52)

It was clear from the outset that Eastbourne were the more organised, fitter and quicker side. However, as always, Crawley were aggressive, very determined and stayed in the game for the full 80 minutes.

Eastbourne having dominance in the scrum, and looking comfortable spinning the ball wide, unfortunately butchered a few chances, before Dylan Becker scored his first of three superb tries.

Crawley responded with their first visit to the Eastbourne 22. Eastbourne continued to attack wide and at pace which saw Harrison Gibbons, Dylan Becker and Jeremy Montes score and Jake Howe kick 2 of 4 conversions in the first half and secure a bonus point for scoring 4 tries. Crawley responded on the stroke of half time to make the score 12-24.

Dylan Becker started the second half in style and scored an excellent solo try. Ryan Shields, now on the pitch, scored shortly after with a powerful run and continued to make a good impact throughout the half.

Crawley responded on 70 minutes with a brilliant team try going the full length of the pitch with some great offloading.

Eastbourne, determined to score 50 points, saw Joe Bettles power over from short range which was just reward for his continued excellent performances.

New signing Aaron Hossacks, brought up the 50 with a lovely show and go, followed up by a chip and chase to ground the ball. Jake How kicked his 6th conversion of the game to bring it to a conclusion. Crawley 19 Eastbourne 52.

Some brilliant performances around the park, from Hossacks and Perrott’s control at 10 and 12, Dylan Becker's hat-trick and Harrison Gibbons' performance at scrum half, following Crawley's determination to limit his involvement! However, the Man of the Match award went to Chris 'Ernie' Hoskings, for his great scrum performance, his work in the tight and in the loose around the park.

Next week Eastbourne will be at home to face Shoreham who have been promoted to the league and scored 100 points in their first league game. Eastbourne will need to show patience in attack and stay focused in defence, which is something they were guilty of not doing at times versus Crawley.