Uckfield made light of the Seaford mud to kick-off their Sussex Intermediate Shield campaign in style.

They scored two tries in each half for a 24-0 win at Salts Rec in the first round of this new competition.

Darren Nicholls rounded off two fine first half moves, with Leigh Bialik's conversion completing a 12-point advantage.

The visitors battled well aginst the wind in the second period and skipper Phil Rowlands struck the killer blow when he galloped away for a score which Bialik improved.

Rowlands then provided a classy finish after Uckfield had spread the ball wide.

Seaford had their moments stand-in skipper Paul Joy admitted: "Uckfield were the better side on the day. We gave away possession too cheaply."

Hellingly ran in eight tries as they came from behind to beat Old Brightonians 57-15 at Waterhall.

Tries from Mark Dodd and Tim Ellis, plus a penalty and conversion by Paul Atkins, had OBs 15-10 up at the break.

But Hellingly gradually wore them down and back row men Andy Harris, Damen Funnell and Simon Delmon all scored tries, as did Steve Gower, Paul Ripley, Matt Craig, Richard Whitling and Mike Cockings. Cockings added seven conversions and a penalty.

Hastings & Bexhill were 50-7 derby winners at Rye with Barry Duck scoring a try hat-trick.

Rob Sparks struck twice and there were also scores for Andy Hitch and Steve McManus. Mark Patmore scored with the boot.

UC Chichester had already won through to the second round last month while Sussex Police and Burgess Hill have withdrawn, which means byes for Plumpton and Pulborough.

Ditchling's tie with Newick and the Wingspan versus Shoreham clash were both called off. The latter is likely to be resolved this Saturday, when the sides' league game will also count for the Shield.

Bognor's London Four South East four-pointer with Old Dunstonians on Saturday has been switched to the Kent club's ground.

Haywards Heath are back on level terms with Canterbury at the top of London Two South after winning their game in hand.

They piled up ten tries in a convincing 58-0 success at Beckenham.

Alex Meredith struck twice on his return to the side and there were also doubles for Dave Wattam and Nick Dinsdale. Tom Dowdall, Jon Skoulding, Russ Sheppard and Dave Cook completed the try tally with Meredith and Jon Graham sharing kicking honours.