Eastbourne have missed out on promotion, despite victory on the last day of the season.

Hove, though, stayed up and then took a blast at the team they sent down.

Nathan Ring kicked three penalties to ensure a 9-8 success for Eastbourne at Betteshanger in London Four South East.

That was expected to be enough with second-placed Lordswood, one point clear of Eastbourne before play, taking on unbeaten champions Dunstonian.

Lordswood, though, won their match 11-6 to claim the second promotion place.

Ring kicked Eastbourne into the lead with 15 minutes to go.

Club spokesman Peter Lloyd said: "We heard the Lordswood score almost immediately after our game and we were a bit surprised by it.

"Lordswood are a strong side though. If you beat the leaders you deserve to go up."

Eastbourne director of rugby Tony Welford is good friends with Dunstonian coach Gavin Lach so there was no trouble in getting updates.

Hove's 37-5 home win over East Grinstead sent Gs down.

Hove had been advised they would stay up anyway because Bromley had been deducted two points.

Nick Marshall scored two tries for Hove, whose skipper Carl Pittaway took delight in relegating a Sussex rival.

Pittaway said: "Grinstead didn't seem to want it which I found surprising.

"They told us we were celebrating like we had won the cup final but we treat every game like a cup game.

"We were so happy to beat them and to knock a team down to Sussex One was even better.

"With a bit more consistency, though, we could have been where Lordswood are. I'm gutted about that."

Tom LeMehaute, Simon Connie, James Finlason and Adam Phillips also scored tries for Hove with LeMehaute adding two conversions and a penalty.

Relegated Crawley went down 46-14 at Old Elthamians.

Lewes plan to bring their ailing front row back for cup final action.

Paul Lacy, Dave Hemsley and Joe Thorpe all missed the 38-22 defeat at relegated Camberley in London Two South.

Lacy and Hemsley have back trouble and Thorpe a shoulder injury. They expect to be back for Sunday's Greene King Sussex Trophy showpiece against Worthing. Neil Rumble and Mark Barnard are also likely to be back.

Lewes struggled badly in the scrummage on Saturday and were always playing catch-up after Camberley scored three tries inside 20 minutes.

Scott Patto got over twice in reply and Dave Tyrell scored after a great 50-yard break.

Tyrrell also kicked two conversions and a penalty.

Hemsley, who captains Lewes, said: "We'll be back for the final, even if it breaks us.

"It's our last significant match of the season."