Worthing are still on Twickenham course but they were made to work all the way in their Sussex knockout derby.

The London One outfit won 20-7 at Lewes in the second round of the Powergen Intermediate Shield.

While talk of walking out on the hallowed turf may seem hugely optimistic at this early stage, it is not that far-fetched.

Last season's winners Hertford came from London One and London Two side Gosport and Fareham reached the final a year earlier.

Paul Cox was the star of Saturday's show as he scored a hat-trick of tries from No. 8.

Cox coasted in from 50 yards to send Worthing on their way but, after a good drive from a lineout, skipper Dave Hemsley plunged over Lewes, with Neil Rumble's conversion edging them into a 7-5 lead.

Ben Coulson replied with a penalty as Worthing stepped up a gear before Cox broke off the back of a scrum for his second try.

Various near misses followed for the visitors before Cox was driven over on the hour to extend the lead to 20-7.

Lewes though finished the game brightly with glimpses of the form that has seen them into the upper reaches of London Three South East.

Heathfield, Hastings and Crawley will represent Sussex in the third round of the Powergen Junior Vase.