Rugby is the winner on double derby day at Eastbourne RFC

It was day for both the first and second teams to compete in very important league matches.

Eastbourne ones have endured three very tough test over the first three weeks of 2022, but have managed to secure three wins with bonus points secured in two.

Having already beaten Seaford very convincingly this season, the fear was that complacency and over confidence could creep in.

Those fears were put to bed as a very fired up and aggressive Seaford started the game superbly, winning the restart off their own kick and hitting Eastbourne with thunderous run after run to cross the try line in the first couple of minutes.

Eastbourne were now fully awake and aware of the tough afternoon ahead. They went on the offensive as they have all season with express pace and good handling a plenty.

ThisaAllowed Mason Dowle to cross in the corner with a good finish for his first or two tries and cap another good day at the office as he returns to full fitness from a long injury spell.

Jake Howe as normal added the conversion, with a penalty kick to follow shortly after, taking the score to 10-5 after 13 minutes.

Eastbourne went on the attack again, while enduring some very aggressive tackling and rucking from Seaford, which did unfortunately boil over on a few occasions.

However, this did not stop Mason Dowle crossing with the second try of the day, after receiving a pass from hooker and captain Joe Bettles.

After Eastbourne kicked the conversion, Seaford opted to take the points and scored an excellent penalty out wide by the touchline.

With 18 minutes of the half left, Eastbourne’s youthful backs went on the attack with tries coming from three of the six teenagers on the pitch. First to cross was Ben Perrott, with Spike Gleave scoring next for his 12th of the season and finally Dylan Becker scoring to cap off an excellent half for Eastbourne after a sluggish start.

Jake Howe kicked all three conversion, making the half-time score 38-8.

Seaford restarted strongly with good phases of possession. They capped it with a solid forwards try in the corner.

The ever-improving fit and powerful Josh Buckwell crossed for a well-deserved try to keep Eastbourne well out of reach,. Howe kicking the conversion again.

After Seaford scored their third try of the game the score was a comfortable 45-18 to Eastbourne.

With only six minutes left on the clock, this lead to probably the most enjoyable six minutes ERFC fans have seen all season.

Seaford were out on their feet and the fit and youthful Eastbourne side still looking fresh.

Jake Howe finished the game with an incredible hat-trick, all scored in six minutes, but only kicked one of the three conversions.

Quite incredibly, this was overshadowed by the break and most delicious, sumptuouspass by ‘Big French’ Jeremy Montes to put Jake away for one of his tries.

Eastbourne won the day in style. Nevertheless, Seaford never ever stopped playing and pushed Eastbourne all afternoon with their aggressive and hard running rugby.

MoM was skipper Joe Bettles for good leadership, good effort around the park and in the set piece – along with the previously mentioned glorious pass to set up a try.

Eastbourne first and second teams managed to score over 120 points in the afternoon, which shows just how far this squad has come over the season.

The winner on the day was rugby as all four sides enjoyed beers, the Six Nations and celebrated the engagement of their French fly half, Martial Chaput, to his new fiancée Molly.

In other news, Eastbourne first XV regulars Ben Perrott and Dylan Becker both represented Sussex under 20s against Kent on Sunday.

Despite Perrott scoring, the Sussex side come up short against a strong Kent side. But Eastbourne said a big well done to both of them.

Eastbourne 2nd XV hosted a low-on-numbers Seaford 2nd XV at home, with Eastbourne lending a number of players to Seaford for the match to go ahead with even numbers.

Eastbourne started strongly, with the team following the game plan instilled by the coaches from the start of the season.

William Bath opened the scoring when some excellent defensive work led to a turnover and quick handling allowed him to score after a strong run. The next two tries came from Adam Nnochiri, beating players with his speed and strength.

The forwards worked relentlessly, providing a solid platform from lineouts and the rucks which enabled the backline to play expansive attacking rugby.

MoM Ryan Shields scored the next two tries, showing great power to break through tackles and gain ground to score.

Sam Wells scored before half-time after Eastbourne forwards dominated a lineout maul. Half time was 38-0 to Eastbourne after Stuart Sorrell slotted a number of difficult conversions.

Eastbourne made a lot of changes with the players who had played for Seaford in the first half swapping.

Eastbourne still controlled the game in most aspects allowing Ryan Shields and Adam Nnochiri to both complete their hat-tricks.

Two more tries were scored by backs Glen Smith and debutant Stuart Baker to finish the match off. Final score 60-0.

Four colts – Tom Lester, Henry Duke, Stuart Baker and Cameron Burleigh – made their senior debuts and all did exceptionally well.