Steyning edge a thriller away at Littlehampton.

On a sunny but cold day, Steyning knew that this was going to be a tough match before arriving at Littlehampton with second playing third, and this showed right from the kick off. Steyning pressed early with the backs looking dangerous in space and the forwards carrying well. But the visitors were unable to turn pressure into points as Littlehampton's dogged defence held firm 5 metres from the line and were eventually able turn possession over and clear their lines.

Steyning persevered but Littlehampton grew in confidence and gained more possession and territory. The home side eventually breaking the deadlock after a clever chip into space led to their speedy left winger controlling the ball well and touching down for a 5-0 lead. Steyning hit back soon after however, breaking through the defence to set a ruck and Jez Stewart hitting the blindside to put Adam Walkington in for a good finish to tie the score at 5-5. Littlehampton were to finish the half on top though. Some ill discipline from Steyning gave their opposition a dangerous position and the required momentum to force themselves over from close range to lead 10-5 at half time.

Steyning knew they had to up their game and put the hosts under early pressure from the kick off. This time Littlehampton’s discipline let them down and they were reduced to 14 men after a no arms tackle on Nathan Roberts. Pressure continued but so did Littlehampton’s strong defence, Nathan Roberts again involved being held up over the line. However, Steyning were not to be denied and from a solid scrum, Matthew Hodson picked up and bumped off any would be tacklers to go over. The conversion followed to give the visitors a 10-12 lead.

Spurred on by losing their lead, Littlehampton were to go back in front after some solid phase play resulted in a penalty and 13-12 lead. The game became more frantic with both sides desperate to secure the ball. Steyning were forced into changes with a number of players picking up knocks. Crucially it meant the return of Nathan Roberts to the pitch. Alex Pell-Stevens moving to fly half put Steyning into a great position and the Steyning forwards took advantage. Making the hard yards and sucking in defenders, Nathan Roberts made no mistake from a crash ball to touch down, Grant Wright adding the extras to go up 13-19. Still with a chance for victory, Littlehampton again put phase after phase together late on, but Steyning matched it with their own ferocious tackling to see out the game.

A tough but enjoyable match played between two well matched sides. Steyning showed a lot of heart to eventually win, which was epitomised by man-of-the-match Damo Roberts. Excellent in the line out, got all round the park and finished the game at full back! Half way through the season now and Steyning are well positioned before hosting Bognor 3’s in their next league game on December 9th.