Early on, Tom Spurle scythed through the centre and offloaded to Andrew Shipp. Quick recycled ball was moved right then left to Darren Brown, who scooted under the posts. Shipp's conversion sailed over.

With Finlay Coxon-Smith Nigel Mitchell dominating the lineout, scrum-half Joe Toone launch a variety of attacks.

Gareth Williams and Mark Gordon combined well in midfield.
Brown chipped again and Shipp fed Ben Archer, who used his bulk to score.

The Royals scored again when Toone took a quick tap penalty, hooker Jamie Hartnett charged on, and Mitchell passed to Archer, who took it on to crash over.

The Royals (pictured above) lost their way a little in the second half and Lewes scored wide out. Stern words from Steve Worthington led to the Royals getting back on top as Tom Merrit and ex-football pro Lee Hammond added fresh legs.

Spurle and Worthington set up Coxon-Smith to go over and Shipp converted from wide. Toone capped a fine day by scorching over from halfway.

The Royals entertain Hove on Saturday in a game they must win to make them league champions (2.30pm).