Burgess Hill mark long-awaited return with win over Lewes

Action from Burgess Hill's win over Lewes on Saturday. Pictures courtesy of Ross Hallifax

The under-10s provided a curtain-raiser before the senior squads took to the field under slightly adapted Covid rugby laws.

Both clubs brought large squads to ease their way back into it playing 4 X 20 minute periods. Burgess Hill included eight debutants, three of which were teenagers.

The first 20 minutes were even as both sides tried to find their feet again playing with no scrums or mauls. The intent was there but the the decision making was a little off at times.

Burgess Hill's home game against Lewes was their first action in four months

In the second quarter the Sussex All Blacks carried well and looked to keep the ball alive at all costs.

Unfortunately one hopeful offload saw the ball passed to a Lewes player who ran in to score the converted try.

The All Blacks ended the quarter by scoring their own try. The ball was passed wide and first team stalwart John Rainima scored, with the conversion being missed.

In the third quarter the men in black continued to spray the ball around and Lewes were using their strong forwards to make ground and turnover the ball.

Again a loose pass from the All Blacks saw the Lewes winger canter home for an unconverted try to make it 5-12.

The All Blacks once more responded with Rainima providing this time as he passed inside to Nick Komatai to score an unconverted try, 10-12.

The fourth quarter was all Burgess Hill as they began to get to grip with the adapted laws. Phase after phase saw them score two tries one of which was converted to end the game 22-12.

It was a great return to rugby for both clubs and the referee who was exemplary.

The Sussex All Blacks host Crawley this Saturday at 2:30pm.