LX vs The Handbags

at East Grinstead on Sunday 14^th January 

On a very bright and sunny afternoon, the 5th  annual fixture with the Handbags was held on the water-based pitch at East Grinstead.

The match was played over three periods of 25 minutes as the Handbags had a large squad of players.  A cracking pace was set right from the start and LX played many excellent passing movements with only the final pass going astray.  The midfield trio of Alan Jackson, David Read and Peter Ross linked well with the front runners, resulting in Tony Jones having numerous runs down the left wing, well supported by Rod Cochrane. Just before the interval, the Handbags had a couple of short corners which were well saved on the line, and then, a little against the run of play, they went ahead from a smartly-taken shot from their centre-forward.
In the second period again LX played well both in defence and attack and were unfortunate to have an equalising goal disallowed. Good defensive covering by the back four thwarted frequent raids by the youthful Handbag forwards.
In the third period the LX began to tire under the pressure of the Handbags forwards. They were only able set up the occasional raid into Handbags territory, but the LX back four and the midfield combined well to hold the rampaging forwards.  In the final few minutes the Handbags increased their lead when a ball was played across the LX goal and found the centre-forward unmarked.

It was an excellent game played in a marvellous spirit, and thanks go to the umpires.

A hot chilli and rice was enjoyed after the match followed by a fancy dress parade put on by members of the Handbags and featured, amongst others, Lxers David Brampton, David Wilkinson, John Ingram-Marriott and Eugene Murphy.  

Team: Tim Pollard, Gurney White, John Longden, John Maylam, John Widgery, Alan Jackson, David Read, Tony Jones, Peter Ross, Rod Cochrane, Sudesh Nayer.

Umpire: Keith Novis.

John Widgery