Two-try Sean seals cup glory

Lewes were on the scoreboard after only four minutes when a drive and maul deep into Eastbourne's defence enabled scrum-half Mike Rust to pass the ball out for centre Mark Barnard to touch down near the posts for the opening try, converted by full-back Neil Rumble, for a 7-0 lead.

Eastbourne hit back 13 minutes later with a penalty from their hooker Nathan Ring to narrow the difference to 7-3.

The next ten minutes of the match saw the hosts attempting to attack Lewes but finding it difficult to break through the disciplined defence of their higher-ranking opponents.

Seven minutes from the break Lewes went further ahead at 14-3 after winning the ball on the halfway line and then feeding it out right before switching back inside for last year's Colts player Jack Nayler to storm through for a fine try under the posts, his first for the 1st XV. It was converted by Rumble.

Into the second half Lewes took the opportunity of blooding several of their squad through a series of replacements, including forward Ollie Woodridge and winger Steve Mills, who were making their first-team debuts.

Lewes brought on regular scrum-half Matt Sole, and within seconds he took the ball from the base of the scrum to sprint to the right before releasing it to winger Sean Taylor for a well-worked try to stretch the lead to 19-3.

Lewes were now attacking with flair, with their impressive backs storming into Eastbourne's defence at every opportunity. This enabled them to increase their lead to 26-3 on the hour when Taylor touched down for his second try.

Eastbourne, to their credit, continued to take the game to Lewes and clawed back to 26-10 four minutes later after their flanker Alex Bailey touched down from short range for his side's first try, converted by Ring.

Seconds from the final whistle Eastbourne had the consolation of scoring the final try of the match, replacement James Wilmott going over near the posts for a well-worked score.

As a 'curtain-raiser' to the tie Eastbourne Colts entertained Lewes Colts in a friendly, the home side running out winners by 19-3, the visitors's solitary points coming via a penalty from Chris Blunt.