Eastbourne 1st XV vs Newick

On the pages of the `Herald` last week, Eastbourne Director of Rugby, Mal Chumbley spoke about a new spirit of optimism in the club and on Saturday at Park Avenue, this translated into a display on the field that delighted the spectators and resulted in the best scoreline for 3 years in favour of the home side.

Spectators were treated to a display of open running rugby with 12 tries being scored; two in the first half from Redman and King being of the highest order. From prop to full back, every player acquitted himself with distinction and with players pushing from the 2nd XV for a place, the club can look forward to a successful run in Sussex League 1

The hard work was done in the first half. Eastbourne dominated scrum and line-out and the back line was set in motion by an outstanding display from Adam Tennant at fly-half. The players all looked fit and the ball was kept alive at every opportunity leading to scores coming at regular intervals. Within 20 minutes, Eastbourne had the game won having scored 4 tries through Turner, King (2) and Mottram. Instead of resting on their laurels, the side picked up the pace even further and the second quarter was an exhibition of class rugby. Redman`s searing break from 40 metres and Couthard`s chip and chase were matched by a break from Tennant just before half time which cut the Newick defence apart and led to a further score for centre King. And before the turn-around, stalwart prop Matthew Webb got in on the act with an unstoppable charge from a short pass.

Perhaps the players were shocked to see the 50-0 half time score; whatever the reason, they did relax for the third quarter of the game and Newick, who battled valiantly throughout, were perhaps unlucky not to cross the home line. Handling became less certain and it seemed as though the uphill slope was taking its toll. Just when it seemed that the game was drifting towards a second half stalemate, a break from full back by James Couthard led to a score for Nathan Hancock and the tempo again was raised. The influential Sage on the wing put Redman in for his second score and then followed it with a five pointer of his own. Finally on the whistle, a bullocking run by club captain Jo Tobin put Eastbourne wing Cousins over for the fourth try in the second half.

It was an outstanding performance by all 18 players in the squad and one which was thoroughly enjoyed by a large crowd.

Eastbourne Tries

Webb Oakey Barron Chilvers Mottram Redman Turner Hancock Aikenhead Tennant Sage King King Cousins Coulthard

Subs all used Tobin Light Bettles