On 55 minutes with the score standing at 8-5 to Cinque Ports a wholly different result seemed likely, but a hot summer afternoon seemed to toll heavier on an experienced CPR side. The first half saw some of Cinque Ports finest rugby in the two years of their existence, forward driven play maintained possession. A desperate Eastbourne side watched on as CPR won every ruck, lineout and the majority of scrums. Phase after phase of play saw Cinque Ports roll relentlessly up the field. On what must have easily been the 11th phase of possession winger Craig Brown bashed over in the corner at the end of the first quarter of the game. Captain Paul Smart failed to convert. The first half followed the pattern of CPR possession and when Eastbourne did gain the ball the defence soaked up any pressure. Debutant outside half Steve Morley released dangerous centre pairing of Colin Whyte and Carl Malthouse. Whyte was particularly dangerous as he crashed continually into the Eastbourne defence dragging defenders in. Concerted pressure before half time was not converted into points but CPR were clearly in control. Half time saw injuries to forwards Terry Doorey, Gary Swift and Chris Perry. Swift and Perry struggled manfully on; Doorey's ankle injury meant the influential prop had to leave the field. CPR had only a single substitute, whereas Eastbourne had a full squad and had the opportunity of bringing on a number of fresh players at half time. 

Changes in personnel did seem to affect the rhythm, a disorganised defence at a free kick saw an equaliser before a return to the first half's possession rugby saw Paul Smart slot home an excellent drop goal, which brought the score just before an hour into the game to CPR 8-5 and a victory was in touching distance. Unfortunately this was not to be as Eastbourne employed a kick and chase game which suited their pacy backs which allowed the visitors to score several excellent tries. CPR lost 8-34 at the final whistle. Coach Bill Langley said "For the first 60 minutes we played excellent rugby but fitness told in the last 20 minutes when Eastbourne's fresh players began to wear our players down". Team manager Gavin Thomas echoed Bill Langley's view "The score only tells half the story, anyone who knows this club will know the massive progress we saw today". CPR are happy with the development of the 1st XV but the club does need to recruit more players particularly three quarters. Bill Langley named Steve Morley as man of the match.

This Saturday's Sussex 3 East league game is against local rival Hastings, KO 3.00 the Grove School.

Cinque Ports Team: Doorey (Watts 40), Wright, Crump, Parker, Perry, Swift, Whittington, Barningham, Smart (Capt), Morley, Brown, Whyte, Malthouse, Thomas, Sams