Eastbourne 's Double against Rye

In conditions more familiar to the end of season, the game commenced with Eastbourne immediately in the ascendancy. An early scrum saw the Blue and Gold’s dominance established and every scrum for the next 20 minutes had the same outcome; Rye going backwards under pressure. This pressure produced the first try of the Afternoon when No 8 Luke Turner collected the ball at the base of the scrum for a short drive over the line. Unconverted the visitors led 5 – 0, but the signs were promising for the sort of performance the travelling spectators were craving.

The reminder of the first half saw Rye’s attack limited by strong Eastbourne defence, forcing kick after kick to surrender possession. A second Eastbourne Try came through Aaron Stevenson; recently moved to Fly Half and growing into this new role with each game, after sustained pressure he exploited a gap in the Rye Defence and coasted over for the try, converted by Nathan Ring. From the restart Rye Regained possession but again kicked away after pressure form the Eastbourne defensive . The kick ahead was gathered by Tom Redman, Captaining the side on the day, Redman beat the chasing player and headed up field, offloaded to Nick King who rounded his opposite man for another converted Try. With Rye being limited to two penalties in the half the 19 – 6 lead at the interval was the platform wanted to go on a secure the bonus point win.

The second half saw a change of approach by the Home side; kicking to the corner and seeking to pressurise Eastbourne close to their line. An injury to Influential Prop Dickie Barron after 5minutes saw the introduction of Dan Keen to the Tight Head, a further injury to Second Row Luke Wilmer, meant changes to the Pack, this coupled with Rye’s reorganisation in the pack resulted in a more balanced set piece and an opportunity for the Home side to apply some pressure and create scoring opportunities of their own, in the 53rd Minute the home spectators had the opportunity to cheer their first try, make it 19 – 14.

The 61st minute saw the incident that was to mar an otherwise fine sporting contest. Following a Ruck the Eastbourne No 7, Andy Curtis received a kick to the face. The injury sustained forced another change to the pack with Scrum Half Stefan Cousin, returning to the game to play in the back row.

The incident galvanised the Blue and Gold’s and Skipper Redman laid down the law that discipline was the way forward. The remainder of the game saw Eastbourne camped in the Rye 22 and collecting two further tries, another from wing Nick King and one from second Row Chris Chilvers finishing off a fine move in the right hand corner.

After the game Director of Rugby Mal Chumbley was full of praise for his players, “We sought to raise our own levels this week, we have been somewhat disappointed over the last few games, winning but not satisfied with our performance. Against a determined Rye side, who tried everything to put us off our game, we showed good discipline and attitude. We still have a way to go to fulfil the potential that exist in this squad, but we are making small steps forward all the time”

Team: Barron, Bettles, Webb, Wilmer, Chilvers, Redman (capt) Curtis, Turner, Cousins, Stevenson, N King, Ring, Light, Fenner, M King
Replacements: Keen (for Barron) Hayllar (for Wilmer) Aitkenhead (for Cousins)

MoM - Rob Light , for solid defence work, good creativity in attack and good leadership.