Eastbourne's First defeat of the Season

With changes to the side due to availability or injury, Eastbourne starting line-up included Luke Sage change of position from Winger to No 11 and Tom Redman going into the backs to No 13 with a call up for and Lewis Edwins going in as Hooker from the 2nd’s.

Burgess Hill from the start wanting to put their mark on the game and playing to a vocal home crowd, quickly demonstrating their handling skills moving the ball down the line forcing Eastbourne to react and position themselves behind the ball with Joe Tobin (Captain) to put their winger into touch within Eastbourne’s own 22. With equal strengths demonstrated within the Scrum, Eastbourne just unable to drive off their ball made the backs and Scrum Half an important part of play and Burgess Hill capitalising on lose ball and break Eastbourne’s defence scoring the first try just left of the posts, adding two points safely converting: 7-0 - Burgess Hill. Burgess Hill wanting to stamp authority on the game within the first half, added to the score line, another try from quick ball at the break down creating an overlap to the right and Eastbourne unable to defend due to numbers went down another 5 points from the try: 12-0.

Despite Eastbourne trying to penetrate Burgess Hill’s defensive line with a good run by full back Stefan Cousins was not at perhaps as quick in supporting as evidenced in previous games allowing Burgess Hill to turnover securing the ball or gaining ground by penalties awarded for Eastbourne holding on to the ball when grounded. Luke Turner (No8) having to come off due to injury to his hand again allowing Burgess Hill to get the upper hand and scoring another try: 17-0. Despite Eastbourne digging deep and Richard Barron defending with his usual tacking as Burgess Hill try to break the through the centre, Eastbourne winning lose ball and creating a chance on the left wing with Luke Sage having a strong run supported by Nick King but was not going to be their day as Burgess hill closed down denying them finding their stride and pace.

Half time score being 31-0 to Burgess Hill, Eastbourne now really needed to demonstrate their character in order to fight back and try to get something out of the game.
Eastbourne down but certainly not out started to get back into the game with the forwards retaining the ball phase after phase gaining ground deep into Burgess Hill 22 scoring a well-deserved try with the ball being released to the backs and Nick King crossing the line: 31-5. With a yellow card shown to Eastbourne’s No-10 Adam tenant for not being 10 yards when playing the ball and a penalty score previously to Burgess Hill, Eastbourne continued to force Burgess Hill back into their half and with now more possession of the ball try to break defensive lines with both Matthew Webb and Richard Barron taking the ball into their forwards and setting for the second phase releasing to the backs allowing Luke Sage to beat one defender and cross the line to score Eastbourne’s second try.

The second half was clearly Eastbourne’s with a 10-3 score line but perhaps had left to much to do and credit goes to Burgess Hill as defended, maintained their composure and despite both passion and territory in the second half, Eastbourne could not add to their two tries to get closer to Burgess Hill’s score line in the 1st Half. A strong performance by Burgess Hill who with just 4 points difference now top of the Sussex Spitfire 1 league table.

Eastbourne will of course study the first half and start preparing themselves for next week’s cup game.