Sun 9 Mar 2025, 11:00
The Lewes Lions U15 Warriors played at home on Sunday, in their seventh league match of the season. After their only defeat of the season against Jersey, they were looking to maintain their position in the League 2 table with a win against Worthing. The Warriors knew from prior experience that the Worthing pack was very physical, and that they would have to maintain tempo in attack and defence to gain the advantage in the match.
From the kick off the play initially remained around the half way line, but over time, the Warriors, with numerous phases, were able to push for advantage on the gain line. At each phase Worthing moved closer to their try line.
After five minutes of physical play, the Warriors had their first chance and crossed the line, only to be held up by a determined Worthing defence. After a clearance, Lewes were quick to return to the Worthing 22, and were again held up after crossing the line.
Over the next 8 minutes, the Warriors did not leave the Worthing 22, but were frustratingly held by a determined Worthing defence. On a number of occasions Worthing were able to kick for safety, only for the ball to be quickly carried back into the Worthing 22 by the Warriors attack.
After 15 minutes of play, Louie Stokes was able to break the stalemate for the Warriors and take the ball over the line. With a conversion, this put the scores at Lewes Warriors 7, Worthing 0.
After the kick off, Lewes again returned quickly to the Worthing half, but could not find the space they needed to quickly cross the line for a second time. Over the next 8 minutes, the Warriors battled through the Worthing defence in the centre, but could not find the quick ball they needed. The Worthing defence remained strong, and repelled numerous phases in their own 22.
After 25 minutes, Worthing had not left their 22, but the Warriors had still not found the space they needed. After the Warriors gained a kick, it looked as if they could gain the try they deserved, but before they could pass the ball down the line to the waiting Lewes backs, Worthing were able to steal the ball.
One minute before the half time whistle was blown, the Warriors were able to finally find the space they had needed, with Rupert Collins crossing the line after a Lewes lineout in the Worthing 22. With a conversion, this put the half time score at Lewes Lions Warriors 14, Worthing 0.
At the start of the second half, Worthing immediately focused on the pace of their attack and were able to move into the Lewes half. After two great runs in the first 5 minutes of play, Worthing looked more dangerous, but after each attack the Lewes defence remained strong, and the Warriors were able to quickly return the ball into the Worthing 22.
Over the next 10 minutes, a resurgent Worthing, continued to look more threatening, and mounted a number of kicks and driving mauls to move the ball back into the Lewes half. The Lewes defence remained strong and was able to stop each attack, the Warriors line speed ensuring that the Worthing pack were not able to get quick ball out to their backs.
After 13 minutes of play, from a Worthing maul in the Lewes half, the Warriors were able to gain possession and with quick hands take the ball down the left wing. After a great run by Leo Vincent the ball was passed to Josh Ferguson, who was tackled into touch just as he was taking the ball over the line. A referee decision awarded the Warriors a penalty try, after high tackles on both Vincent and Ferguson were seen as preventing the try, putting the score at Lewes Warriors 21, Worthing 0.
After a frustrating period of play and with the bonus point in reach, the Warriors increased the tempo of their attack. Numerous runs and phases were repelled by the Worthing defence, who were now on the back foot. Over the next 10 minutes, play did not leave the Worthing half, with the Warriors constantly pushing to find space in the Worthing defensive line. With only 2 minutes of the half remaining the Warriors were able to start a great run, passing the ball quickly between hands, resulting in Ollie Smith powering across the line. With a successful conversion, this put the score at Lewes Warriors 28, Worthing 0.
With only 1 minute of the half remaining, the Warriors did not stop pushing forward. From the kick off, Lewes gained quick possession and pushed forward, only to give the ball away. Worthing quickly kicked to safety, and from the resulting line-out Lewes were able to take the ball deep into the Worthing 22, but unfortunately knocked on. At the last play, Worthing were able to gain possession and make the ball safe. At the final whistle the scores remained Lewes Warriors 28, Worthing 0.
The team will take a lot away from the bonus point win, and will be proud of denying, a good Worthing team, a score. The squad are now looking forward to their next league matches where the U15 Raiders play Haywards Heath on the 21st March.
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