Brighton beat the odds, beat the weather and saw off Eastbourne to remain in promotion contention.

Skipper Mark Jenkins likes to keep an eye on the sporting odds and admitted they were stacked against the London Three South East clash going ahead due to bad weather.

Hove-based referee Mike Richardson gave Brighton advice in getting the Waterhall pitch ready and the hosts were rewarded with a 39-15 win.

They recovered from the shock of a fine early try by Eastbourne full back Toby Brown to cross the line six times.

Wing Rob Ross claimed two tries with Julian Hutchens, Andy Pinnock, Danie Venter and Paul Pride also getting over.

Pinnock kicked three conversions and a penalty for a 14-point haul.

Jenkins said: "Eastbourne are not a bad side. They seem to have lost a bit of momentum through injuries but we played really well, particularly against the wind in the second half.

"We also scored tries at crucial times."

Those well-timed scores included two in the first few minutes after a ten-minute stoppage while Eastbourne centre Joel Craven received treatment having broken his leg in a tackle.

The visitors managed a penalty try following a driving lineout.

Ollie Cummings converted and landed a penalty but it was not enough to save them from a seventh successive league defeat.

The early season leaders are now in the bottom three but spokesman Graham Shiret said: "We have got games against the sides just above us coming up."

Lewes remain just above the danger zone after defeat at leaders Sidcup.

The impressive home half backs helped their side into a 17-0 interval lead Scrum half Richard Leamon produced a classic close range strike and No. 10 Grant Vowls added a try to his two conversions and a penalty.

Full back Dan Allen finished the contest two minutes into the second half with a try but Lewes then enjoyed their best spell of the match.

They were rewarded when Dave Tyrrell rounded off a super move and Neil Rumble added the conversion.

Late scores from Sidcup wing Damien Izzard and lock Matt Boyle finished it off.

East Grinstead's home game with Charlton Park was called off and re-arranged for Saturday.