LX   3  v  The Handbags  3

Hat trick man Gordon Small

The weather forecasters got it all wrong, for as we gathered at Lewes Hockey Club to play what I had been advised was a strong Handbags team, the morning was brilliant and sunny.  The Handbags dominated the first 10 minutes and a resolute LX defence kept them at bay. Slowly but surely the LX began to put passes together with some excellent close movement of the ball between Alan Jackson, Keith Hunt, Peter Ross, Sudesh Nayar and John Kaylor started to relieve the pressure on the LX defence.

A little against the run of play it was from one these moves down the right that Gordon Small shot home the opening goal.  The Handbags renewed their efforts and at times were camped well inside the LX half of the pitch.  However another excellent passing move down the right wing with a quick centre found Gordon Small once again on hand to slot the ball into the back of the net.  Just before half time a slip in the LX defence allowed Geoff Keonande to find himself unmarked and have a free shot at goal giving Alan Dures very little chance.

The second half started the way of the first, with the Handbags putting the LX defence under pressure and after 10 minutes David Hodgekinson scored to level the score.  The Handbags then took control of the mid-field and continued to drive forward into the LX 25.  Mid way through the half Justin Maynard was given space at the top of the circle to fiercely hit the ball passed Alan Dures into the net.  The Handbags continued to press forward which did allow the LX to find space behind their mid field and it was from one such move that Gordon Small found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat but managed to hit the ball over the cross bar.  With time running out Sudesh Nayar  again found Gordon Small in space who on this occasion slotted the ball in the goal and shortly after the game ended in a 3-3 draw.  Well played everyone!

A very good game of hockey, played hard in a wonderful spirit.

Thanks go to the umpires Keith Novis and Richard Walker and to David Read for arranging the venue and also a very good meal in the Club House.

Team:  Alan Dures, Alan Jackson, Gurney White, Keith Hunt, David Read, Sudesh Nayar, John Widgery, John Kaylor, Peter Ross, Gordon Small and Gilbert Grace.