Eastbourne 1st XV vs Lewes II

All eyes were on Eastbourne having played three friendly matches and starting their Pre-season training back in July. Joe Tobin still overcoming an jury from last season handed captaincy to Russ Aitkenhead (No 9) who will lead the side for today’s fixture. A few changes to the starting line up, Luke Sage as Wing, Richard Barron (prop) back from injury having been out of action for a season and Luke Turner joining the pack at No 8.

Right from the Kick-off Eastbourne made their present known and dominated lose ball or drove forward in rucks ensuring they keep possession of the ball, releasing to the backs that in turn spread the ball out wide surging forwards and moving towards Lewes try line. Early into the game Eastbourne controlled the scrum with Matt Webb and Richard Barron making their presence known winning most of their scrums allowing the backs to be involved from the start. A few knock on by Eastbourne but positive display of trying different moves and adopting behaviours taught in training during the game.

James Geitzen starting the Scoring with a try to the far corner left of the post, Ball having been passed down the line an excellent start to Eastbourne’s campaign.

Lewes seemed to settle down and indeed their backs growing in confidence started to attack Eastbourne defensive line, penetrating with excellent channel work supported by their forwards and indeed themselves finding the Try line, this was truly an exciting game with both sides maintaining possession of the ball and trying to find gaps to add points, during the first half score line as close as 08 – 07, 1 point in Eastbourne’s favour. Eastbourne again attacked with their forwards winning ball from a turn over scrum and Eastbourne first to add another try with Adam Tennant converting.

Eastbourne determined to set an example for the season demonstrated good elements from set pieces, good discipline at the breakdown with just a couple moments lacking in concentration in the defensive line allowing Lewes to punish and add to the score line.

Eastbourne continued with their campaign and always looked in control with Penalties and good conversions from Adam Tennant including a drop goal at the end of the second half, a great display of an individual try by James Coulthard, chipping over the defence chasing and firmly placing over the line. Tries from Matt Mottram, his first for Eastbourne’s 1st XV adding to the total of 4 tries, a bonus point to Eastbourne’s win completing the game 33 points to 17.

Director of Rugby Mal Chumbley quoted “Positive start to the season, opportunity for us to measure our progress from pre-season, we took away and learnt what we are good at, what we need to develop further and the boys gained a little bit of confidence, hard weeks work in training, Tuesday and Thursday for the boys to start again next Saturday at Home against Newick”.

Man of the Match voted by Eastbourne’s Spectators: Luke Sage
Tries Scored: James Geitzen, Matt Mottram, Nick King, James Coulthard,