Brighton have joined the early pacesetters in the London Three South East title race.

But skipper Gary Henderson admitted they were below par as they beat East Grinstead 16-13 at Waterhall to make it two wins out of two.

Another try from Simon Peters plus a conversion and three penalties by Paul Charlton helped them come from behind to win.

Henderson said: "We were poor but at least we still won, which is a good sign.

"Some aspects were encouraging. We've worked on our scrummaging and that is showing through now."

Grinstead felt they would have won had they shown more self-belief. Ray Hennessy scored two tries and Dan Moore kicked a penalty.

Full back Ben Coulson scored all the points as disappointing Worthing somehow kept on the heels of the leading pack.

Their 15-0 verdict at the Stanley Turner Ground increases the problems facing Lewes, who have lost their first three league games.

Coulson made the most of poor defending for an early try. He kicked a conversion and penalty before rounding off a poor match with another try after the break.

Lewes gave a recall to lock Bob Jackson, who retired a couple of seasons ago but was called in as replacement for Pat Dennion during the second half.

Crawley lost 19-13 at home to Charlton Park but coach Steve Pilgrim said: "There were lots of positives for us."

A mazy run by Kelvin Cartwright set up full back Andy Evans for a try and Mike Worrall and Andy Jenn also went close. Phil Howe kicked a conversion and two penalties.

Eastbourne are the early Four South East leaders after two Andy Hebron tries helped them come from behind to beat Chichester 22-11.

A superb move involving the back row set up the chance for Matt Allchorn to put Eastbourne ahead.

Fellow wing Paul McKay also struck before Lee Sullivan and two Steve Bradford penalties edged Chi 11-10 up.

Then Hebron produced his double, with Andy Moore adding a conversion.

Bognor's Andy Shipp scored two tries and five conversions for a 20-point haul as his side hammered lowly Folkestone 50-8.

Karl Rock (two), Tom Spurle, Lee Williams, Mark Stevens and Iain Bryce also struck but skipper Spurle said: "We won't get carried away by this result."

Heathfield are still struggling for front row forwards but made light of it with a 15-10 home win over Park House.

Julian Wates and newcomer Tony Flint scored first half tries, although efforts from Mark Tamplin and skipper Joseph Hart kept Park House on terms.

Scrum half Ian Thompson settled the contest after nicking the ball off opposite number William Pound.

Hove's exciting new scrum half Mike von Wielligh was among the tries as his side suffered a 39-17 reverse at Old Dunstonians.

Darryl Elliott also struck but skipper Phil Ward, who kicked two conversions and a penalty, said: "There will be changes next week."