4:15pm Sunday 21st October 2007
They came, they drank, and they almost saw England conquer.
Thousands of rugby fans swarmed into pubs and clubs across Sussex on Saturday night as Rugby World Cup fever gripped the nation.
In the end it was not to be as Brian Ashton's lionhearts stumbled at the final hurdle, losing 15-6 in the Stade de France, Paris, to a well organised and resolute South Africa.
The defeat left most England fans disappointed, with many cursing the controversial denial of a second half try "scored" by Mark Cueto, which was ruled out after an agonising video replay.
However it did not stop the beers from flowing or the many South Africans who were also enjoying the game in Sussex from celebrating.
Hove Rugby Club, Shirley Drive, was one of the many venues packed to the rafters.
As kick off loomed hundreds of fans of all nationalities squeezed in the clubhouse bar.
A spokesman told The Argus on Sunday: "There are quite a few of them who are still in here today still drinking.
"It was a great night. apart from England's defeat. But it was taken pretty well in here. Rugby is a bit different from most sports, we accept it and move on. There's no complaining.
"There were a lot of South Africans in here. Obviously they were loving it."
The Walkabout bar in West Street, one of Brighton and Hove's biggest venues for watching sports, was similarly packed with fans from all over the world.
Ken Simmonds, a spokesman for the firm, said: "All our venues were packed and Brighton was no exception.
"There was very little trouble anywhere. Rugby fans are generally very well behaved."
The Nags Head pub in St Pancras, Chichester, also had a great atmosphere.
Staff said around 20 South Africans braved the predominantly English crowd but that any banter flying around was taken in good spirits.
Barman Simon Jones, 32, said: "It was a fantastic atmosphere. Everyone was really up for it and in good spirits."
Uckfield Rugby Club had around 120 people enjoying the spectacle.
A spokeswoman described the atmosphere as "electric". She said: "We were absolutely packed. Nobody was really that disappointed because they thought our boys did really well."
England's run to the World Cup final has provided a massive boost for the economy, according to experts.
Supermarkets across the county reported a huge jump in sales of items such as alcohol and party food.
By 5pm on Saturday the shelves of Tesco, at Holmbush, Shoreham, were already stripped of beer.
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