Eastbourne are starting to dream of Twickenham after scoring another thrilling cup win.

The London Four South East outfit will carry Sussex hopes into the quarter-finals of the Powergen Intermediate Cup after Mark Ashworth's late try saw off visitors Spartans 24-22.

They are the county's sole survivors in the Intermediate after depleted East Grinstead lost 31-23 in another entertaining tussle at Oxford Harlequins.

Newick's superb run in the Junior Cup goes on after a win at Ellingham and Ringwood.

Coach Andre Groenen hopes his Eastbourne side keep their eyes on the main goal of the season as cup excitement mounts.

He admitted: "We were using this competition as a testing ground for younger players in the early rounds.

"We have never got beyond the third round and we did not expect to go very far this time.

"Now it is starting to take precedence over the league, which is a bit of a worry because we really need to get promoted this season."

Eastbourne's lack of a recognised goal kicker looked like costing them dear when they missed four penalties in the first half hour.

Tries from forwards Andy Hebron (2) and Adrian Norwood kept them in the game but, despite plenty of pressure, they trailed 22-19 going into the last three minutes.

Then centre Ashworth looped round his fellow backs and went over virtually untouched to clinch victory.

Former player Graham Shiret had watched the Gloucester-based opponents the previous week.

He said: "I came away from that game thinking we would beat them. We never really looked like losing on Saturday, although we left it quite late."

East Grinstead travelled to Oxford Harlequins missing nine first teamers but put up a tremendous display.

The impressive Steve O'Reilly opened with a penalty. Harlequins' dangerous backs then scored two tries, but great work by the pack allowed Matt Lester to reply and O'Reilly's subsequent conversion and two penalties eased Gs into a 16-10 lead.

The hosts managed an unconverted try before the break, then landed two penalties and a superb score from their fullback to go 28-16 up.

Paul Goodwin responded with a fabulous try, running almost the length of the field.

O'Reilly converted to set up an exciting finale, but a late drop goal clinched Harlequins' passage into the next round.

The match attracted more than 300 spectators, as well as regional television, and Gs spokesman Steve Perry said: "We really enjoyed the day.

"They were very hospitable and played some good rugby.

"Their team would probably do well in our league. They had some really good backs but we were a bit more streetwise up front."

Newick's Junior Cup adventure continues after they earned an 8-6 win at Hampshire Three outfit Ellingham and Ringwood.

They spent almost three hours on the road to the New Forest, then watched ponies being cleared off the pitch before kick-off.

The Sussex side led 8-0 at the break and should have been well clear.

Two penalties by the hosts made it tense at the end but the Sussex side were worthy of their win.

Club captain Steve Courtman said: "There were a few celebrations afterwards. Now all we want is a home draw in the next round."

Blindside flanker Derek Rees was Newick's outstanding player and scored their only try off the back of a ruck.

Liam Craig-Davies kicked a penalty and the visitors felt they had two perfectly good tries ruled out.