Eastbourne have appealed against a decision to award their league clash at Becce-hamians in the Kent club's favour.

The Park Avenue club got in a mix-up over the RFU's regulations last week and agreed to meet Crawley in the cup rather than going to Beccs for a re-arranged league game.

In fact, the rules state league matches take precedence over the county cup until the last eight.

Eastbourne's Graham Shiret said: "We have been told the game will be awarded to Beccs with a 0-0 scoreline.

"We are appealing against that and we would like to play the game, even if it means fielding a weakened side."

Crawley's Rod Chinn pulled no punches after his side crashed 29-12 to Eastbourne in the cup.

He said: "We were terrible. This season is going down the pan fast."