After the exhilarating performances against Crawley and the Sussex All Blacks Eastbourne travelled to West Sussex with a slightly weakened side but,nevertheless, entertained high hopes of a good showing against 7th placed Worthing. Hooker Tom Shuttleworth returned to the side, but scrum-half Matt Pysden was side-lined with a minor injury and Nathan Ring was also absent. The forecast was mist and murk, and rain also threatened to dampen the already marshy conditions awaiting the teams.

Honours were even in the early stages and as Eastbourne got used to the conditions they managed one or two good attacks with a memorable chip and chase from the ever-alert James Coulthard. After twenty-five minutes the visitors were awarded a penalty and Coulthard duly converted it. A few minutes later driving play by Eastbourne led to a splendid try by Tom Shuttleworth which Coulthard converted. Eastbourne appeared to be in the driving seat when they then attacked the Worthing line five minutes later and Sid Hiremutt scrambled over way out to the right. James Coulthard converted magnificently. But Worthing were by no means beaten and came back with a converted try just before half-time to give the visitors a 17-7 lead.

After the interval the home side started well and drove Eastbourne back forcing errors and lost possession. Despite a yellow card against Worthing, Eastbourne were unable to take advantage and started to lose any sense of cohesion, rhythm or purpose. The penalty count went against Eastbourne and Worthing, magnificent in defence, capitalised on the visitor's ragged performance. Only last minute covering kept the home side out. But with twenty minutes to go the hard work by the West Sussex side brought them a converted try and put the game in their favour as they attacked time and time again. Despite good following up by Max Cheater, cover tackles by the skipper Steve Clarke, an impressive debut for Ed Sinclair and safe fielding by Coulthard at full-back, Eastbourne were denied any further scores and kept out of the game. The scrums became scrappy, although it must be said the line-outs went in Eastbourne's favour. Then, Worthing's hard work brought a final reward: a penalty struck in the dying seconds to earn them a draw.

As for the Blue and Golds: they knew they had been on the edge of defeat, in appalling conditions on a dark and dismal day. The players came off the pitch knowing they can look closely at their failings and lift themselves for the next game. Their disappointment will steel them for the next encounter and ensure that they retain their unbeaten run and show the full potential we have already seen this season.

Team Imich, Shuttleworth, Webb, van Bentham, Mottram, Sinclair, Hibben, Redman, Hiremutt, Mackay, Smith, Clarke, Cheater, King, N. Coulthard, Chilvers, King, M., Keen.