Rye lifted the Sussex Plate for the first time in their history after a 20-8 victory over fellow division two side Shoreham at Hove and remain on course for a double.

A victory this weekend over Ditchling will secure Rye the East title and they go into the game with morale high after battling back against Shoreham to take the Plate.

Trailing 8-7 to a Ben Geralds try and Gary Howorth penalty, Rye edged ahead courtesy of Dave Ramus' try plus Scott Ashby's penalty and conversion. A good display in the second half, particularly from the back row, and defensively, gave Rye the platform for victory with inside centre Terry Driver twice going over.

Rye secretary Jason Bowen said: "Everyone was a bit shaky to start with as nobody wanted the ball as they didn't want to make a mistake. The back row was strong, and everyone else made their tackles where needed in the last ten minutes."