Gary Halpin could not have asked for a warmer welcome as he made the transition from Test rugby to London Three South East.

The former Irish international prop strode on for Brighton at half-time with his new club already 27-3 up on visitors Dunstonians.

They eventually won 44-3 and coach Bert Merritt was full of praise for the influence his star signing is having at Waterhall.

Merritt said: "Gary was a major influence on the game. His presence made players on both sides want to lift their standards and there were no attempts at foul play.

"Apparently Gary was feeling his way in for the first two scrums but at the third there was a really good shunt.

"I was really pleased with the rest of the team. I wanted them to do the job without Gary in the first half, not rely on him coming on to lift them."

Teenage scrum half Paul Pride scored two tries and earned high marks. Andy Pinnock, James Lewis, Carwyn James, Rob Ross and Simon Peters also crossed with James adding three conversions and a penalty.

Ben Coulson marked his comeback for Worthing with the 77th minute penalty which clinched a 9-8 victory at Dartfordians. It was a scrappy performance by the leaders but a precious result given that title rivals East Grinstead lost.

Worthing skipper Mike Imrie admitted: "I will take winning by one point every week but we need to play better than that.

"It was the first time this season we had failed to score a try and we didn't really look like getting one, even though we dominated."

Coulson's penalty and an Alistair Wood drop goal put Worthing in charge but Dartfordians sneaked ahead with a try and drop goal.

The hosts also missed a penalty with the final kick after Coulson had restored the Worthing advantage.

Imrie, who had been taking kicks in Coulson's absence, said: "It's a bonus to have him back. The winning penalty was 30 metres out and at an angle so it was a real pressure kick."

East Grinstead crashed 12-5 at Tonbridge Juddian, although they felt the decisive try came when the ball was not properly grounded. Tim Lucas's 55th minute score dragged Gs back into the game but they failed to make the most of other chances.

Andy Evans kicked an early penalty for Crawley but they lost 31-3 at Charlton Park.

Their cause was not helped by an injury to outside half Russell Moffat and a yellow card for Paul Sparkes.

Coach Steve Silver said: "I am extremely disappointed with the scoreline. For 60 minutes we played some of the best rugby I have seen this season."

Basic errors and a lack of firepower cost Lewes dear as they lost 26-7 to Sidcup. Dave Hemsley's 50th minute try was goaled by Dave Tyrrell to give them some hope.

Heathfield and Chichester are on course for a title showdown in Sussex One.

Heath brushed aside St Francis 108-0 while Chi were defeating rivals Horsham 32-8 at Oaklands Park.

The two sides meet on February 2 but Chi skipper Ben Polhill warned: "It's not just about that game. We have still got Hastings away, which will be tough, and I know Sussex Police and UC Chichester want to beat us."

Three second half tries gave Chi control on Saturday. Polhill, Frank Corby and Stuart Brandon crossed the line with Nick Stanton kicking five penalties and a conversion.

Heathfield piled up 18 tries but coach Herb Merritt said: "A scoreline like that does neither team any favours. I was pleased that we kept our foot down but St Francis never gave up and the officials were good too."

Tries came from Julian Wates (3), Damien Pestall (2), Dave Lawrence (2), Mikey Hole (2), Ian Jenkins (2), Richard Cooley, Will Drinkwater, Simon Wilson, Lewis Marshall and Tom Gribble. Lewis Beale converted nine.

Hastings and Bexhill eventually ground down Sussex Police for a 64-3 win. Twenty-year-old prop Jim Nicholls scored his first senior try and there were also scores for Neil Redman, Warwick Benson, Steve Kimber, Andy Hitch, Dave Milham, Nick Edmonds, Ben Campbell and Paul Sandeman, who added eight conversions and a penalty.

Crowborough enjoyed a 48-12 win at UC Chichester. Bruce Brooker and Matt Usher scored fine first half tries. Usher and Ian Gilbert went on to complete hat-tricks with Keith Brooker also going over.

Hellingly skipper Matt Craig felt his side were ring rusty as they lost 21-17 at home to Rye. Malcolm Fitzpatrick and Richard Collyer scored tries for the hosts with Ronnie Francis adding two conversions and a penalty.

Sussex Two East leaders Seaford were given a fright before winning 11-5 at home to Old Brightonians. Veteran wing Gerald Bush put OBs ahead but Andy Booth replied with two penalties. The game was not safe for the hosts even after Nick Everson's 65th minute try.

Jon Maple starred for Burgess Hill, scoring all his side's points in an 18-0 home win over Newick.

He grabbed two tries and slotted a conversion and two penalties.

Robertsbridge beat Plumpton 37-9.