Horsham are the early season title favourites after a tense afternoon at the top of Sussex One.

They edged past Heathfield 8-7 at Coolhurst and now boast the only 100 per cent record in the division.

All the points came in the first half as Jamie Bartle scored the winning try to add to Paul Thurston's early penalty.

Horsham skipper Guy Hannell said: "They were a difficult side to break down but our lineout was superior and we held our own in the scrum."

Rob Streeter's try for Heath was goaled by Bryn Jones but coach Herb Merritt said: "Our build-up was poor and so was the performance.

"It was an awful game but the better team won."

Chichester, beaten heavily at Heathfield ten days ago, insist they cannot be ruled out of the title shake-up after thrashing Hellingly 85-10.

Skipper Ben Polhill said: "It was important for us to bounce back. We play Horsham in a fortnight so it's still in our hands."

Tries came from Tim Rogers (3), Stuart Brandon (2), Tom Polhill (2), Ben Polhill, Nigel Turner, Paul Butt, Richard Johnson and Nick Stanton, who also kicked ten conversions.

Hastings scored 26 points in each half to see off Rye 52-0.

New Australian wing Warwick Benson scored a hat-trick and there were also tries for Ben Campbell (2), Greg Stokes, Rob Sparkes and George Cullingford.

Paul Sandeman kicked three conversions, Neil Redman slotted two penalties and flanker Andy Hitch was outstanding.

UC Chichester earned a second successive win as they beat Sussex Police 23-18 with Simon Swadling collecting a try, a conversion and two penalties. Daniel Quinn grabbed his first try as a scrum half and Talan Skeels-Piggins also got over.

Crowborough were 46-12 winners at St Francis with outstanding No. 8 Jon De Sampaio (2), Jim Ball, Bruce Brooker, Tim Jackson, Bill Little, John Hyde and John Hicks going over.

Saints were 31-0 down at the break but their pack improved in the second half.

Sussex Two East leaders Seaford took time to hit their stride but won 54-0 at Robertsbridge.

Peter Joy, Danny Newby, Gavin Hutt, Andy Booth, player/coach Mick Hannay and James Tindall all went over before man-of-the-match Stuart Webb rounded off a sweeping six-man move. Simon Baker added four conversions and two penalties.

Burgess Hill were 19-5 winners at Plumpton with all the points coming in the first half.

Dave Webb scored on a kick and chase and later converted a Brett Mendum try. Then Toby Parkin got over with Jon Maple adding the extras.

Old Brightonians requested a postponement against Ditchling due to a lack of players.

Pulborough finally conceded their first points of the season after 263 minutes of league action, but they remain top of Sussex Two West.

The village side beat Royal and Sun Alliance 15-7 with scores from Dave Collard and Ed Rydon, plus a penalty and a conversion from Richard Walters, but skipper Will Lawes insisted: "There is a lot more to come from us."

RSA flanker Neil Bailey broke Pulborough's defensive invincibility with a 43rd minute score after third phase ball from from a lineout ploy. Jon Withyman converted.

New boy Dale Kirby scored a late try to give Barns Green their 21-14 home win over Shoreham. Fullback Bob Gates also got over on his return to the side.

Simon Jenkins scored a try and Mike Morgan kicked a conversion and five penalties as Midhurst won 22-0 against a BA Wingspan side who had a man dismissed after an hour.

Norfolk Arms were 36-0 victors over Arun.