Lewes rugby teams moving through gears

The first XV had a tough away match against last year’s runners-up, Uckfield, but surprised their hosts by taking the lead and holding it for most of the game.

Uckfield eventually ran out winners at 33-24, but the four tries that Mo Bacha, Owen Edmonds and Gus Taylor (2) scored earned Lewes a deserved bonus point.

Meanwhile, at the Stanley Turner Ground, the Lewes second XV took on local rivals Newick, and won 12-0 with tries from Charlie Swannack and Tom Petty.

The seconds’ next game was at Hellingly, where their good form continued with a 22-3 win, with tries from Tom Petty (2), Ed King and Fearghus Gage.

The under-14s travelled to Chichester for their first league match of the season, winning 24-17.

After a slow start and conceding an early try, Lewes got into their stride and started to take the game to Chichester, scoring the next three tries with some well worked moved combined with some individual skill.

The second half continued in this theme with Lewes scoring again until Chichester fought back getting two unconverted tries to end the game.

Last, but certainly not least, the under-15s continued their unbeaten run with their first league win away at Shoreham by 38-3.

The try scorers were Will Eadie (2), Joe Whooley, Rowan Bell, Jake Ellis-Hutchings and Cartah Grey.

There was also the ‘try that never was’ by Kator Avaan who ran nearly the entire length of the pitch only to be brought back for a knock-on.

The club’s start to the season, as we have reported, has also seen the Lewes Lionesses back on the training pitch at the Stanley Turner Ground.

The girls’ rugby team are looking to build on previous seasons’ successes and increase their numbers further.

Such successes have included comprehensive wins against other local clubs and team members having the opportunity to play for Sussex too.

The 2022-2023 season, the 92nd season of Lewes Rugby Club, sees the Lionesses grow even further, including the expansion and development of under-12s, under-14s and under-16s teams.

The coaching staff are currently looking for more Lioness talent, of varying ability and from school years 7 to 11, to come and train with the current squad on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings.

Lionesses coach Paul Johnson hopes that the schools in and around Lewes can inspire local girls to join the Lionesses and learn new physical skills and have fun at the same time.

He says: “Girls’ rugby is a fantastic sport to improve physical fitness, strength and discipline.

"Many of the regular Lionesses have also developed great friendships on and off the rugby pitch."

Further details of how to find the club and how to contact the Lionesses coaches can be found on the Lewes Rugby Club website at www.lewesrugby.com

sussexworld.co.uk/sport