Under the floodlights on a dark and cold evening last Saturday Lewes Men’s 2nd XI overcame Horsham 3-1 to book their place in the Sussex HA men’s 2nd XI county cup final in April.
The win was in no small part thanks to the efforts of the next generation of home grown Lewes all stars.
Billy Palmer was exceptional in goal as wave after wave of early Horsham pressure was absorbed. The visitors did finally score but only from a well placed penalty corner.
Quick to respond through strong leads from Jamie Cooke, and the midfield work rate of Oli Loader, Matt Denham & Ali Hancorn the hosts soon returned to the ascendency.
Their efforts were rewarded when Harry “Man of the Match” Devonport collected a great poachers goal to level the game one a piece at half time.
The second half saw Lewes maintain their composure and focus as forwards Devonport, Joe Rideout, and Ollie Amos ran riot.
Two further goals from the men in green through Rideout and Sam Anderson went unanswered and as Horsham lost their discipline, with time running out, Lewes finished worthy winners.
A big thank you to all supporters on the sideline who added to the atmosphere of a superb cup tie.
The Sussex HA cup finals will be played at Eastbourne HC over the weekend of 21/22 April.