Lewes RFC

Sunday 29^th March saw the U16 Lionesses host Hove U16s in what could be one of two season defining games.

Hove had cut Lewes' run in the Sussex Cup competition, and so the girls were keen on getting some revenge.  The weather was dry, but with a strong wind blowing the length of the pitch, it was always going to be a game of two halves.

The Lionesses played into the wind in the first half which was a see-saw affair.  Both teams were up for a battle, with Hove having the better of the early stages, but Lewes eased their way into the game.  The rucking from both teams was quick and aggressive, but it was Hove who drew first blood with a fine break and try which went unconverted.  Two more tries came when the Lewes defence was caught napping and another break from the Hove wing, both of which were converted.  At 0-19 down, things were not looking good for Lewes; they needed a response.

It came from a wonderful lineout and rolling maul, the pack bludgeoned their way up the pitch and after numerous phases, ruck and counter ruck, E Redshaw scored the first of the Lionesses tries.  Half time came and Lewes were down 5-19, but now they had the wind at their backs; the question in the mind was is this a 14-point wind?

The players identified where they were struggling and changed their tactics in the second half.  Hove were very quick at the breakdown so the aim now was to keep the ball alive and not get sucked into a ruck-fest.  The decision bore fruit very quickly with the ball moved out through the hands to have E Redshaw run in under the posts.  C Bains converted.  The game ebbed and flowed, but the Lionesses were in the ascendancy.  Tries from L Parker-Phillipson, T Moore and one more from E Redshaw for her hattrick (all being converted by C Bains who was toe-punting the ball over the bar at will) meant Lewes now had a healthy lead.  They didn’t get everything their own way.  Hove found a second wind and from some slick moves and excellent handling, they edged their way back into the game.  With five minutes left, Hove had battled back to make the score 31-31.  This was not a game for the faint-hearted.

One final effort was required from either side.  Having drawn away at Horsham, the Lionesses knew that another draw would leave them short in the league; only a win would keep the dream alive.

The forwards and backs combined from a turnover and the pack rumbled up the pitch.  And a powerful run from L Turner saw Lewes close in on the line, Hove piled under to ensure the ball could not be grounded, but the ball was popped up for E Redshaw to dot the ball down near the posts.  C Bains held her nerve with the conversion.  Lewes had to simply retain the restart and get the ball off the pitch.  They executed the restart perfectly and with the ball sailing over the stand into touch the referee blew the whistle to end the game.  The Lionesses came away victorious 38-31 in a frantic, well fought game.

Scorers: E Redshaw (4), L Parker-Phillipson, T Moore.  Conversions: C Bains (5)

Squad:

A Bellwood, C Bains, E Campbell, E Redshaw, E Woods, E Soracchi, F Myers, G Barnard-Pierce, I Stanger-Mitchell, I Curd, L Parker-Phillipson, L Turner, L Moffat, L McEntee, Q Thomas, T Moore

 Hove awarded their Forward of the Match to E Soracchi and their Back of the Match to L Moffat.  The Lewes Coaches awarded their Player of the Match to I Curd.

 The U16s Lionesses next match is against Worthing on 19^th April and as the League Table shows, if they win it, they could be crowned league champions for 2025/26.  They also have the Sussex Plate final v the very same Worthing on 26^th April for a potential season double.