Crawley 1’s at Southdown Club (2nd March)

Almost the full squad reunited – just a couple of notable omissions – but with recent squad movements supporting the club, it was great to have some of the old guard back, and it felt great to back on home ground. Particularly pleased to be reunited with Helen ‘Gubbs’ Fuller who may have only graced the scoreboard once but made the space possible for the rest of the forward line to move into and boy didn’t they make the most of that stretched space. A joyous day for the girls in green, with some truly glorious hockey. Also, a joy to behold was the way that not an inch was given. Despite some bruising encounters, not one of the Lewes players took a backwards step – regardless of age or experience.

The goalfest opened with Jan ‘Goldie’ Goldsmith who scored the first of her brace after 5 mins, with Polly Scrivens following with her whitewash crossing beauty at the 10minute mark. There was some beautiful interplay from the whole team, with gorgeous running both on and off the ball which made space open up all across the park. Almost too many to mention but Isla Skinner linked up with both Naomi ‘Cold Fury’ Blackwell and Maddie Hutchinson with some mouth-watering hockey. Individual skills, such as those demonstrated by the jinking Polly Scrivens who outfoxed several of the opposition defenders, combining with brilliant teamwork and top work rate made our beautiful game look so simple. Or should that be the simple game look beautiful?

Last Lewes goal in the first half was a Gubbs’ glory, although there were an unfortunate couple of goals from the visitors before half-time. The second one a schooling in playing to the whistle! Freya Colvin was imperious overall though, with one of the most casual saves of a screamer that came from one of the oppositions most dangerous players, that I will ever see. The swatting away with her stick in her left hand was utterly divine.

Kate ‘Bert’ Lambourne blew out the cobwebs in fine fashion with some great attacking on the right – undoubtedly earning herself an assist on the one the goals.

Second half was more of the above, with a couple of goals from the girls in green but in this period, none was allowed from the opposition. Goldie secured her second, and Mia Childs earnt her credit on the scoresheet with an accomplished finish.

Lou Williams took a stick to the face, in hopefully the last of these such incidents, in the standing firm at the back. Great to have Lou back at the back, sincerely hope that the knee holds up for the remainder of the season.

Players’ Player shared today between Polly Scrivens and Goldie – well done both. Earnt for some glorious work from Goldie in the centre who masterminded most of the team’s successful attacking forays, and Polly’s instincts to make the most of that ball and the space that ensued.

Massive gratitude to the Bench controller extraordinaire – Caroline ‘Thommo’ Petty, who made the team vision clear and was brilliant in her guidance.
Also many thanks to team baker Gabi Shaw who not only had a great game but also provided some yummy choc treats too.

Final point, on a sadder note, this game was a last game for one of our own, for now we hope. We all wish Sophia Roberts a ‘Bon Voyage’, and all the very best with her far eastern travels and her Australian adventure. It has been great to have you on board, even if all a little too brief. Take care lovely and keep in touch.