Littlehampton still waiting for season’s first league win

Littlehampton were boosted by the return of a couple of players for the Sussex Intermediate League match but, despite an even opening 30 minutes in terms of possession and territory, Shoreham led 18-0.

Littlehampton then made good ground upfield and as Shoreham attempted to clear the ball away, Bobby Matthews kicked it through and won the race to touch down.

Littlehampton attacked again straight from the kick-off but Shoreham turned the ball over and scored in the corner, before they added a fourth try before half-time to lead 30-5 at the break.

After a number of changes at the break, Littlehampton restarted well in defence but Shoreham found a gap to squeeze over a converted try while the visitors were down to 14 men after Gary Keirle had been yellow-carded.

From a solid attacking scrum, Littlehampton touched down their second try when Bryan Newman drove forward and stretched over.

Littlehampton then closed the gap further when a Shoreham player knocked-on, which gave Littlehampton a scrum in a good position. Littlehampton made the most of it and shipped the ball out to the backs, Nama was held up a few metres short before the ball was recycled, which allowed Lee Shergold to touch down and his conversion made the score 37-17.

Shoreham then kicked a penalty over, before they completed the scoring with an interception try.

The defeat was Littlehampton’s 14th consecutive league loss, although they did move off the bottom owing to Hove 3rd’s points total being adjusted. They are now five points ahead of Hove, who they host on Saturday.