Holbrook bounce back with close win

Holbrook started very brightly and dominated play in the first ten minutes, with Lewes barely touching the ball. Dave Thomas made the pressure pay with an early try following a maul, which was converted by Matt Sprigge.

A few unnecessary penalties by Holbrook allowed Lewes to play themselves back into the game, but the Holbrook defence stayed firm and some great tackling by Thomas Bouet and Dave Thomas ensured that Lewes were kept at bay.

Holbrook exchanged penalties with Lewes towards the end of the first half, Matt Sprigge just managing to just edge one in off the post, to make the score 10-3.

The second half was always going to a different game as the rain sodden ground became heavier and Lewes directed play down into the bottom sloped corner. Lewes gained momentum and were able to apply considerable pressure to the Holbrook line and scored an unconverted try. Having scored, Lewes picked up the pace and pushed for a second try, but Holbrook continued to defend exceptionally well. Holbrook then managed to create a couple of opportunities themselves with Paul Davey and Andrew Etherington linking up well in the centres to carve open the Lewes defence.

With the conditions making handling and running difficult and the score at 10-8, every point was valuable. Lewes were penalised twice in quick succession and Holbrook seized the opportunity to take two successful penalties by Matt Sprigge and Nick Holt to ensure that the victory went to Holbrook.