Ditchling welcomed local side Lewes to the Sty on a warm sunny afternoon. Both clubs were promoted this season and shared mixed results so far into their campaigns. From experience, Ditchling expected a well drilled Lewes team, fast out of the blocks and who have been improving year on year. It would be a good test for our own development after sharing a win a piece the previous season.

The early exchanges were even with Ditchling able to match Lewes’s intensity, and the rucks were keenly contested with both sides looking to gain the upper hand.
Handling errors prevented any fluidity or dominance for either team during the first 15 minutes although the penalty count began to stack up against Ditchling. This allowed Lewes to gain territory and eventually on the 20-minute mark won a penalty from 25 yards out, which was calmly converted for 0:3 lead.
Then followed 10 minutes of Ditchling pressure which was continually thwarted by strong Lewes defence until a smart interception by centre Max Redman running 40 yards before being tackled. From the ensuing ruck quick ball was fed to pacey fullback Nick Whitley-Jones to outstrip the defence and put in a deft kick past the cover defence for Tom Taylor-Waters to touch down and celebrate his 1st try for the club.
Whitley-Jones converted to put Ditchling ahead 7:3.

This spurred Lewes into action and a series of breaks from the scrum matched by strong running from their centres saw Lewes break deep into Ditchling territory. After a further series of attacks Lewes eventually went over to lead 7:10. A lead they maintained going into half time.

HT: Ditchling 7 Lewes 10

The 2nd half began with an immediate lift in intensity from both sides. Strong tackling by all 15 Ditchling players prevented Lewes gaining the upper hand and incisive hits by second row pair Ollie Van Hoeken and Jake Riddell tested the resolve of the Lewes defence. At the 50-minute mark a series of penalties for ruck infringements led to Lewes getting another chance for points from 20 yards out, which was taken to give Lewes a 7:13 lead.

From here on Ditchling began to dominate in the scrums and spend much of the match in Lewes’s territory. The rhythm was beginning to come, and the forwards were setting a good platform from which to launch the backs. Number 8 Jamie Hutchings was controlling the rucks and Charlie Pearson continually sent quick ball for the backs to penetrate. Lewes held firm and proved to have the best cover defence Ditchling has faced this season limiting the opportunities.
Into the final 10 minutes and it looked like only a matter of time before Ditchling would score. This dominance led to a series of scrum penalties in front of the posts, which they opted to scrum rather than kick showing the confidence Ditchling had. Unfortunately, Lewes eventually won a freekick to relieve the pressure and prevent the score. Ditchling continued to batter the Lewes line with Beau Laroche impressing and Sam Lodge making an immediate an impact from the bench.
Probably the clearest chance Ditchling had was from a clever unload from Jarrell Bobo to give a 2 to 1 overlap just a few yards out, only for the unload to be deemed forward. The game ended with further penalties allowing Lewes to relieve the pressure and see out the remainder of the match ending an even game played in good spirits but with the spoils going to Lewes.

FT: Ditchling 7 Lewes 13

Both teams can be proud of their performances. Lewes were made to fight hard for their win and were matched by Ditchling in open play. Better discipline and kicking their penalties proved the difference, but Ditchling can count themselves somewhat unlucky not to convert their chances late in the game. Ditchling continue to grow and mature into an effective unit, with this game highlighting an improvement in intensity for the whole 80 minutes.
Next week Ditching travel to Seaford for their 5th game of the season and a further test for this young team.

Try: Tom Taylor-Waters
Conversion: Nick Whitley-Jones
MoM: Charlie Pearson