Chichester set for final hurrah at end of big season of rugby

The Blues reached the final with an excellent win verses Lewes in the last eight and a particularly strong semi-final win over Brighton in the semi-final – but will face an EG team in flying form themselves.

Blues director of rugby Paul Colley said: “EG have just won London two south east and will come up to our league - they are already talking of moving straight through to the National leagues and apparently have made considerable financial investment in their playing squad to get there.

“If it hadn’t been for a points deduction the previous year, they would already have been in our league – they represented a strong challenge at last year’s final but we played very well to overcome them 45-24. This year will be an even bigger challenge.

“And with the final being pushed back far later than planned we will be missing three or four first-team regulars, with big Phil Veltom away on his stag do and Moses Kasujja and Nick Shopland out of the country.

“We have worked hard on developing our squad over recent years and with our seconds having a magnificent win versus Worthing twos recently in the Sussex Bowl final, we are confident we can bring good players in – but the challenge will be huge.

“We will have to make some tough selection calls as we get down to our final 22 but whoever we choose I’m sure will represent the club with pride and passion.”

Chichester chairman Keith Martin said: “We have a proud tradition in the cup but only recently have we managed to go on and win the trophy with two wins in the past three years.

“With rumours this may be the last-ever trophy we are calling all the club’s supporters to come along to Eastbourne and give the boys your support.

“There is a coach departing at 11.15am for a 3pm start at Eastbourne RFC - we look forward to seeing you there.”