Eastbourne Men’s 1s, 0
Lewes Men’s 1s, 1
Lewes upset the form book with a dramatic win at the Saffrons on Saturday to reach the County Cup Final for the second successive year. Eastbourne from the league above were favourites but Lewes dug deep to win in a scrappy match.
There was drama early on as with both sides struggling to control possession one of the umpires pulled a muscle and was unable to continue. Another Sussex umpire David Colbourne had to be telephoned and he drove from Lewes to Eastbourne resulting in a long delay. This disruption affected both sides but Lewes missed the chance to take the lead from a penalty stroke when Alex Warner’s flick was saved just before half time. Then forward Rory Jervis turned his ankle badly in a tackle and was taken from the pitch to hospital for an x-ray and is unlikely to be fit for the final.
The second half was much the same with chances at a premium on the heavy sandy pitch. Lewes pushed forward as the game wore on and were rewarded when from a cross into the circle with 10 minutes remaining youngster Oly Baxter reacted first in the melee and forced the ball home. Lewes survived the final minutes with keeper David Harmes making some good saves. They will play holders Chichester in a repeat of last years final on Sunday 29th April at the Southdown Club.
There was despair for the Lewes 2nd XI who went down to West Bridgford Monachs in the final of the National 2nd XI Trophy final at Cannock on Sunday. This was the second year Lewes had lost in the final. Early on Lewes were unlucky not to take the lead with chances for Matt Bevan and Matt Hickman. In the second half Lewes goalkeeper Joe Davies made some outstanding saves to keep the scores level but as both teams tired the game went to extra time golden goal and West Bridgford scored from close range in the 75th minute to take the Trophy 1-0.
In other Sussex Cup semi finals the 3rd XI beat Horsham to go through to a final against Worthing and the 4th XI won a round robin beating East Grinstead 2-0, Crawley 4-0 and South Saxons 2-0 to qualify for their final. The finals take place at the Southdown Club over the weekend of 28th/29th April. Lewes will have four teams in the finals.
In league action the 2nd XI lost 3-2 to champions Tunbridge Wells and the 5th XI went down 4-2 to St Francis 2nd XI. This Saturday the successful Development League winners Lewes Lions play their finals day with two games at East Grinstead.
