Lewes RFC

Sun 19 Jan 2025, 11:00

Lewes U15

19 - 17

Pulborough U15

Lewes U15

Pulborough U15

The Lewes Lions U15 Raiders played at home on Sunday, in their first League 1 match of the year against Pulborough, a really well drilled and competitive side who had some impressive statistics from other matches.

From the initial kick off, Pulborough looked dangerous straight away and immediately put the Raiders under pressure. A quick scrum on the half way line allowed Pulborough to gain territory and move into the Lewes 22. After a number of minutes of pressure, following a Pulborough lineout and scrum in the Lewes 22, Lewes Raiders were able to gain possession and kick to the half way line.

From the resulting scrum, Pulborough gained possession and from a Lewes dropped ball, were able to kick the ball into touch a few meters from the Lewes try line. From the resulting line-out Lewes defended well and gained a quick turn over followed by a scrum just outside of their 22. With the Raiders still in possession, they were able to carry the ball into Pulborough’s half and after a number of dominating phases were able to carry the ball within reach of the Pulborough try line. From the resulting line out Finn Simmonds, through a well-orchestrated set piece, was able to take the ball over the line for the Raiders, with a failed conversion putting the score at Lewes Raiders 5, Pulborough 0.

Pulborough were quick to come back at Lewes and after a Lewes knock on the resulting scrum in the Raiders 22 put the opposition in a dangerous position. The Raiders stayed strong in defence and were able to steal the ball back, and carry the ball into Pulborough’s 22. The Raiders then lost possession after a penalty, resulting in a lineout in the Lewes 22. From the lineout Pulborough were able to cross the line for the first time. After a failed conversion this levelled the scores at Lewes Raiders 5, Pulborough 5.

With ten minutes of the half remaining the Raiders increased momentum, gaining further confidence in the rucks and attack. After mounting numerous phases in Pulborough’s half, the Raiders were able to punch holes in the defence allowing James Skelton to start a fantastic run deep into Pulborough’s 22, after falling short of the try line Skelton was able to pop the ball to Reggie Hart who took the ball over for the line. With a successful conversion this took the Raiders into the lead at 12 v 5 with only a few minutes remaining in the half.

Aiming to level the scores before half time, Pulborough came back at the Raiders with renewed dominance and were quick to drive the Lewes defence back into their 22. After a number of phases Pulborough were awarded a penalty and kicked within a few meters of the Raiders try line. Knowing that this was the last play of the half the Lewes defence was able to stay strong, and despite a great effort by Pulborough, the Lewes defence prevented the opposition from crossing the line.

From the start of the second half, the Raiders found it hard to settle and initially found themselves on the back foot against a determined Pulborough attack which moved quickly into the Raider’s 22. After a well-placed kick, landing close to the Lewes try line, Pulborough had an excellent chance to level the scores, but were not able to break through a well disciplined Lewes defence. After a number of minutes the Raiders were able to steal the ball and kick to safety.

Over the next ten minutes both sides fought for dominance in an evenly balanced game. Both sides came dangerously close to crossing the line, but could not find space in the oppositions defence. With under fifteen minutes remaining, Pulborough were able to break the stalemate with a well-placed kick into the Lewes 22, resulting in a line-out. Pulborough were then able to take the ball over after a great run through the Raider’s defence, with a failed conversion this put the scores at Lewes Raiders 12, Pulborough 10.

From the kick off, the Raiders came back at Pulborough, determined to extend their lead. They were quick to gain possession and were able to kick into the Pulborough 22. From the resulting lineout Lewes quickly formed a maul and were able to drive the ball towards the Pulborough try line, where the ball was then taken over by Rupert Collins. With a successful conversion this put the scores at Lewes Raiders 19, Pulborough 10.

With less than ten minutes of the half remaining the Raiders knew that Pulborough still had time to level the scores. For the next five minutes the Raiders were able to maintain possession and keep the ball on the half way line. However, with some quick ball Pulborough were able to cross the line again and with a successful conversion put the scores at Lewes Raiders 19, Pulborough 17.

With less than three minutes of the half remaining the Lewes defence dug in, pinning Pulborough on the half way line. Each Pulborough phase was stopped with little territory gain and a frustrated Pulborough were not able to find space to mount another attack. After a nail-biting few minutes Lewes were able to defend the final play, with Logan Wood successfully stealing the ball and kicking to touch to end a great game of rugby.

The coaching staff were immensely proud of the grit and determination demonstrated by all the Lewes players. They played some of their best rugby of the season  against an equally determined opposition. The squad is now looking forward to their next away league game against East Grinstead on Sunday 26^th January.