Splendid comeback win puts Saxons top

South Saxons Hockey Club’s men’s first team went top of the table after ending the 100% record of the previous leaders on Saturday.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Nov 2015, 07:47 BST

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Tudor Stainsby takes a painful blow during South Saxons' victory over Hailsham on Saturday. Picture by Simon Newstead (SUS-151115-224553002)Tudor Stainsby takes a painful blow during South Saxons' victory over Hailsham on Saturday. Picture by Simon Newstead (SUS-151115-224553002)
Tudor Stainsby takes a painful blow during South Saxons' victory over Hailsham on Saturday. Picture by Simon Newstead (SUS-151115-224553002)

Saxons came from 3-1 down to triumph 4-3 at home to Hailsham and are now the only team in Sussex Open Hockey League Division One yet to taste defeat.

In high winds and driving rain, Saxons fielded a much-changed side with injuries and work commitments accounting for key players. Conversely, Hailsham had strengthened with two England age group players.

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Hailsham scored on the break in the first few minutes, but Saxons came roaring back a minute later as a pinpoint pass from Alex Coombs found skipper Jamie Busbridge, who rifled the ball home.

Saxons dominated most of the play, but were caught on the break as Hailsham took a 2-1 lead. After an injury to Toby Reed, Hailsham again scored on the break.

Saxons won a succession of short corners, though, and Coombs converted one of them with a smart drag flick to make it 3-2 at half time.

Into the second half and Coombs equalised from a short corner with one of the most powerful drag flicks seen at the ground. A Saxons player was hurt before play restarted in an incident not spotted by the umpires.

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Saxons got the winner with a lovely passing move. Coombs, Paddy Cornish and Ed Hooton combined to present Busbridge, lunging in front of Chris Meredith, with the easiest of chances.

Saxons are away to fourth-placed Southwick this coming Saturday.

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