Uckfield II 26 Cinque Ports 0 (HT 14-0)

What was always going to be a hard task against the unbeaten league leaders became harder on the morning of the match when a healthy squad of 19 was trimmed to a less healthy 16. Particularly less healthy due to the number of players suffering from winter viruses!

Things went from bad to worse almost immediately as Uckfield scored within the first two minutes after poor defending and errors of judgement by Cinque Ports allowed Uckfield space for their pacy back line. The kick was converted. This certainly stung Cinque Ports into action, led by captain Paul Smart they made darting runs into Uckfield territory. Centres Christiaan Brandt and Colin Whyte breaking into gaps, and towering winger Tony Potter dragging into numerous defenders to drag him down. Unfortunately they failed to break the line, Uckfield being as organised in defence as in attack. Uckfield continue to mount attacks, but the Cinque Ports defence held tight. Great defence again by Brandt and Whyte, supported by a back row of Gary Swift, Craig Barningham and Dale Whittington. All three snaffling up ball on the fringes, and Whittington particularly shackling their scrum half from the base of scrums.  After valiant defence Uckfield once more broke through just before half time to make it 14-0.

The second half had a more fractured appearance as Uckfield took a more physical approach, and the ref willing to play less advantage saw more set piece play which had been malfunctioning in the first half for Cinque Ports, and did not improve in the second half. Ports remained solid though and held out Uckfield. Smart and Scrum half Andy Salmon providing guile at the breakdown, and full back Carl Malthouse solid in controlling the defensive fringes where Uckfield wasted numerous overlaps. After the referee had shown yellow cards to both Salmon and Swift the hosts run in another two tries. Uckfield remain unbeaten, Cinque Ports unbowed.

Team Manager Gavin Thomas said "We knew Uckfield would be strong, you do not remain unbeaten in 13 games without being strong, but I think they were expecting a walkover which never looked like happening". Whittington was named man of the match.

Team: Butcher, Langley, Maplesden, Dedman, Amar, Swift, Whittington, Barningham, Salmon, Smart, Watts, Whyte, Brandt, Potter, Malthouse
Unused Sub: Thomas