Determined to put the narrow defeat to London Nigerians behind them and welcoming back Steve Clarke, Matt Pysden, Max Cheater and Nathan Ring, Eastbourne were confident of giving League Three Opponents Old Dunstonians a warm welcome on Martin's Field. The main pitch outside the clubhouse had been given over to the Big Screen and bars set up to celebrate the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup. The weather having been uncertain most of the week, Saturday's dry skies played along with the team's optimism and the sunshine promised a lively crowd of onlookers. And the supporters were not disappointed. Kicking off into a slight breeze uphill the home side faced some powerful looking opponents and one or two speedy backs. The Blues and Golds got off to a good start with excellent defence and good attacks. Any incursions into Eastbourne territory were firmly repulsed and turn-over ball by marauding forwards led to threatening moves towards Old Dunstonians' line. Quick thinking and good teamwork saw Matthew Mottram bursting through a stunned defence for a first try within minutes. Nathan Ring converted the touch-down with a neatly struck kick. Despite repeated attacks by the visitors, Eastbourne held their line and concerted defensive efforts kept the Old Dunstonians from using their strong runners and dangerous wingers. The first half was extended by numerous stoppages for injury, adding to the tension and excitement of this very enjoyable match. Just before half time, James Grey, making his tremendous skills and presence felt more and more in this team, charged over for another try near the posts. Nathan Ring duly converted with another elegant kick. Eastbourne led 14-0.

Facing a very resolute Kent side Eastbourne came out of the blocks like men possessed
and within ten minutes of the kick off had scored a third try by the strong-running, ever alert Max Cheater. Nathan Ring stepped up to add the points. But Old Dunstonians would not lie down and mounted attack after attack on the home side's line. Twenty minutes into the half Nathan Ring received a yellow card and within a few minutes the visitors had taken advantage and sent their very fast winger over for an unconverted try. A few minutes later before Eastbourne were back to full strength their opponents had added a second converted try to their tally. Again stoppages for injuries added to the tension. Full-back Joseph Wynne and winger Charlie Smith came off. Eastbourne had opportunities to seal the win with some pulsing forays into enemy territory but failed to add to their score. But at the death they were clearing and valiantly defending their lines. Final score 21-12.

Overall this was an excellent riposte to last week's disappointment, and, barring injuries, bodes very well for the future. A lot of impressive performances from the players, but man of the match went to the rampaging James Grey.

Team: Goldsmith, Sinclair, Imich, Farley, Mottram, Ring, Redman, Grey, Pysden, MacKay, Smith, Cheater, Clarke (captain) Stevenson, Wynne, Bettles, Cousins, Slaughter.