LX CLUB v  SUSSEX VETS

20^th July 2008

“Excellent Team Performance ensures a splendid and enjoyable 3–0 victory”

On another sunny Sunday, for this 10th fixture to be played at Lewes, the LX Club were looking to continue a winning run in Sussex. The Sussex team, containing mainly Lewes Senior Vets, included two quick mid-fifties players in their team, but Alan Jackson, the LX club Captain, had as always, thoughtfully prepared his team formation. Full backs Robin Mayes and John Longden, both tackling strongly, repulsed the opposition forwards throughout the game.  Alan Dures in goal was never therefore really tested.
It was good to see Phil Realff (part of the LX Club team who won the Ashes in 1999 in Australia) playing again, even if it was against LX, and he performed well in his usual position at right half for the opposition.  The Sussex team also included the skilful Adrian Money at inside left.
The mid-field trio of Nigel Spencer-Knott, Brian Perryman and David B Read all excelled, with David B Read completely marking out the opposition’s talented right wing, but resulting in no real scoring opportunities, despite Tony Williams having an excellent game on the right wing, and providing good crosses.  Eventually, a pass from Alan Jackson at the end of the first half found Adrian Stephenson, who had his usual forceful centre-forward game, but the latter’s fierce shot just went wide.
After half time, with the score at 0-0 and the game finely poised, the LX midfield gradually took control, with the very fit Keith Hunt now on the right wing, giving the other David Read a torrid time, the former even diving on the pitch in the left wing position, to test the Sussex goalie to the limit.  It was from one of Keith’s crosses that Gordon Small scored, following several attempts on the Sussex goal.
A second goal quickly followed with Peter Ross, performing energetically as normal, passing to Brian Perryman, who sent away the unmarked Gordon Small, who skilfully rounded the goalkeeper to make the score 2-0. Following this, LX Club had a goal somewhat controversially disallowed because the ball flew upwards, ran down Gordon Small’s back, who turned and scored (one for the umpiring gurus!)
Sussex Vets then changed their formation to 5-3-2, all to no avail, and following several penalty corners, LX were awarded a penalty stroke.  John Longden came up to take this with confidence, and the game finished with an emphatic 3-0 win to the LX Club.

An excellent sit-down meal was then enjoyed by all, and Alan Jackson on behalf of the LX Club said it was nice to be invited to come along to Lewes HC for a pleasant lunch and also enjoy a winning game of hockey.

Thanks go to Dave Stoner, the Lewes HC caterer, and his staff, and to the excellent Sussex umpires, Keith Novis and Paul Benoy.  For the record, LX Club now have 5 wins, Lewes/Sussex Vets 2 wins, with 3 draws.

Team: Alan Dures, Robin Mayes, John Longden, Nigel Spencer-Knott, Brian Perryman, David B Read, Tony Williams, Alan Jackson (Capt), Adrian Stephenson, Gordon Small, Peter Ross, Keith Hunt.

Match Report: David G Read (Match Manager and Lewes/Sussex SeniorVets Captain)