Teenager Tom Dowdall is making a huge impression for title-chasing Haywards Heath.

The 18-year-old former Sherborne College wing scored twice as Heath beat Sevenoaks 27-3 to remain neck-and-neck with Canterbury at the top of London Two South.

The win sets up Heath for a key month in which they tackle both Canterbury and Wimbledon.

Coach Steve Heaton praised the new signing, who has appeared for Dorset & Wilts. He said: "Tom has slotted in well and trains hard. His pace and strength are a match for any defender."

Owen Ashton kicked an early penalty and converted Dowdall's try, which came as a result of Giles Goodburn's expertly timed burst onto Jon Graham's pass.

The visitors were back to 10-3 at the break with Heath's back row of Dave Cook, Dave Wattam and Damien Lyall having to be at their best in defence.

Heath were playing against the wind in the second half but a superb effort from the pack saw them take charge.

Dowdall and Jim Roberts produced fine finishes and Cook powered over after an eight-man drive. Ashton added a conversion.

Sussex are not so well represented at the top of London Three South East but Worthing can aim for a top three place.

They beat Cranbrook 43-13 and coach Tim Mackew said: "The team played for each other for the first time this season."

Tries from Terry Butler (2), Paul Cox and Joe Johannsen were all converted by Ben Coulson to put the hosts 28-3 up at the break.

Coulson added a penalty before front row men Sean Keith and Sean Bennett rounded things off with tries, one of which was goaled.

Brighton bounced back from two defeats with an excellent 5-0 win at second placed Charlton Park. Danie Venter claimed the only try as the pack drove over.

They also had chances to score with the boot and skipper Gary Henderson said: "We are looking a bit more balanced."

l CENTRE Rachel Holmes struck three times as Worthing Ladies beat Medway 35-5 in London South East Two.

Sara Company, Gemma Osborn, Lindsey van Buiten and Sara Kemmish also crossed as Worthing warmed up for their derby at Hove a week on Sunday.

Hove went down 15-0 to Wasps II but were encouraged by their display.

FIXTURES - SATURDAY (2pm)

NPI Cup, 3rd rd: Bognor v Canterbury, Brighton v Thanet Wanderers, East Grinstead v Sidcup, Eastbourne v Sevenoaks, Lewes v Crawley.

Tetley's Bitter Vase: St Francis v Old Haileyburyians.

Sussex Plate, semi-final: Shoreham v Arun.