2nd half comeback for fantastic 5s

The Mens 5s had their first visit to Falmer of the season as they hosted Hailsham 2s for the late afternoon push back.

The first 10 minutes saw both teams trying to launch quick attacks but the defence held firm but Lewes looked the more likely to score, the 5s were able to find the breakthrough from a long corner, Sandy's hit across the D redirected in to the goal by Mark Sallis. Hailsham came back strong with their midfield over running their Lewes counterparts and coming straight up the middle with ease, not only did they find the equaliser but also took the lead and the 5s probably fortunate that their lead was only 2-1 at the half.

A reorganisation at half time saw Steve Loader pushed up into a midfield role to give the 5s more strength in the middle and a reminder that we all have a job to do when defending.

So far this season the 5s have struggled after half time but this time they were a changed team for the better after the break. An early set back for Lewes though when a deflected hit went into James W face to give him a bloody lip. With Hailshams attacks down the middle stymied the men in green were able to have more control and posed a constant threat, the equaliser came from a free hit inside the 23 David Churton pulling the ball back to Alan who found Sandy in the D whose shot went between keeper and post. The 5s kept up the pressure and when David fired the ball across the D Rupert with a trademark first time thunderbolt of a shot gave the keeper no chance and Lewes were back in the lead.

Hailsham kept going and as Lewes legs tired (and briefly being down to 10) were able to push more numbers forward, their attacks though were limited to the flanks, it looked like if they were going to equalise it would have to be from a PC and although they had numerous attempts Paul and his defence held firm and the 5s held on. The defenders were given a tough task in the second half of having to mark the forwards out of the game without a spare man and did their job superbly.

Lewes had to work hard for the win but their efforts were rewarded with a good second half comeback to earn their second win of the season. There will be tougher tasks over the coming months but a promising start.

Next week the Mens 5s head to Brighton to take on their 8s who they drew with in both games last season as the 2 teams battled for the Div 4 title.