After two years of misery, Horsham are top of the table and smiling again.

The Coolhurst club have crashed through three divisions since 1998, but Saturday's 32-5 defeat of UC Chichester has taken them into pole position in Sussex One on points difference.

It does not quite compare with the great London Two South battles of yesteryear with Haywards Heath, but two-try Paul Thurston admitted the side were just glad to be winning again.

He said: "We won one game in two seasons so everyone is a lot more upbeat now.

"We've still got a small pack but we're playing at the right level now and the guys realise they can win games.

"Before, the opposition would crash through for an early try and heads would go down."

Every point counts in this desperately tight title race so scores from Adrian Booker, Tim Wills and skipper Rob Clegg were also welcome. John Macfarlane converted two and kicked a penalty.

Uckfield's pitch escaped the floods which struck other parts of the town and the home side celebrated with a 20-14 win at home to Seaford.

It took a late try from Jim Billings to clinch it, adding to scores from Duncan Hale and Tim Whittaker. Nick Ridley kicked a penalty and a conversion.

Danny Newby scored twice for Seaford and had another effort ruled out. Simon Baker kicked both conversions.

Hastings & Bexhill took time to kill off lowly Pulborough but eventually piled up a 53-12 margin.

Lock Tony Peek scored his first hat-trick and there were scores from Rob Sparkes, Paul Sandeman, Martin Sheppard, Dave Milham and wing Seb Halligan, who grabbed a late double. Mark Patmore added four conversions.

Scores from Jason Ross, Steve Bridges and Bruce Brooker clinched an untidy 20-7 win for Crowborough at Royal & Sun Alliance. Brooker also kicked a penalty and a conversion whle RSA conjured a try from fullback Carl Nicholas which David Price improved.

Newick's game with Hellingly was called off.

Rye top Sussex Two East after a 51-3 win at Robertsbridge. Old Brightonians also grabbed a second win, beating Burgess Hill 33-3 with tries from Mard Dodd (2), Richard Duggan, Dan Heal and Saul Green. Sussex Police saw off Plumpton 34-15.

In the West, Shoreham had a welcome 11-9 win at Midhurst thanks to a try and two penalties from Gary Howorth.

Arun came through 15-5 at Barns Green and St Francis lead the way after a 42-19 derby demolition of Wingspan.