After losing their cup match to Battersea and despite missing a few key-players, the Blue and Golds were determined to put on a good display this week. Due to the usual boggy conditions in Mid-Sussex- a venue notorious for its mud- the match was switched to Martin's Field and at kick-off a good home crowd materialised out of the gloom to cheer their team on. The rain stayed away but there was a tricky cross-wind to complicate matters for both sides. Honours were even at first but Eastbourne were penalised early on and gave the visitors an opportunity to show their goal-kicking skills. After an infringement in the home side's half Crowborough went ahead with a penalty. The Blue and Golds were setting up good moves but were let down by their handling and were unable to establish a good rhythm at this point. Nevertheless, an impressive drive by the home pack led to a try by Gavin Farley. But a few minutes later Crowborough camped down in Eastbourne's half and determined play saw them crash over for five points. Despite impressive attacks on the visitors' line Eastbourne were unable to capitalise on good possession. At half-time the score stood at 5-8.

With the slope and eventually positional changes and substitutions, Eastbourne were able to show their scoring ability. From possession in the Crowborough half Stef Cousins pounced on the ball and scythed his way through the opposition for an excellent solo effort. Aaron Stephenson converted brilliantly. Five minutes later the fly-half wriggled over on the right hand side and converted his own effort. Eastbourne were now firmly in the driving-seat and dominated play. Further scores followed from Nick King and Aaron. For a long time Crowborough were pinned back in their territory, unable to penetrate the good home defence. Paul Keen at scrum-half was then able to touch down for another try converted by Aaron Stephenson, having an impressive day with the boot. With the score at 38-8 Eastbourne eased off a little, lost a player to a yellow card and let Crowborough in for a final score. The match ended 38-15 to the home team. There were some impressive runs and drives by Redman, van Bentham, Farley, Webb and Goldsmith. In the end a good defensive effort and teamwork kept the opposition struggling for possession.However, Crowborough put on a good display, fielding the ball well, holding on to their passes and tackling effectively.

Man of the Match: Gavin Farley.

Team: Keen D., Sinclair, Webb, Farley, van Bentham, Buttle, Redman, Brown, Longton,
Tennant, Smith, King N., Clarke, Hiremutt, Keen P., Stephenson, Goldsmith, Cousins.