There was a family feel as new coach Bert Merritt sent out his first Brighton side this afternoon.

His men were in Intermediate Cup action at sunny Waterhall against a Heathfield outfit coached by his elder brother Herb.

The two teams observed a minutes silence before kick-off in memory of those who died in the United States during the week.

Heathfield made the early running and Lewis Beale kicked a fifth minute penalty after an earlier effort had dropped short.

The visitors dominated the very early exchanges despite playing into a slight breeze until Geraint Jones, operating at outside half, sent them back into their own territory with a massive touch-finder.

Jones and Carwyn James then lifted the hosts with midfield breaks but were unable to pierce some solid Heathfield defence.

The home back line showed good hands on 18 minutes to give wing Rob Ross a run tight to the left touchline and he made 20 yards before his effort was smothered deep in the Heathfield 22.

James looked to be enjoying the extra freedom granted him in his new role at centre and was involved in most of Brightons more promising moments.

Still they failed to really threaten a try against dogged Heathfield outfit, even though the hosts were winning a good supply of lineout ball and being powered forward by the right boot of Jones.

A clever kick and chase from James took Brighton to within ten yards of the line but this time right wing Dave Pegler was held up by strong defence.

A somewhat dour contest burst into life in spectacular style on 37 minutes. Brighton hooker Tudor Ellis took a strike against the head five yards inside his own half and scrum half Julian Hutchens took full advantage, darting between a couple of startled Heathfield players and speeding all the way to the line for fabulous individual try.

Joness conversion attempt from wide out hit the top of the left hand upright.

Another big Jones touchfinder put Brighton back on the attack but this timepre-planned lineout move was halted by an accidental offside.

Half-time: Brighton 5, Heathfield 3.

Brighton were penalised for not releasing five minutes into the second half giving Beale a 35-yard penalty attempt, but his left foot strike was badly miscued.

Instead it was Jones who drove over a penalty from the 22 on 51 minutes after another Hutchens break had put Heathfield on the back foot.

The Merritt brothers continued to pace the touchline with Herb looking the more agitated as his side gave away needless penalties.

Home fullback Richard Perry was twice involved in a fluent move but again there was no end product for the hosts.

Instead Heathfield levelled the scores on 65 minutes.

Simon Wilson was held up just short but, from an ensuing penalty, Julian Wates powered over at the post. Beale somehow missed the conversion but put his side ahead five minutes later with a 20-yard penalty.

Full-time: Brighton 8, Heathfield 11.