In a repeat of last year’s final, Lewes played Chichester on Saturday in the Sussex 3rd XI Cup, but were unable to retain their trophy despite a spirited display from a young side especially young James Moorey in goal. Chi were one up within a few minutes but it was the hosts who ended the half in the ascendancy. This good form continued after the restart and the hosts were finally rewarded with a penalty stroke coolly converted by Will Champness. However, within 60 seconds of the restart Chi took advantage as the Lewes team seemed to switch off to allow the visitors to pounce and finish the game with the spoils.

Report by Pete Thomas

Sussex U16 County Cup
Boys U16s outscored but not out fought

Lewes U16s 0
East Grinstead U16s 4

On a glorious afternoon in sunny Lewes the Boys u16s found their county cup final a game too far against local East Grinstead and were undone by two goals either side of half time. Fantastic defensive displays from centre back Joe Fitch and Goal keeper Jonathan Cornish kept Lewes in the hunt but with a lack of possession on the counter attack the boys in green were never able to find the net. However, their effort and focus was forthright from the first minute to the last and were a wonderful advert for Lewes Hockey Club – well done boys.

Report by Pete Thomas

Men’s U21s come up short

Sussex under 21 County Cup
Lewes 0
Horsham 2

An energetic and passionate display from an experienced Lewes side last Saturday was not quite enough in the final of the Sussex U21s Cup as they were outscored by visitors Horsham. The Lewes cause was not helped mid way through the first half as talisman James Fuller pulled up sharply with a torn hamstring. And, despite excellent individual performances all over the pitch, typified by Sam Heinzl’s industry and constant goal threat, the hosts were unable to affect the scorer. However, with the club’s junior side showing great promise at all levels the team be aiming to reclaim their trophy next season.

Report by Pete Thomas

Sussex Veterans Cup Final
Lewes 2 (Green, Marchant)
Brighton 4

Lewes were made to pay for a poor ten minute period in the first half when they conceded three goals after starting the match well in a hard fought match. Chris Marchant saw the Brighton goalkeeper make successive saves from close range before Brighton broke to open the scoring. Five minutes later a penalty corner was converted and then a well worked goal saw Lewes 3-0 down. Creditably they worked their way back into the game when Andy Green defected a penalty corner home just on half time.

The early period of the second half saw the hosts defence under pressure but Will Champness and Hugo Youngman were outstanding with their tackles and clearances. With fifteen minutes left Brighton made it 4-1 from close range but Green then set up Marchant with a pin point pass which he deftly slotted into the goal. Lewes could not convert any further possession into goals in the final minutes.

Report by Paul Spruce