If you had been a spectator at last week's scrappy home victory against Hove 2s, you would have thought you were watching a different set of players in the top of the table clash against Uckfield at The Salts.

Such was the difference in attitude and effort amongst virtually the same squad as the previous week, any trepidation was soon converted to expectation throughout what proved to be a thrilling encounter.

The majority of the first half was dominated by the home team who stepped up 2 to 3 levels to take on a lively and technically capable visiting team. The final 10 minutes of the half belonged to Uckfield who fought their way back in to the game following 2 deserved and well created home team tries. A 12 - 3 halftime score was fair reflection of a competent first half showing, though they should have been further ahead had the team taken 2 other clear-cut opportunities.

Uckfield brought the same intensity to the opening exchanges of the second half, but the home team's committed defence continued to repel the visitor's attacks. A sign of the quality of the defence leading the table toppers to take kickable options for all of their points in the match. To their credit, Uckfield pressed through consistent pressure and a more aggressive attitude at the breakdown, leading to a 2-point advantage moving into the final quarter.

Late in the game, the Seas pressed for any score to retake the lead. A well worked try in the far corner, which was converted meant Seaford leapfrogged into a deserved 1-point lead with minutes left to play.

The final play summarised the majority of the game as the home team ruthlessly shoved Uckfield back off their own scrum to earn a penalty, a snapshot of the forward’s dominance, and overall performance of the home team. A tap and kick to touch saw a win and the unbeaten home record retained.

This game had been targeted since before Christmas as an opportunity to validate the team's efforts, both on and off the pitch. The forwards continue to impress with an eye catching combination of power and footwork, and the backs, not to be outdone, are starting to compliment the forward's dominance with more regular line breaks and resilient defence.

The players and coaches would like to send our sincerest thanks and appreciation to the supporters who consistently turn out to support both teams. We hope performances and occasions like this justify turning out on cold winters days.

The focus now turns to the next series of league games where the player's changing mindset, by challenging themselves and each other, and continuously looking for improvements, means Seaford will look to take their home form on the road in an attempt to disrupt the ‘usual order’ at the top of the table - and we hope to take the supporters with us too!