Lewes RFC

To some this was a scrappy match, littered with silly mistakes, but to others it was an exciting end to end encounter with a dramatic conclusion. Take your pick. The lead changed five times during the game, but it certainly lacked the sort of sparkle you would expect at this level.

Lewes came into the game without several key players, having been forced to make eight changes from their previous match at Shoreham, As the team adjusted to new faces in different positions, an early penalty goal from Tom Moore settled them. But Hove regained the lead with a try that took the score to 5-3.

A catalogue of errors that was so typical of this game resulted in a missed drop goal attempt by Hove which led to the most fortuitous of tries. Then the one moment of true quality in the game came when the impressive Jack Soltermann burst through the Hove midfield to score a brilliant try under the posts,

Tom Moore converted that and another penalty to edge Lewes ahead at 13-12, only for Hove to score in the corner to go into half time ahead at 17-13. The game got even scrappier in the second half, but Raff Green produced one classy moment with a splendid run that resulted in a try putting Lewes back into the lead at 17-18.

Then came the most controversial moment of this chaotic game when a Lewes attempted clearance kick was charged down into the dead ball area. A Hove player touched the ball down for a try but the Lewes defenders were convinced that the ball had crossed the dead ball line before the touch down.

So at 24-18. Lewes needed a converted try to take the win, and after putting much pressure on the Hove line, they managed to get Ben Goode over the line. However, nothing had gone right for Lewes in the game and this continued right to the very end with the missed conversion leaving them a point short at 24-23.

There were a few brighter points from the afternoon, including the lovely autumnal sunshine, Sean Mangan had a great debut for the club, while Alfie Green put in a nice little cameo before the end. But undoubtedly the best bit was seeing the Lewes team resplendent in their smart new kit. Home supporters will be able to see it at the next home game with to Ditchling on Saturday 24^th October when we are holding a Sponsors and Members Lunch.

We are using an online ticketing system for the club lunches.  This will provide us with a clear idea of numbers well ahead of time and will make payment collection much easier and efficient. If you are planning on attending, please could you purchase a ticket to the lunch using the new system. The weblink is Lewes RFC - Members' Lunch - 3 October 2026

Lewes team: Soltermann; Hutchings, R. Green (captain), Benson, Salomon; Goode, Moore; Thomas, Simmonds, Gage; Mangan, Taylor; Bishop, Duncan, Medhurst. Replacements: A. Green, Sale, Burch

Try scorers: Soltermann, Green, Goode