Eastbourne faced their biggest challenge of the season at Burgess Hill on Saturday and came through with heads held very high. After being mauled earlier in the season at Park Avenue, the Blue & Golds knew that they would face a strengthened home side; this time the disparity in size was evident and the transfer of the match to a smaller school pitch (Southway home ground being unplayable) also favoured the Hillians. An unexpectedly foul weather front did its best to ruin the match but the outcome was the closest, tensest 80 minutes of rugby that the ERFC 1st XV have experienced for many years. And although a draw might seem to be a fair result, it was Eastbourne who led until the very last play; victory could so easily have been theirs.

The first half belonged to the Hillians pack who dominated the set pieces and driving mauls. Although the visitors took the lead after 5 minutes with a well struck penalty by full back James Coulthard, the rest of the half looked ominous. Had the home No 10 not left his kicking boots at home, Eastbourne could have been in a difficult position by half time. As it was they only conceded a single try to a rumbling forward drive and turned around at 8-3 down.

But what a transformation followed. Was it the more favourable wind direction or the introduction of Imich and Van Bentham into the pack or simply self belief in what could be achieved. The difference was huge and as fast as Eastbourne improved, so Burgess Hill faded to the extent that some of their better players became anonymous. Even when fly half McKay was sent to the sin bin for a technical infringement, the impetus remained with the visitors. A clean line out and good work by Gavin Farley saw quick ball move across the backs and Charlie Smith forcing his way over for a try beneath the posts. The conversion was easy meat for Coulthard and he followed this with 2 classic penalty kicks which he made to look simple despite the capricious wind.

Leading 11-16, Eastbourne could smell an away win but with seconds remaining on the clock, the home pack grouped for one final surge and scored a try in the corner. Fortunately the conversion failed and the referee blew for a memorable second half. The result means that Eastbourne still top the table with a game in hand. Club President John Feakins praised every single player for commitment, tenacity and effort.

Eastbourne:- Keen, Sinclair, Webb, Farley, Mottram, Redman, Cousins, Hibben, Pysden, McKay, Smith, Cheater, Clark, King, Coulthard, Imich, Van Bentham, Keen