Chairman Terry Powell admits it could be a long way back for Lewes.

The Stanley Turner Ground outfit kicked off at high-flying Sidcup today bottom of London Three South East, without a point from five games.

While their footballing counterparts on the other side of the bypass relish the greatest FA Cup run of their long history, the rugby men have seen their misery compounded by Intermediate Cup defeat at home to lower division Horsham.

Powell concedes his club may not have the funds to power their way back into the upper reaches of the London Leagues.

But that will not stop the highly respected club, winners of the Sussex Trophy a record 12 times, producing quality young players and enjoying their rugby.

Lewes saw their best chance of a win slip away when Brighton finally got their act together for the full 80 minutes in the recent Waterhall derby.

It looks like being a struggle against relegation from now on but Powell said: "We certainly cannot afford to think like that.

"Once you start thinking you might be relegated, your are fighting a losing battle.

"It has been a real struggle although we have had one or two games at home where we have seemed to be putting things together.

"We have got a young side, lacking some experienced quality players, and in the end it comes down to confidence. If you get a win you are away but it is difficult to break out of a losing streak and raise team spirit."

Lewes insist the club as a whole is bubbling. They are regularly running three sides and have a popular junior section, which is producing impressive results on the field.

Last weekend was a prime example. The various youth sides recorded some pleasing wins, notably the under-14s rattling up 50 points, the 15s shading a close contest with rivals Hove and the 16s proving just too good for Hastings.

The seniors got in match practice by beating Ditchling 48-0, with scrum half Nick Lambe scoring two tries which looked like ensuring a first team spot this afternoon.

But that first league win remains elusive. The form book will be seriously upset if they get it against Worthing next week, which leaves Lewes targeting a trip to Crawley on December 1 in what is looking like a survival four-pointer.

Powell has seen some great days at Lewes and said: "You have got to be optimistic. I am an optimist by nature.

"In previous years teams at the bottom of the league have been drubbed every week. That's not happening to us. We are competing but just cannot get over that final hurdle.

"We have done well in the past but times change. Just look at teams like Blackheath. The were one of the top clubs in the country years ago and they thought they should stay there, but life isn't like that.

"Money has now entered the game and I don't believe you can reach certain levels without paying players.

"That is more prevalent in soccer. I still think there is more loyalty in rugby than in soccer.

"League competition was essential and I have always supported its introduction but professionalism has really changed the game.

"A club like us have to invest in our colts and try to bring them through the club.

"Some of the better ones might go elsewhere but you have to keep faith with what you do."

The gradual drift of senior players has hit Lewes, though their fortunes were already starting to wane before the likes of current Haywards Heath front row duo Chris Sherwood and Gordon Denslow, Worthing fullback Alistair Coombe and Newick skipper Liam Craig-Davies moved on.

Tricky winger Sammy Cole was a notable departure as he looked to make an impact in the national leagues.

Powell admits the colts will take time to develop and just hopes they get a chance in Three South East next term.

A third of today's starting 15 at Sidcup were recent products of the colts set-up.

Powell added: "We have got lots who have come through but it takes time to gain experience.

" Unless they are absolutely outstanding they do not come through into senior rugby and make a big impact immediately.

"Dave Tyrrell at outside half was a colt two years ago and has now got experience of first team football."

Followers of the county scene might recognise that surname. Dave's dad Steve was at No.10 for Lewes during their great days of the Seventies.

That is a welcome link for the club with their golden era.

But, all the time the production line keeps functioning, Powell will at least retain his optimism for the future.