The Lewes 4th XI were the only home team to win their final over the weekend at the Southdown Club. They beat holders Eastbourne 1-0 in a tense final on Sunday morning. The teams were evenly matched and it took a slice of fortune for Lewes to score the winning goal. With twenty minutes gone after a quick interchange of passes Josh Pewter chased what looked like a lost cause as the ball appeared destined to go over the back line but he threw himself at the ball and produced a hard reverse stick cross which was deflected into the goal by a surprised Eastbourne defender. Pewter justifiably claimed the goal was his.

In the second half Lewes had more possession as Rob Minter, Richard Pulley and Chris Marchant dominated midfield but too often passes went astray from a youthful side when in good positions. Eastbourne sensed there was a chance to get back in the match but defender Bill Short dealt with any attacks and goalkeeper Chris Sharpe made some routine saves before being called upon with five minutes remaining to make a good reflex save when ex GB player Rob Hill's penalty corner flick was deflected off a defender goalwards.

Lewes held for the remainder of the match to claim a deserved win in a close and exciting final.

Winners pictured: Chris Sharpe, Josh Pewter, Rob Minter, Jack Meacher, Rob Heinzl, Richard Pulley, Bill Short, Jamie Cooke, Sam Matthews, Sam Newman, Drew Wain, Chris Marchant, Laurence De Souza, Josh Wenzel

LEWES VETERANS 0
BRIGHTON VETERANS 3

Lewes were unable to claim victory against holders Brighton in the Veterans final. Lewes knew they would need to defend well against a younger and stronger side and with defenders Will Champness, Hugo Youngman and Chris Picken outstanding they frustrated Brighton for long periods. Chris Marchant had the best chance to open the scoring in the first half but his powerful flick was just over the crossbar from close range. The loss of the tireless Martyn Stillman in midfield for the hosts with a knee injury just on half time changed the game which ended goalless at the break.

In the second half Lewes absorbed more pressure and goalkeeper Chris Sharpe made some good saves before the deadlock was broken with twenty minutes left when Brighton scored following a quick free hit. This lead was doubled when a hard strike found the net from the edge of the circle five minutes later. Lewes responded and from a penalty corner thought they had scored but the ball had come off Andy Green's leg and then Green again was inches away with a strike following a cross from the right. As Lewes pushed players forward Brighton grabbed a third on the final whistle.

Lewes U21s 3 (Waller 2, Cooke)
Horsham U21s 6

In a repeat of last year’s cup final the Lewes boys were beaten 6-3 by a well organized Horsham side.

Report by Paul Spruce