A little rain, a little sunshine and a lot of good running rugby was the order of the day at Hampden Park as the Blue and Golds delighted a good home crowd with a rousing display. The last home match was preceded by a lunch hosted by the President and the Directors
in honour of the sponsors and generous supporters of the club. The Mayor, Councillor Janet Coles, and her consort were in attendance to see the First Fifteen put on a fine sporting performance.

The first twenty minutes saw Eastbourne holding their own and keeping play in the Anchorians' half. But a neat kick and chase saw the visitors elude the Eastbourne defence and get the first try against the run of play. Eastbourne were quick to respond and recovered their momentum. Ten minutes later a good passing movement saw them threaten the Kent side's line and excellent support from the tireless Gavin Farley saw the experienced lock crash over in the top right -hand corner for a well-deserved score. It was now 5-5. Despite their powerful runners the boys from Gillingham were not having it all their way and Eastbourne's persistent attack saw them go into the lead just before half-time with young winger Ethan Quinn getting onto the score-board in the same corner. The rain that had fallen briefly to dampen the firm surface of the playing-field retreated and the sun took over.

Just after half-time Eastbourne made good progress towards the visitors' line, their scrum gathered momentum and rolled aggressively towards Gillingham's in-goal area. A try was inevitable and James Grey claimed a swift and decisive touch-down. The try was converted by Ben Barter. It was 17-5 to Eastbourne. A hold up for injury and yellow cards on both sides saw Eastbourne reduced to thirteen and Gillingham to fourteen. A little anxious bad-temper seemed to have crept into the game at this point. All Eastbourne needed to do was keep their calm, capitalise on their powerful scrummaging and the result would be in no doubt. By now the home side should have wrapped this result up, but a few more jangled nerves would be evident for a short while as good forward play drove the Kent side towards the Eastbourne line. A flurry of penalties against the Blue and Golds led to an unconverted try. It was now 17-10. But the sunshine persisted and ten minutes later good quick ball saw the mercurial Ben Barter break free and sprint fifty yards to score under the posts and convert his own try. Again Gillingham battled upfield and their determination was rewarded with a final try. At the final whistle it was Eastbourne 24 Gillingham 15. This was a fair reflection on a game evenly contested and well-executed by the Park Avenue outfit facing a resolute and strong adversary. Man of the Match was Dan Keen.

Team: Peinado Garcia, Sinclair, Keen, Thomas, Farley, Redman, Grey, Cousins, Pysden, Barter, Quinn, Cheater, Clark, Slaughter, King, Bowry, Walker, Hayllar.