Mens5s put 5 past Eastbourne

From the start, bottom of Div3 Lewes set out to defend and counter against a strong Eastbourne side. The rotating defence of Murray, Pearson, Pendered, Short, Bullen and Fitch held strong, soaked up the pressure and Jon Cornish was between the sticks to save the occasional rogue shot that penetrated.

Martin Coombs stepped out of defence on Saturday to play back of the diamond and had an outstanding game continually bringing the turned over ball out of defence to set up the counter attack.

After 15 minutes Lewes were rewarded when De Souza struck a long ball into the visitors D, latched onto by Copelstone. The resulting shot was saved but dropped into the ‘Spruce Danger Area’ where Paul confidently struck the ball into the top of the net.

After defending for another 10 minutes, with Eastbourne's attacks attracted to the ever present textbook flat stick of Bill Short, Lewes countered again with the ball falling to Mr Reverse Stick Pewter whose spectacular reverse tomahawk on this occasion found the backboard without endangering anyone in the tennis courts.

The command “Now we hold – and that includes you Malcolm!” was observed for the rest of the half until the dying minutes when a Spruce pass found Copelstone who drove at the final defender before slipping the ball left for the skipper to slot home between the keeper’s legs (followed by the Shearer celebration).

The second half immediately saw Eastbourne step up a gear and on this occasion the visitors got through the Lewes defence to pull a goal back. Fortunately this was quickly followed by the Home side winning a Penalty Corner that was confidently put away by De Souza bringing hope that maybe on this occasion we wouldn't throw away a good lead.

Plagued by injuries and tiring Lewes put 10 behind the ball with Pewter as the outlet. Eastbourne pressed high but with the bus firmly parked each attack was turned over and the tactic soon paid off with a ball released to Pewter who made a fine solo run and yes you’d better believe it, a drive shot from his open stick that found the net once more.

Definitely the best hockey the 5s have played this season. Next week we travel to Penguins 2s.