With two matches to play and one point to clinch the Sussex League One title, the Blue and Golds found themselves travelling north to face old rivals at Horsebridge. The sun had singularly failed to make an appearance and the forecast was for bitter, cold winds with a dash of rain. Added to the discomfort of the weather Eastbourne would have to play this game on the erratic and potentially treacherous terrain of the home side's pitch. Nevertheless, fielding a strong pack, fast running backs restored to fitness and an altogether well-drilled, highly motivated team, spirits were high for the visitors. Kicking off into the wind Eastbourne took their time to get into their stride. Play moved from one half to another but Eastbourne's constant pressure forced the home side into a number of errors. The visitors, however, were unable to turn the possession into points, although an early penalty, ably converted by James Coulthard, gave Eastbourne a slender lead and the pack was beginning to push its bulkier opponents over the ball and give them very little tidy possession. Pressing time and time again towards the Hellingly line Blue and Golds were gradually wearing the opposition down. Finally, just before half-time, James Coulthard took another penalty to give Eastbourne a lead of 6-0.

With rain, or even a flurry of something colder and more unpleasant threatening the game, Eastbourne slowly began to grind their opponents down and execute their attacking moves. Good runs by Webb, Redman and Shuttleworth punched holes in the opposition's defence. Handling became more confident and sniping runs by scrum-half Pysden from penalties started to stretch Hellingly seriously. Twenty minutes into the second half great work by Max Cheater led to a try by fly-half McKay. The Blue and Golds were now fired up and getting into their stride. Great support work was paying dividends, the pack was dominant and Eastbourne were able to disrupt the home-side's line-out to great effect. Despite injuries to winger Nick King (hamstring) and Matt Mottram ( cut to the head), the bench proved very effective, Stef Cousins' covering, tackling and incisive running giving Hellingly all sorts of trouble. After ten minutes an impressive shove by the scrum led to quick possession, which fired out to Steve Clark, saw the captain dash through the defence for a glorious try under the posts. This was duly converted by James Coulthard. Within another five minutes great speed and an astute angle of running resulted in a try by winger Charlie Smith. Despite valiant efforts in defence Hellingly had no answer to Eastbourne's organisation and determination. Capping an excellent afternoon's play Max Cheater outstripped his opponents to score a final try on the right-hand side. A last burst of energy and endeavour brought the home-side no nearer to the score-board and the final tally remained 28-0 to a triumphant Eastbourne. Champions at last!

Man of the Match- Max Cheater.

Team: Imich, Bettles,Webb, Mottram, Farley, Redman, Shuttleworth, Sinclair, Pysden, McKay, Smith, Clarke, Coulthard, King N., Cheater, Keen D., Cousins, van Bentham.