Melissa Stepney has proved a success after joining a rare breed of female rugby coaches.

Brighton Bulldogs under-10s have become the most successful team at the club this season under her guidance.

The assistant coach said: "The boys have been undefeated all season and no other team from minis to seniors at Waterhall can say that.

"Most of it is down to Neil Thomas who is a fantastic coach, but I'm learning all the time.

"There are not many women who coach rugby. I only know of one other in Sussex who is at Horsham, but rugby is becoming a massive part of my life and I'd like to develop my coaching.

"I get a good response from the players. The only trouble is they seem to be determined to turn me into Muddy Melissa. At our training sessions their main purpose seems to be able to shove me on to the ground. A few succeed."

Her latest triumph with Thomas was to mastermind more rugby nightmares for Ireland.

England's triumph at Twickenham was repeated three times over by their side on a tour of the Emerald Isle.

Brighton overcame Old Crescent (25-15), Bohemians (45-15) and Garryowen (35-10) and drew against Richmond (15-15). All the matches were in Limerick.

She said: "The boys certainly enjoyed themselves and the trip was great for team bonding."

James Kinsella (2), Harry Leonard, Craig Holland and William Duffel scored against Old Crescent who had taken a 10-0 lead.

Duffel, Kinsella and Sunny Hall scored in the draw, playing through a hailstone and lightning storm. Sam Smith (2), George Taylor (3), Craig Holland (2), Duffel (2) and Hall were among the scorers against Bohemians. Taylor scored a hat-trick of tries, Holland two and Smith and Duffel one apiece against Garryowen.

Stepney has also been a hit by raising sponsorship.

She said: "I managed to persuade Mike Way, who is managing director of Way Building (Southern) in Brighton, to sponsors our shirts."

Way said: "More people and local companies need to get behind the youngsters and encourage them."

Lewes beat Horsham away 33-22 in a rollercoaster under-15s clash. They threw away a 19-0 lead to trail 22-19 but came through with tries from Jack Nayler (2), Robert Jones, Chris Turner and Elio Debae. Darren Lanius kicked four conversions.

Haywards Heath under-13s overcame Hove 33-19 at home in heavy conditions. Jordan Peters and Richard Bayliss scored consolation tries for the visitors.

HOVE Park School overcame Christ's Hospital (Horsham) for the first time at under-12s with a 32-12 victory. It was the Hove side's first 15-a-side match.

Tries were scored by scrum half Richard Novis, second row Josh Avis, fly half Ryan Moorlan and outside centre Peter Hodge.

Two conversions and a penalty were kicked by full back Luke Thomson.

Sussex under-15s are at Middlesex tomorrow.