A pulsating finish to a game between two evenly matched sides saw Eastbourne return to winning ways at Park Avenue on Saturday. Fielding a strong XV, the Blue & Golds deserved their win but Ashford will have returned home feeling that the victory could so easily have been theirs. To their credit both sides put up a huge defensive effort to repel their opposition and some of the tackles were of huge proportion. Whilst at times, the play was somewhat sloppy, this was mostly due to the adverse weather conditions which were difficult throughout.

In the first quarter, the home team were forced onto the back foot for much of the time, having to play in their own half. But an early penalty against Ashford gave Ben Barter the opportunity to put the first points up for Eastbourne; confidence grew particularly in the lines out which were dominated by the Eastbourne jumpers Redman, Groenen and Farley. From one such, Max Cheater hit the line at pace and sent out a superb long pass to winger Charles Sweet whose speed easily outstripped the visitors. Barter kicked an excellent conversion to bring up a 10-0 lead at the half time whistle.

Disappointingly, it was Ashford who restarted the stronger and a loose move in midfield provided them with the opportunity to get on the scoreboard; their big prop driving over in the corner. The try was converted and Eastbourne needed to get back onto the front foot. Dominic Groenen drove the pack forward time and again but each attack was repelled by stout Ashford defence. Similarly, questions were asked of the Eastbourne defence; a memorable tackle by Skidmore saved a certain try for the visitors.

With 10 minutes to go, the referee awarded a kickable penalty against the visitors but for once Barter`s direction let him down and the chance went begging. Ashford pulled back to level the scores at ten all which seemed to signal the final score. But the added stoppage time remained on the clock and Eastbourne, led from the front by Matthew Webb surged upfield. His drive was halted and the ball taken on by Joe Wynne who was held up only for the quick witted Matt Pysden to pick up and ground the ball for a great score. Barter having missed the earlier kick made no mistake from wide out and the Blue & Golds were able to celebrate picking up the points.

Man of the match was awarded to Brendan Skidmore and the squad must now prepare for the long trip up to Broadstairs to take on high flying Thanet Wanderers

Eastbourne:- Garcia, Ring, Webb, Williams, Farley, Redman, Groenen, Skidmore, Pysden, Barter, Sweet, Cheater, Clark, Smith, Wynne, Hiremutt, Imich