Men's 4s win but finish a close second in league

Lewes outplayed a youthful host side but for long periods the result was in doubt until the second half. Lewes took the lead when Paul Spruce deflected in Martyn Stillman’s powerful reverse stick strike after ten minutes for the teams 100th goal of the season and when Dax Debice converted a penalty corner five minutes later it looked like it could be a comfortable victory. Eastbourne had other ideas though and one of their experienced midfielders scored a brilliantly taken solo goal then set up the equaliser in a two minute period to leave the scores level. Lewes reasserted their authority and James Coplestone converted after good work by Danny Poulsen and Alex Pewter to make it 3-2 and Spruce added a fourth just on half time to make it 4-2.

The first goal of the second half was going to be crucial and despite early pressure from Lewes it took good defending by Bill Short, Mark Tonkin and Simon Forster, as Lewes gave away possession too easily, to prevent a goal for Eastbourne. Midway through finally Coplestone set up Adam Stonley from close range and then Coplestone got his second and Lewes's sixth after a skilful dribble. Eastbourne grabbed a final consolation in the closing minutes from a penalty corner.

A good season for Lewes who pushed Chichester all the way. A summer break and then it will be all go again in late September. If they can keep the majority of the squad together and strengthen in some areas they might be able to go one better next season.

Report by Sprucie