Eastbourne 1st XV were let down again by Holbrook R.F.C. who were unable to field a
side for the Sussex Shield clash at Hampden Park. Holbrook failed to honour their fixture in
December and couldn't even manage a match last week against near neighbours Burgess
Hill. The Nomads had had only one match ( a loss to Sussex Police) since their impressive
win against Heathfield in December. They now faced an in-form Haywards Heath,
unbeaten league leaders since their descent from London SE 2 to Sussex Intermediate. They
proved to be a hard nut to crack, although the Eastbourne's second string had only lost 18-5
to them in the autumn. Training had also been disrupted due to the appalling weather
conditions. The match took place on Martin's Field and there was a good crowd of
supporters from both clubs to cheer the players on. A strengthened Nomads stood up well to
a skilful and determined Haywards Heath for the first fifteen minutes. On the half-hour a good passing movement and strong running from the visitors' backs led to a try which was converted. Nevertheless, Eastbourne were keeping their opponents at bay for long periods. But shortly before half-time the Blue and Golds' line was breached twice to give Haywards Heath a 19-0 lead. Within a few minutes after the interval they had increased their lead to 24-0, but Eastbourne replied almost immediately with a fine intercept try by Martin King. Showing their aggressive running skills, excellent support play and shrugging off tackles, Haywards Heath then ran in more tries. Eastbourne's pack tried hard but were held in check time and time again. The line-out fared better and despite some vigorous charges and individual moves that showed great determination and flair Eastbourne were outrun and outclassed by a very well organised opposition. Some weak tackling and poor decision-making gave Haywards Heath more points than they deserved.

Final Score Eastbourne 5- Haywards Heath 55.

Team:Barron, Mark A., Goldsmith, Chilvers, Smith, Mottram, Hayllar, van Bentham,
Skidmore, Stephenson, Delaney, King.M., Adams, Schofield, Cheater, Jameson, Palfrey,
Gietzen, Parr., Newman P., Newman D.

On another note we were able to host a match between neighbours Hellingly and Crawley.
Hellingly duly won 27-13 which now puts them second in Sussex One five points behind
our first team, with Brighton and Burgess Hill snapping at their heels.

Next week we face Seaford in the league at home at 2.15. There will be a club lunch.
We are also due to face the Brighton Medics in the Shield Semi-Final on February 14th