LX CLUB v Oxted HC

 20th May 2007   

Result: Draw 2 - 2

On a lovely summer’s day, the LX took the field with 9 members and two guests after many telephone calls to ensure we fielded a team.  In the early stages of the match the LX passing was not good with too many passes going astray, particularly in the Oxted 25.  The Oxted mid- field took control and pressed forward to be awarded a succession of short corners.  All of which were safely defended.  The back four of Gilbert Grace, Arthur Barber, John Widgery and Rainer Vogt kept their composure and the team began to play some much improved hockey.  Good moves down both wings involving Stephen Stowell and Keith Hunt on the right and Max Hamber and Nick Goodwin on the left.  This put the Oxted defence under pressure from which the LX were awarded a couple of short corners which were well defended.

After the interval the LX played some attractive hockey with Alan Jackson prompting the attack.  It was a little against the run of play when Oxted took the lead when a shot across the circle found Nick Walsh on the Oxted left wing unmarked and fired the ball passed Nigel Dixon’s outstretched right foot.  Shortly afterwards, with the LX pressing for the equalizer, Oxted increased their lead from a quickly taken free hit which found Tim Forster the centre forward unmarked on the edge of the circle, who calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Nigel.  This spurred the LX on and with ten minutes to go, a move down the right wing with a cross from Keith Hunt found Nick Goodwin at the far post who quickly slotted the ball into the net.  The LX continued to make chances being awarded a series of short corners.  One of which beat the goalkeeper, only to be cleared off the line by the full back.  With only a few minutes left the equalizing goal came from a good strike into the circle by Alan Jackson found Tony Jones who deflected the ball into the net.

This was a most enjoyable match played in good spirit.

Our thanks go to Peter Saggers and Chris Belton for umpiring and to Rainer Vogt who arranged the Oxted team and refreshments back at the club house.

LX Team: Nigel Dixon, Arthur Barber, Gilbert Grace, Rainer Vogt, Stephen Stowell, Alan Jackson, Max Hamber, Keith Hunt, Tony Jones, Nick Goodwin, John Widgery.

Umpire: Peter Saggers

Match Manager:  John Widgery