Saxons’ undefeated run finally ends

Saxons were beaten 7-1 away to Lewes II in what, beforehand at least, was a clash of the top two in South Hockey League Sussex Area - Division One.

The Hastings club conceded two almost identical goals in the first five minutes before a wonder goal five minutes later left them with a mountain to climb.

An impressive Lewes side struck twice more before half time, but Saxons responded well in the second period and Dave Draper pulled one back having struck the post moments beforehand.

Saxons, whose cause was hardly helped by the late withdrawal of Tim Eldridge which meant that captain Pete Watters had to play despite a stomach upset, conceded twice more on the counter-attack towards the end.

Man of the match was Dan Burnett. A full report and reaction will appear in Friday’s Hastings Observer.

Standings (all played four matches): 1 Lewes II 12pts, 2 Lewes III 10, 3 SOUTH SAXONS 9, 4 Penguin 9, 5 East Grinstead IV 7, 6 Worthing III 6, 7 Brighton & Hove III 4, 8 Crowborough 4, 9 Middleton & Bognor 3, 10 Southwick 3, 11 Eastbourne III 2, 12 Crawley II 0.