Saxons stun unbeaten leaders

South Saxons on the ball during their splendid 4-1 victory at home to table-topping Crowborough on Saturday. Picture by Steve Hunnisett (SUS-150124-173408002)

Saxons scored three goals without reply in the second half at Horntye Park on Saturday to win 4-1 against a Crowborough side which is four points clear at the top of Sussex Open Hockey League Division One with a game in hand.

Saxons started well, exhibiting some of the passing hockey demanded in the pre-match team talk. The opening goal, however, came from a solo run and reverse stick shot from Alex Coombs.

Crowborough came into the game, but first team debutant Mike Sutton made a string of fine saves, ably assisted by centre-backs Gavin Cload and Toby Reed.

The visitors survived a five-minute spell down to 10 men and once back up to the full complement, conjured up an equaliser just before half time.

The second half saw Saxons regain their dominance. Reed scored from a well-worked short corner routine and Chris Meredith coolly slotted home his maiden first team goal after being picked out by a long range pass to the far post from brother Jon.

Jamie Busbridge then slotted number four past the onrushing goalkeeper from a good pass by Coombs. Sam Bunday and Jon Meredith impressed, but it was Sutton who took the man of the match honours.

Seventh-placed Saxons could well be unchanged for their next game away to local rivals Eastbourne II this coming Saturday.

Saxons: Sutton, C. Meredith, Reed, Cload, Riley, S. Bunday, J. Meredith, Cornish, Stainsby, A. Orr, Reece, Coombs, Busbridge.