Three out of three for Rye

Solid defensive work coupled with some enterprising play in attack saw the New Roaders maintain their 100 per cent record.

Newick went into the match on the back of a thumping 72-0 hammering away to high-flying Eastbourne but this was a very different showing from dogged hosts.

Playing against a stiff breeze in the opening period, Rye were forced to defend but Alfie Chapman, Matt Cooke and Rory Buckingham all put in big tackles.

Midway through the half Rye launched a breakaway which resulted in Ben Short touching down in the corner for a well-worked try. Luke Cross slotted the conversion. Newick kicked a penalty only for Cross to do likewise for the visitors.

Newick surged forward at the start of the second half but yet again were unable to breach the Rye defensive back line. After weathering this storm Toby Aylett went over for another try converted by Cooke.

Newick finally touched down before Short claimed Rye’s third try of the game after good work by Gary Edmunds and Aylett.

Sussex One standings (played three matches unless stated): 1 Chichester III 15pts, 2 Eastbourne 14, 3 RYE 12, 4 Burgess Hill 12, 5 Seaford 11, 6 Brighton II 7, 7 Holbrook 5, 8 Midhurst (2) 4, 9 Newick 1, 10 Haywards Heath II (1) 0, 11 Hove III (2) 0, 12 Lewes II 0.