Cinque Ports 3 Uckfield II 54 (HT 0-28)

Uckfield came to the Grove School on a run of 24 unbeaten games, which had seen them win Sussex 3 East and the Sussex Salver- For the first 15 minutes though this record did seem at risk as Ports started with a massive level of commitment and industry. Straight from the kick off Uckfield fumbled and the predatory Dale Whittington snaffled up their ball carrier, commitment at the rucks saw Steve Crump and Mark Wright win yardage to allow the testing wingers Luke Price and Mike Dangerfield to test the Uckfield defence. Uckfield did defend strongly and Cinque Ports could not breach the line. The league champions did prove this was entirely deserved as after this initial flurry of Cinque Ports attack some sensible kicking and fantastic running rugby saw Uckfield cross for a number of tries.

Cinque Ports did have opportunities as a strong pack won plenty of first phase ball, but Christiaan Brandt and Shane Potter's runs were held up by the strong Uckfield defence. Cinque Ports were finding it difficult to maintain the phases as Uckfield were excellent at snaffling up loose ball, Uckfield's excellent kicking game also ensured that Ports were continually on the back foot. Great defence by Crump, Wright, Dangerfield  and Whittington kept Uckfield at bay but at half time it was apparent that Uckfield were in control. The second half saw a raft of changes but Uckfield continued to probe and break the line to keep the score board ticking over. Ports did not only defend, the fresh legs of Gary Surridge left a trail of tacklers flailing till his 30 yard run was brought to an end. The substitute Rob Fink also provided little flashes of inspiration using his pace to outstrip defenders. Eventually a very well disciplined Uckfield side did lapse and presented a difficult penalty opportunity for Ports that Carl Malthouse skilfully kicked.

On the final whistle there was no doubt that Uckfield were deserved champions, but also that Cinque Ports had given a very strong side a tough game. Mark Wright was named man of the match.

Team Manager Gavin Thomas summed up the game and the season "This game was tough but we never give up, and that's been the case all season- we have the fighting spirit and our skills are developing. Next season we will be a team to fear"

Team: Crump, Wright, Anderson, Thomas (Brown), Parker (Gough), Dedman, Whittington, Barningham (Smart), Salmon (Eastwood), Brandt, Price ( T Potter), S Potter (Fink), Whyte, Dangerfield (Surridge), Malthouse