Seaford’s 1st XV have won the Sussex Cup for the third time in a row, beating South Downs College 37-8.

The conditions could not have been better for the finals day at Brighton RFC. With all age group finals being played on the same day, there was a nervous atmosphere at the rugby club.

The start of Seaford’s game was very physical, with both sides trying to pose their dominance on the game. Each side carried well, but defences remained strong during the opening encounters. Harry Collins converted a penalty to get Seaford on the board and Sussex Downs replied straightaway with 3 points of their own. Sussex Downs were proving hard to break down, but two great tries from Jake McQuade and Harry Collins meant Seaford went into half time 15-3 up. With an abundance of substitutes each player worked incredibly hard when on the pitch and this is a credit to all players in the squad.

Straight after half time Seaford were under pressure from the opposition and conceded their first try of the game. This made the score 15-8 as momentum shifted. Seaford responded really well with fresh legs adding extra energy to the side. The middle 20 minutes of the half were controlled by Seaford with tries from Jasper Brazier, Rueben Truman and a second for Jake McQuade. The boys were relentless and continued to control the game forcing Sussex Downs to play from their own 22, where Cassius Deschamps claimed an intercept to extend the lead to 37-8.

Ed Bowden, who coaches the team, said: “This was a well deserved victory for the 1st XV squad, who have been very committed and hard-working throughout the year.”

John Green, Headmaster, who often coaches the 1st XV wearing his suit and Wellington boots, was delighted with the result, saying: “Seaford sport and rugby is going from strength to strength across the Prep, Senior and Sixth Form sections of the College. To win the County Competition for the third year in a row is an incredible achievement and really confirms the growing reputation of the College generally. This success is on the back of some outstanding performances recently in the sevens tournament, including a convincing win against the mighty Millfield! Well done to all the coaching staff and Mr Bowden as Head of Rugby and Antony Cook as Director of Sport.”

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