Lewes Ladies' ode to Autumn

‘That time of year thou mayst in me behold’ - as fitting in 1609 for Shakespeare’s Autumn as it was for the Lewes Ladies on Saturday. And beholden they were at Fortress Southdown – by one manager (with husband), two daughters (one crying) and one dog (barking).

They started brightly, immediately putting pressure on the visitors. An early cross from Leathers on the right was received at the left post by Heps, making her debut as striker, for the reverse lifted shot on target.

Lewes continued to press high and were soon rewarded with another when Nipps’ right sided drive into the D was tactically left by Heps for Fern Ketley to slot it home.

Then, like an Autumn leaf, Flooz fluttered from the flanks making an almost poetic pass to Leathers who set Fern up for her second. 3-0 to the home side at the break.

The second half surpassed seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness, as Becky Wycherley led the defiant defence whilst cleanly sweeping up the loose conkers, picking her tackles with precision. And they had a lot clear up – as the midfielders and forwards had run out of sap.

Chichester used their fitness to their advantage but the Lewes Ladies held firm and only allowed the visitors one consolation goal.

Manager Mould commented after the match ‘My girls turned up and played the best hockey I’ve seen this season. I’m so proud’