Free-running Hove are relishing the chance to get some Autumn sunshine on their backs.

The London Four South East side came from 14-0 down to beat higher-division rivals Lewes 54-21 to reach the third round of rugby's EDF Senior Vase.

They are joined in the draw by Eastbourne.

Hove to take charge once they moved the ball away from the forward areas, where Lewes had got on top.

They hope to do more of that as they aim for a cup run and, more importantly, a promotion push.

Playing manager Martin Windsor admitted it was clear Hove needed to get the ball away from the areas of combat as Lewes went into their two-try lead.

He said: "We have got a good set of backs. The forwards battled away but we could do with a couple of big second rows.

"Whenever we go to play somebody from Kent, they seem to be bigger than us.

"But there is no substitute for quick ball and a bit of pace.

"I think in dry conditions, especially at our place on the big pitch, we fancy our chances.

"But in the winter months, when you go somewhere a bit muddy in Kent or over to Hastings, you know it could be a completely different game."

Windsor added: "To come from 14 down against Lewes is a good result but I think once we got our first try the boys believed more would follow."

Hove cut loose with two tries apiece from Luke Longcroft and Ryan Morlen, all converted by Alex Robertson, to open a 28-14 interval lead.

A score from skipper James Finlason after the break effectively settled the contest.

In-form Adam Phillips added two superb tries and Morlen got over again with Robertson kicking three more conversions.

While Hove celebrated, Lewes were left to reflect on their heaviest ever defeat to their local rivals. Mark Griffiths and Rupert Arbuthnot scored tries inside 25 minutes, both converted by fly-half Chris Eden.

The visitors felt the pivotal moment was a decision to run out of defence rather than kick, leading to the lineout from which Hove scored their first try.

Replacement winger Robert Rugman scored Lewes's third try late on, again goaled by Eden.

Eastbourne enjoyed a very solid 46-0 home win over Lordswood which should restore confidence as they aim to improve their London Three South East standing.

Paul Keen, Joe Tobin, Dom Groenen, Paul Newell and Jon Oakey scored tries for an Eastbourne team still missing 11 possible first teamers.

James Coulthard had a good day with the boot, both tactically and by slotting five penalties and three conversions.

Back row man Damon Varney picked up his third man-of-the-match award of the season.

Hastings and Bexhill are out after losing 39-25 at home to Old Elthamians.

But they enjoyed the contest and have news for any Hove backs fearing a muddy trip to H&B on February 9.

The East Sussex club spent £12,000 on pitch improvements and expect drainage to be excellent this season.

Matt Harbord scored and Paul Sandeman converted to put H&B 7-0 up but Elthamians led 27-10 by the break.

The away advantage was extended to 39-15 before Ben Campbell and Jimmy Adams scored the last two tries of the contest.

Martin Sheppard also got over and Sandeman kicked a penalty.

Worthing did all that was required of them by scoring an 18-11 win at London One rivals Civil Service in the EDF National Trophy while resting a few first teamers.

It was not always convincing but the Raiders were happy enough to get through and encouraged by the way their scrummage took charge from the later stages of the first half.

Ben Dudley dummied his way over for the try which gave the Sussex side an 8-6 half-time lead.

Ben Coulson added a try after good work by young prop Joe Burns and Pete Cleveland rounded things off. Coulson kicked a penalty.

Worthing have been drawn at home to Weston-super-Mare of South West One in the second round on November 17.